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

In Utah's seven HVAC programs, the estimated $9,300 in debt for this certificate looks manageable—coming in well below both the state median of $13,000 and the national median of $10,223. Combined with estimated first-year earnings around $35,750 based on comparable certificate programs nationwide, that puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at a comfortable 0.26. For a technical credential that typically leads directly to employment, those numbers suggest a relatively quick payback period.

The earnings estimate sits just below Utah's median of $37,139 for this field, where the state's only program with reported data—Fortis College—shows graduates earning that higher figure. Nationally, top-performing HVAC programs push earnings to $40,368, so there's meaningful variation in outcomes. Given Utah's construction boom and climate demands, HVAC technicians generally find steady work, though starting wages can vary significantly by employer type and whether you join a union shop.

The real caution here is that both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Ogden-Weber's actual graduate outcomes. That makes it harder to assess this specific program's track record. Still, the fundamentals favor technical trades: low debt relative to earnings potential, clear career pathways, and strong demand. If your child is mechanically inclined and wants to avoid a four-year degree, an HVAC certificate offers a practical entry point—just understand you're betting on estimates rather than proven results from this particular school.