Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Fortis Institute-Birmingham
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
fortis.eduAnalysis
Fortis Institute-Birmingham's HVAC program manages to deliver above-average outcomes while keeping debt remarkably low. At $13,000 in student loans, graduates borrow less than three-quarters of what's typical nationally, yet still earn more than both the state median ($32,004) and national median ($35,749). That 60th percentile ranking among Alabama HVAC programs is notable—this actually outperforms every comparison school in the state, despite what the raw numbers might suggest at first glance.
The earnings trajectory shows steady, if modest, growth from $36,485 to $38,389 over four years, and the debt load gets paid down quickly with a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. With nearly 80% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class families looking for reliable trade credentials. The strong sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't fluky results.
For parents considering this investment, the math works: manageable debt, immediate earning potential, and performance that beats most Alabama alternatives. HVAC offers stable demand in Birmingham's climate, and this program delivers the training without the debt trap that plagues many for-profit certificate programs. It's a straightforward path to middle-class wages for students ready to work with their hands.
Where Fortis Institute-Birmingham Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fortis Institute-Birmingham graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis Institute-Birmingham | $36,485 | $38,389 | +5% |
| Remington College-Mobile Campus | $31,763 | $37,835 | +19% |
| Fortis College-Dothan | $32,955 | $37,070 | +12% |
| Fortis College | $32,004 | $32,552 | +2% |
| Fortis College-Montgomery | $32,004 | $32,552 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fortis Institute-BirminghamBirmingham | $14,561 | $36,485 | $38,389 | $13,000 | 0.36 |
 Fortis College-DothanDothan | — | $32,955 | $37,070 | $10,649 | 0.32 |
| Fortis CollegeMobile | — | $32,004 | $32,552 | $13,000 | 0.41 |
| Fortis College-MontgomeryMontgomery | — | $32,004 | $32,552 | $13,000 | 0.41 |
 Remington College-Mobile CampusMobile | $20,476 | $31,763 | $37,835 | $12,965 | 0.41 |
| National Median | — | $35,749 | — | $10,223 | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fortis Institute-Birmingham, approximately 79% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 158 graduates with reported earnings and 175 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.