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

HVAC programs in South Carolina don't all publish earnings data, but national patterns suggest Midlands Technical College's associate degree offers a reasonable path to stable work. Similar programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $41,000—right where this program appears to land—with graduates climbing to $51,000 by year four. That's a 23% increase that reflects genuine skill development in a field where experience and certifications directly boost earning power.

The estimated debt load of $12,000 is notably lighter than the $17,500 national median for HVAC associate degrees, giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. That means a year's salary covers the total borrowing nearly three and a half times over—a comfortable position for a trades program. With nearly 40% of Midlands students receiving Pell grants, the school clearly serves working families who need credentials that pay off quickly without crushing debt.

The challenge is that these are peer-program estimates, not tracked outcomes from Midlands specifically. The four-year earnings figure of $51,000 is actual data, which confirms graduates do see wage growth and suggests the trajectory is solid. For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound: modest borrowing for entry into a skilled trade with consistent demand. Just recognize you're betting on this program performing similarly to its national counterparts, not on a proven track record unique to this school.