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

Based on comparable HVAC programs nationwide, this associate's degree appears positioned in the middle of the pack—graduates typically earn around $41,400 in their first year, which aligns with the national median for this credential. The estimated $12,000 in debt is notably lower than the national median of $17,500 for HVAC programs, suggesting Laramie County Community College manages to keep costs reasonable even as Wyoming's only community college offering this training.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates would owe roughly three and a half months of their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for a skilled trade. HVAC technicians typically see steady income growth as they gain certifications and experience, and the field offers consistent demand in both residential and commercial sectors. However, the top quarter of HVAC programs nationally produce graduates earning $47,800 or more—about $6,400 above what similar programs suggest for LCCC—which indicates room for the program to strengthen outcomes through industry partnerships or advanced certifications.

The key consideration: without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're relying on broader industry patterns rather than proven results from LCCC graduates. The fundamentals look solid—reasonable debt for a trade with reliable employment—but visiting the campus to understand local employer connections and job placement rates would help confirm whether this program delivers on the promise that peer programs suggest.