Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Hinds Community College

Based on comparable HVAC programs nationwide, this associate degree appears positioned near the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $41,400 and debt around $12,000. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—roughly three months of gross income to cover the full debt load. For a field where skilled technicians are in high demand and licensing matters more than pedigree, these fundamentals look reasonable.

The challenge for parents evaluating Hinds specifically is that with 11 HVAC programs in Mississippi and no publicly reported outcomes data from any of them, you're flying somewhat blind on local performance. The national benchmark gives you a ballpark, but regional job markets and program quality vary considerably in the trades. What we can say is that the estimated debt level sits well below the national median of $17,500 for HVAC programs, which matters for a credential where earnings typically plateau relatively early in a career.

The real test will be whether this program connects graduates to Mississippi's HVAC employers and prepares them for EPA certification and state licensing requirements. With nearly 40% of students receiving Pell grants, Hinds serves a population for whom keeping debt under $12,000 while training for steady work is meaningful. Just recognize you're making this decision with estimated numbers rather than this school's actual track record—ask the program directly about job placement rates and employer relationships before committing.