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

InterCoast Colleges-West Covina's HVAC program hits right at California's median for earnings—$38,137 in the first year—while keeping debt notably lower than the national average at $9,500. That 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe about three months' salary, a manageable starting point for a skilled trade. The program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, placing it solidly in the middle of California's 44 HVAC programs, though top performers like DeHart Technical School show there's a $5,000+ earnings gap at the upper end.

The modest 6% earnings growth to $40,594 by year four is typical for HVAC technicians, where compensation often depends more on certifications, specializations, and employer type than years of experience alone. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a working-class population for whom the relatively low debt load matters considerably. The robust sample size gives parents confidence these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical noise.

For families weighing trade school options, this represents a practical entry point into HVAC work without excessive financial risk. The earnings won't rival the state's top programs immediately, but graduates leave with manageable debt and access to California's strong demand for climate control technicians—important in a state where air conditioning isn't optional.