Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduates earn more than 75% of HVAC programs nationally, but you're paying a premium for that advantage. The $13,000 in debt is higher than both California's $9,500 median and the national benchmark of $10,223—though the 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. At the 60th percentile among California HVAC programs, this performs solidly within the state but isn't quite top-tier. Several nearby institutions, including the college's own Bakersfield and Visalia campuses, match these earnings while charging less.
The upside is strong earnings growth: graduates see a 28% jump from $40,368 to $51,812 over four years, suggesting the program prepares students for advancement in the field. More than half of students receive Pell grants, and with over 100 graduates in the dataset, these numbers are reliable. For perspective, you're paying roughly 37% more in debt than the state average to earn about 6% more than California's median HVAC graduate.
If your child can access the Bakersfield or Visalia campuses—where graduates earn identically but debt figures may differ—explore those options first. Otherwise, this Fresno program delivers solid outcomes at a slightly elevated price point, justified by above-average earnings and robust career progression in a stable trade.
Where San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) 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 San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) 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 California
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno | $40,368 | $51,812 | $13,000 | 0.32 |
| DeHart Technical School | $43,927 | — | $8,950 | 0.20 |
| Institute for Business and Technology | $41,695 | $64,593 | $9,316 | 0.22 |
| National Career Education | $41,695 | $64,593 | $9,316 | 0.22 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield | $40,368 | $51,812 | $13,000 | 0.32 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $40,368 | $51,812 | $13,000 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $35,749 | — | $10,223 | 0.29 |
Other Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeHart Technical School Modesto | — | $43,927 | $8,950 |
| Institute for Business and Technology San Jose | — | $41,695 | $9,316 |
| National Career Education Citrus Heights | — | $41,695 | $9,316 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield Bakersfield | — | $40,368 | $13,000 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia | — | $40,368 | $13,000 |
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 San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno, approximately 55% 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 313 graduates with reported earnings and 317 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.