Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at DeHart Technical School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
At $43,927 in first-year earnings, DeHart Technical School graduates earn more than 95% of HVAC certificate programs nationwide—a remarkable outcome for a trade school credential. That's $8,000 above the national median and nearly $6,000 above California's already strong state median. For parents worried about trade school quality, DeHart clearly delivers strong employer connections and practical training that translates to better-paying jobs.
The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. With just $8,950 in median debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20—meaning they owe roughly two months of their annual salary. This is manageable for a trade credential, especially when paired with earnings that put graduates ahead of 60% of California HVAC programs. While the program ranks near the top nationally for earnings, it's more middle-of-the-pack within California, suggesting that California's HVAC market is simply stronger than most states.
For parents in Modesto specifically, this makes practical sense. Your child enters a skilled trade with high demand, graduates with minimal debt, and starts earning immediately—no four-year degree required. The 40% Pell grant enrollment indicates DeHart serves working-class students effectively, and the earnings data shows those students achieve solid financial outcomes. This is what good vocational training looks like: quick entry to stable work without crushing debt.
Where DeHart Technical School Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How DeHart Technical School graduates compare to all programs nationally
DeHart Technical School graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeHart Technical School | $43,927 | — | $8,950 | 0.20 |
| National Career Education | $41,695 | $64,593 | $9,316 | 0.22 |
| Institute for Business and Technology | $41,695 | $64,593 | $9,316 | 0.22 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $40,368 | $51,812 | $13,000 | 0.32 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield | $40,368 | $51,812 | $13,000 | 0.32 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno | $40,368 | $51,812 | $13,000 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $35,749 | — | $10,223 | 0.29 |
Other Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Career Education Citrus Heights | — | $41,695 | $9,316 |
| Institute for Business and Technology San Jose | — | $41,695 | $9,316 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia | — | $40,368 | $13,000 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield Bakersfield | — | $40,368 | $13,000 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno Fresno | — | $40,368 | $13,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At DeHart Technical School, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 56 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.