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

Mayfield College's HVAC program serves primarily low-income students (84% receive Pell grants) but delivers below-average California earnings outcomes. At $41,011 four years out, graduates earn about $3,000 less annually than the California median for HVAC programs, placing them in just the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters in a state where the top HVAC programs consistently produce graduates earning over $43,000.

The program does offer one significant advantage: manageable debt. At $9,500, graduates carry less than typical national debt for HVAC programs, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means borrowers should be able to handle payments. The 17% earnings growth from year one to year four also shows steady career progression, though graduates start from a lower baseline than peers at other California schools.

For families considering this program, the tradeoff is clear—lower debt but also lower earnings potential. If Mayfield is your only local option or significantly more affordable than alternatives, the light debt load makes it workable. But if you can access programs like DeHart Technical School or San Joaquin Valley College without prohibitive costs, those extra $2,500-7,000 in annual earnings could compound meaningfully over a career. The decision hinges on what other HVAC training is realistically available to you.