Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Northeast Alabama Community College
Associate's Degree
nacc.eduAnalysis
In Alabama's skilled trades market, HVAC programs offer a practical pathway to steady employment, and Northeast Alabama Community College's program appears positioned in the middle of the pack. Based on comparable associate degree programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $41,400 in their first year—solid starting pay for a two-year credential, though not at the higher end where some HVAC programs reach nearly $48,000. The estimated $12,000 debt load is notably lighter than the national median of $17,500 for this field, giving graduates more breathing room as they establish their careers.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests a manageable financial picture: similar programs produce outcomes where graduates earn roughly three and a half times their debt in that crucial first year. This is the kind of ratio that allows young technicians to get ahead rather than just keep up. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, Northeast Alabama serves a population where keeping debt low matters tremendously, and the estimated figures suggest they're achieving that goal relative to peer institutions.
The caveat parents need to understand is that these figures come from national patterns, not tracked outcomes specific to Northeast Alabama's program. HVAC work is highly regional—Alabama's cost of living and labor market differ from national averages—so actual earnings could vary. Still, the fundamentals look sound: reasonable debt for a credential that leads to work in an essential field where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Where Northeast Alabama Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northeast Alabama Community CollegeRainsville | $4,980 | $41,438* | — | $12,000* | — |
 Hennepin Technical CollegeBrooklyn Park | $5,881 | $65,592* | $72,770 | $20,000* | 0.30 |
 Oklahoma State University Institute of TechnologyOkmulgee | $5,774 | $58,336* | $55,647 | $11,500* | 0.20 |
 Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis | $4,912 | $57,323* | $42,094 | $7,250* | 0.13 |
 Minneapolis Community and Technical CollegeMinneapolis | $6,128 | $56,191* | $75,096 | $20,000* | 0.36 |
 Monroe Community CollegeRochester | $5,856 | $54,241* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $41,438* | — | $17,500* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northeast Alabama Community College, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 36 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.