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

Intellitec's HVAC program tells two very different stories depending on where you look. Nationally, it ranks in just the 5th percentile for earnings—well below the typical $41,438 first-year median. But within Colorado's limited HVAC training landscape (only 4 schools offer this degree), it sits right at the state median, landing in the 60th percentile. For families prioritizing in-state employment, this local context matters more than the national comparison.

The program's real strength emerges over time. Graduates see earnings jump 26% between year one and year four, reaching $45,359—approaching what the top national programs produce initially. At $19,000 in debt (52% of first-year earnings), the financial burden is manageable, especially given Colorado's strong construction and facilities management sectors. More than half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students who need clear pathways to stable work.

The bottom line: This works as an affordable entry point into Colorado's trades economy, particularly if you're staying local. The modest starting salary reflects regional wage patterns rather than program quality—you're unlikely to find dramatically better HVAC training outcomes elsewhere in Colorado. The debt load won't crush you, and the earnings trajectory shows meaningful career progression. Just understand you're choosing geographic stability over the higher pay scales available in other markets.