Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Lone Star College System

Lone Star College System's HVAC certificate outperforms 60% of Texas programs while keeping debt remarkably low at just $5,500—about half the state median. That initial $32,070 salary jumps nearly 50% to $47,349 by year four, suggesting graduates are quickly gaining the skills and certifications that command higher pay in Texas's robust construction and commercial sectors. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.17, most graduates could reasonably pay off their entire loan balance within months of starting work.

The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The first-year earnings also trail the national median by about $3,700, placing this program only in the 27th percentile nationally. However, that four-year figure tells a different story: graduates are catching up fast, likely as they complete additional licensing requirements and gain field experience.

For an anxious parent, this represents a low-risk entry into skilled trades. Your child would graduate with minimal debt and strong earnings growth potential in a state where HVAC work is perpetually in demand. Just recognize that first year might be lean while they build experience and credentials.