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

Based on comparable HVAC programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $35,700 in their first year while carrying roughly $9,300 in debt—a manageable 0.26 ratio that suggests the credential pays for itself relatively quickly. However, Kansas tells a different story: the state median for HVAC certificates sits at $41,000, with nearby Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates earning $43,000 and Manhattan Area Technical College producing $39,000 outcomes. Salina Area Technical's estimated figures fall notably short of what peer programs in Kansas actually deliver.

The gap matters financially. An extra $5,000-$7,000 annually compared to state peers compounds significantly over a career. While the national estimate suggests this program clears the basic threshold of affordability, Kansas HVAC technicians consistently command higher wages—likely reflecting regional demand or program quality differences. The low Pell grant rate (14%) might indicate limited accessibility, but without actual outcome data for Salina's graduates, you're essentially betting on national averages when state-specific options show measurably stronger results.

If your child has admission offers from multiple Kansas HVAC programs, prioritize schools with documented earnings rather than estimated ones. The difference between a $35,000 starting salary and a $43,000 one isn't trivial—it's the margin between financial comfort and struggle in those crucial early career years.