Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Des Moines Area Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
dmacc.eduAnalysis
In Iowa, HVAC programs produce substantially better outcomes than the national average—the state median of $44,373 sits nearly $9,000 above what comparable programs nationally suggest for Des Moines Area Community College graduates. This gap matters because it indicates that Iowa's strong construction and manufacturing sectors are likely paying HVAC technicians well above the national norm, yet this program's estimated earnings fall short of what students achieve at peer Iowa schools like Iowa Western ($52,345) and Western Iowa Tech ($36,401).
The estimated debt load of $9,298 is manageable—just over a quarter of first-year earnings—and slightly below the national median for HVAC certificates. For a trade credential that leads directly to employment, this ratio suggests reasonable financing, though the relatively low Pell grant percentage (16%) hints that students here may be funding their education differently than at many community colleges.
The practical concern is whether Des Moines Area's program prepares students to compete for the higher-paying HVAC positions available in Iowa's market. Given the significant variance among Iowa programs, ask the school directly about job placement rates and starting wages for recent graduates—actual outcomes data would clarify whether this program connects students to the better-paying segment of Iowa's HVAC industry or tracks closer to the lower national baseline.
Where Des Moines Area Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny | $5,550 | $35,749* | — | $9,298* | — |
 Iowa Western Community CollegeCouncil Bluffs | $6,780 | $52,345* | — | —* | — |
 Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City | $5,042 | $36,401* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,749* | — | $10,223* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates
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 Des Moines Area Community College, approximately 16% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 224 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.