Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians at Refrigeration School Inc
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Refrigeration School Inc's electromechanical program presents a striking disconnect between its national and state performance. While graduates earn below the national median by nearly $10,000—landing in just the 24th percentile nationally—they actually hit the 60th percentile among Arizona programs, suggesting weaker competition in-state rather than strong program performance.
The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates carrying $12,444 in loans compared to a national median of roughly $10,000. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to service their loans on starting salaries around $41,000. The 7% earnings growth over four years provides modest upward trajectory, though it barely keeps pace with inflation.
For parents considering this program, the key question is career goals versus alternatives. If your child is committed to electromechanical work and wants to stay in Arizona, this program delivers adequate preparation at a reasonable cost. However, the significant earnings gap compared to national peers suggests exploring programs in other states or different technical fields might yield better returns. The strong sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers, making this a reliable—if underwhelming—investment for Arizona-focused careers.
Where Refrigeration School Inc Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Refrigeration School Inc graduates compare to all programs nationally
Refrigeration School Inc graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration School Inc | $41,022 | $43,680 | $12,444 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $50,674 | — | $9,929 | 0.20 |
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 Refrigeration School Inc, approximately 67% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 507 graduates with reported earnings and 525 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.