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

This HVAC program at Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes delivers concerning results that should give you pause. While graduates start at $28,989—about $3,000 below the Florida median for HVAC programs and $7,000 below the national average—the program ranks in just the 11th percentile nationally among similar programs. Even within Florida's competitive HVAC market, it sits at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten Florida HVAC programs produce better outcomes.

The debt picture adds to the concerns. At $9,500, students borrow roughly the state median but end up with weaker earning potential, creating a problematic value equation. Compare this to top Florida performers like Manatee Technical College ($45,926) or Fort Myers Technical College ($44,343)—programs that deliver 50-60% higher starting salaries. The 18% earnings growth over four years to $34,093 helps somewhat, but graduates still trail significantly behind what they could earn from stronger programs.

Given that 75% of students receive Pell grants, many families here are making significant financial sacrifices for underwhelming returns. HVAC is generally a solid career path in Florida's climate, but this particular program appears to underdeliver compared to readily available alternatives. You'd likely see better outcomes exploring the higher-performing Florida technical colleges that offer similar training with superior job placement and employer relationships.