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

Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls produces HVAC technicians earning slightly above Ohio's median for the program, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—solid but not exceptional. First-year graduates earn $37,139, climbing modestly to $38,752 after four years. While this represents steady employment, stronger Ohio programs like Butler Technology place graduates earning $41,000+ from the start. The $13,000 debt load sits right at Ohio's median and remains manageable at just 0.35 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates can realistically pay this off within a year or two of focused repayment.

The real question is whether this program justifies its cost when Ohio operates 32 HVAC programs with varying outcomes. Serving 76% Pell-eligible students, Fortis provides accessible training that leads to immediate employment in a recession-resistant field. The 4% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates achieve stable middle-income work rather than rapid advancement—typical for trades where most earning potential comes from experience and additional certifications earned on the job.

For families seeking affordable vocational training, this program works: low debt, decent starting wages, and reliable employment. However, parents should know that several Ohio career centers produce graduates earning $3,000-4,000 more annually, often with similar or lower debt. If a quality career-tech school exists nearby, compare costs and placement rates carefully before committing to Fortis.