Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at DeHart Technical School

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.