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

Fortis College-Salt Lake City's HVAC program offers a straightforward path into the trades with manageable debt, though earnings remain relatively flat over the career's early years. At $13,000 in debt against $37,139 in first-year earnings, the 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can feasibly pay off their loans within a year or two of full-time work—well below the sector's typical debt burden (25th percentile nationally).

The earnings picture shows steady but unspectacular growth: graduates earn just above the national median for HVAC programs, ranking in the 60th percentile among Utah programs. That $38,752 four-year mark represents only modest advancement from the starting salary, which is fairly typical for skilled trades where workers gain proficiency quickly. With over 60% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need an affordable entry point into stable employment, and the debt level supports that mission.

For parents weighing this investment, the math works: low debt combined with immediate earnings means their child can become financially independent quickly. The trade-off is that HVAC careers don't typically show dramatic salary growth in the first several years—what you see at graduation is largely what you get. If your student is mechanically inclined and wants to start earning immediately rather than pursuing a four-year degree, this program delivers on that promise without the debt trap many certificate programs create.