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

With 78% of students receiving Pell grants, Fortis College-Cincinnati's HVAC program serves a predominantly working-class population—and the financial outcomes are workable but underwhelming. First-year graduates earn $35,785 against $13,000 in debt, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36. That's solid ground for launching a skilled trade career. However, among Ohio's 32 HVAC programs, this one ranks only in the 40th percentile for earnings, trailing the state median by over $1,000 and falling well short of top performers like Butler Technology ($41,108) or Eastland-Fairfield ($40,131).

The earnings trajectory shows modest growth—8% from year one to year four—which is typical for trade programs where most income gains come from overtime and experience rather than dramatic salary jumps. Graduates are earning slightly above the national median but below what's readily available at other Ohio schools. The debt load is reasonable and actually below the state median, which helps offset the lower earnings somewhat.

For families seeking HVAC training in the Cincinnati area, this program will get your child into the workforce with manageable debt, but other Ohio schools consistently produce better-earning graduates. If relocation for training is feasible, the Butler or Eastland-Fairfield programs deliver nearly $5,000 more annually—a meaningful difference that compounds over a 30-year career.