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

Dorsey College's HVAC program produces graduates earning less than the national average, but there's an important twist: within Michigan's competitive HVAC training landscape, this program actually performs better than 60% of alternatives. The $33,265 first-year salary matches the state median exactly, suggesting Dorsey delivers solidly middle-of-the-pack results for Michigan students who will likely work locally.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $9,500, graduates owe roughly three months of first-year earnings—manageable for a trade credential. However, this represents the 75th percentile nationally for debt, meaning three-quarters of comparable HVAC programs saddle students with less debt. Given that 61% of Dorsey students receive Pell grants, many come from families where every dollar of debt matters. The 15% earnings growth to $38,215 by year four helps, but doesn't fundamentally change the cost structure.

For Michigan families, this becomes a question of convenience versus cost optimization. If Dorsey's Madison Heights location or scheduling works significantly better than alternatives, the premium is modest. But prospective students should at least compare offerings at Universal Technical Institute in Canton, where graduates earn $2,400 more annually. The program works for students who need accessible HVAC training and can handle the slightly above-average debt, but it's not the value leader in the state.