Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,744
Est. from AZ median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,298
Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

Based on similar HVAC programs in Arizona, this certificate suggests modest but manageable outcomes—first-year earnings around $35,700 with estimated debt under $9,300. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, which is reasonable for a short-term credential designed to get students working quickly. The estimated figures align closely with national medians, suggesting Eastern Arizona College likely delivers typical preparation for this field.

The real question is whether you're comfortable with the uncertainty. Because the graduate sample is too small to report, we're relying on peer program data rather than actual outcomes from this school. Some Arizona HVAC programs produce significantly stronger results—Refrigeration School Inc graduates earn nearly $48,000 in their first year—while others cluster closer to $33,000. Where Eastern Arizona College falls within that range remains unclear. The low Pell percentage (17%) might suggest the program serves fewer students with financial need, but it also reinforces that we're working with a small cohort.

For a student committed to HVAC work and seeking local training, this program's estimated debt load won't trap them. But given the wide variation among Arizona programs and the lack of specific outcome data here, you'd want strong assurance about job placement support and connections to local employers before enrolling. The certificate should pay for itself within months if it delivers—the uncertainty is whether it will.

Where Eastern Arizona 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 Arizona

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Eastern Arizona CollegeThatcher$2,352$35,744*—$9,298*—
Refrigeration School IncPhoenix—$48,145*—$8,835*0.18
Miller-Motte College-Arizona Automotive InstituteGlendale—$38,043*$39,791$12,139*0.32
UEI College-PhoenixPhoenix—$33,444*—$9,500*0.28
UEI College-MesaMesa—$33,444*—$9,500*0.28
National Median—$35,749*—$10,223*0.29
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

$59,810/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award
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 Eastern Arizona College, approximately 17% 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 median of 4 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.