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

Minnesota's HVAC programs consistently produce strong outcomes, and this certificate program appears positioned right in the middle of that pack. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates here can expect first-year earnings around $52,475—well above the national median of $35,749 for HVAC certificates and nearly matching what similar Minnesota programs report. The estimated debt of $10,394 translates to a 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning you'd owe roughly two months' salary, which is manageable territory for a skilled trade credential.

The catch is that these figures come from peer programs across Minnesota, not this specific school's graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether Minnesota State College Southeast's outcomes match its state counterparts. Still, the consistency among Minnesota's HVAC programs—with reported earnings clustering between $46,000 and $57,000—suggests the state's labor market supports solid wages for trained technicians regardless of which community college they attend. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (22%) might indicate a student body already connected to employment networks, or it could simply reflect the demographics of a smaller regional campus.

For families looking at trade certificates, this profile looks promising: modest debt, strong earning potential that appears consistent statewide, and entry into a field with clear workforce demand. Just know you're betting on this program delivering outcomes similar to its Minnesota peers rather than relying on its own track record.