Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova

InterCoast's HVAC program delivers exactly what the California market median shows for this field—$38,137 in first-year earnings—which happens to sit comfortably above the national benchmark of $35,749. Among California's 44 HVAC programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, meaning graduates earn more than most competitors in the state. The debt load of $9,500 is reasonable for a certificate program, translating to a 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable on a technician's salary.

The trajectory here is steady rather than spectacular: earnings climb 6% to $40,594 by year four, suggesting stable employment but limited advancement without additional credentials or specialization. What's notable is that this program serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (51%) while delivering middle-of-the-pack outcomes—it's not a top performer like DeHart Technical, but it's also not leaving graduates behind the market. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results.

For a parent weighing options, this represents a predictable path into skilled trades work without crushing debt. Your child won't lead the pack in earnings, but they'll enter a field with consistent demand at wages that surpass the national average. If location and cost matter more than maximizing starting salary, this program does the job competently.