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

At $13,000 in student debt, Fortis College-Smyrna charges graduates about 17% more than the state median for HVAC programs—but the concerning part is what they're getting for that premium. While first-year earnings of $35,785 match Georgia's median exactly, this ranks just 60th percentile among in-state programs, meaning most students would do better elsewhere. The comparison to top Georgia schools is stark: Athens Technical College graduates earn $45,356, while Chattahoochee Tech grads make $41,978—that's $6,600 to $10,000 more annually for likely similar or lower debt at these public technical colleges.

The program does have some positives: the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 is manageable, and earnings do grow to $38,708 by year four. The large sample size and 73% Pell grant population suggest this program serves working-class students who may value the school's accessibility. However, when Georgia's public technical colleges consistently deliver better earnings outcomes at lower cost, the value proposition weakens considerably.

For Georgia families considering HVAC training, explore your local technical college first. The earnings gap compounds year after year—over a 30-year career, even a $5,000 annual difference amounts to $150,000 in lost earnings. Fortis isn't a disaster, but it's leaving money on the table compared to readily available alternatives.