Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Columbus State Community College

Based on comparable HVAC programs in Ohio, this certificate points toward first-year earnings around $37,000—right at the state median—with estimated debt of $8,725. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months' salary. In the skilled trades, that's a manageable starting point, especially since HVAC technicians typically see steady wage growth as they gain experience and certifications.

The estimated debt figure here is notably lower than Ohio's median of nearly $13,000 for similar HVAC programs, which matters when you're entering a field where hands-on experience often counts as much as classroom training. Several career centers across Ohio are producing graduates who earn $38,000 to $41,000 in their first year, suggesting the field rewards quick entry and skill development. Columbus State's lower estimated debt load could give graduates more flexibility to invest in additional EPA certifications or specialized training rather than servicing loans.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates—actual outcomes for Columbus State's HVAC graduates aren't available. If you're serious about this program, contact the school directly to ask about job placement rates and partnerships with local HVAC contractors. In a trade where employer connections often lead to the best apprenticeships and first jobs, that placement track record matters more than any earnings projection.