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

Ivy Tech's HVAC program punches well above its weight, delivering earnings that beat 80% of similar programs nationwide while keeping debt remarkably low at just $5,940. That's less than half the national median for HVAC programs and translates to a debt burden graduates can realistically pay off in months rather than years.

The $41,270 starting salary outpaces both the national median ($35,749) and Indiana's state median ($39,126) for HVAC programs, placing it solidly in the 60th percentile among Indiana schools—notable in a state with limited options. While these earnings sit below the program's apparent 80th national percentile positioning, the trajectory is encouraging: graduates see steady growth to $44,108 by year four, suggesting strong local demand for skilled HVAC technicians. The program significantly outperforms the only other tracked Indiana option, Fortis College-Indianapolis, by roughly $4,300 in starting earnings.

The real story here is value. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.14, this program represents one of the lowest financial risks you'll find in vocational education. Your child enters a stable, in-demand trade without shouldering the debt that typically comes with it. For families focused on return on investment—particularly those qualifying for Pell grants—this is exactly the kind of program that builds middle-class careers without gambling on debt.