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

Fortis College-Richmond's HVAC program costs less upfront than most Virginia alternatives and performs solidly within the state, ranking at the 60th percentile among Virginia programs—though it trails the national median by about $2,800 in first-year earnings. With debt under $11,000 and a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two while building their careers. The 13% earnings growth to $37,070 by year four suggests steady career progression, and the program serves a predominantly working-class student body (71% receive Pell grants) who need affordable entry into skilled trades.

The tradeoff here is clear: this program sacrifices some earning potential compared to top Virginia options like Virginia Western Community College ($40,629) or Advanced Technology Institute ($38,761), but it does so while keeping debt roughly $4,000 lower than the state median. For students prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal financial risk, that's a reasonable exchange. HVAC remains an in-demand field with strong job security, and starting salaries above $32,000 provide a livable wage in Richmond.

For families concerned about cost and debt, this program delivers practical value—just understand you're likely leaving $5,000-8,000 in annual earnings on the table compared to Virginia's strongest programs. If your student can access those higher-performing programs at similar cost, they should. Otherwise, this represents a solid, low-risk pathway into a stable career.