Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Florida Career College-Boynton Beach

This HVAC program at Florida Career College-Boynton Beach delivers below-average earnings despite reasonable debt levels. With first-year graduates earning $28,989—significantly below both the national median of $35,749 and Florida's $31,997—this program ranks in just the 11th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Florida. While the $9,500 debt load matches the state median, the combination creates a concerning value proposition when stronger alternatives exist nearby.

The earnings growth trajectory shows some promise, with graduates seeing an 18% increase to $34,093 by year four, but this still lags behind what top Florida programs deliver immediately. Schools like Manatee Technical College and Fort Myers Technical College are producing graduates who earn $45,926 and $44,343 respectively in their first year—nearly 60% more than this program's four-year outcome.

For a trade program serving primarily Pell Grant recipients (68%), these earnings gaps are particularly problematic. HVAC work typically offers solid middle-class wages, but this specific program isn't delivering on that promise. Given that 66 Florida schools offer HVAC training, parents should strongly consider alternatives like Palm Beach State College, which produces significantly higher-earning graduates at similar debt levels and may offer better regional recognition among employers.