Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia's HVAC program charges more upfront than most California alternatives—$13,000 versus the state median of $9,500—but the investment pays off through stronger earnings trajectory. At $40,368 in first-year earnings, graduates start 6% above the California median and 13% above the national average, placing them in the 60th percentile statewide among 44 competing programs.
What sets this program apart is the earnings growth: graduates see a 28% income increase by year four, reaching $51,812. That's substantially better than typical trade program outcomes and reflects the strong demand for skilled HVAC technicians in California's Inland Empire region. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe just under four months of first-year salary—a manageable burden that gets easier as earnings rise. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a largely working-class population that needs credentials to translate quickly into income.
The extra $3,500 in debt compared to state norms buys access to solid initial placement and meaningful wage progression. For families in the High Desert area where geographic mobility may be limited, this represents a clear path to middle-class earnings without the four-year commitment or debt load of traditional college.
Where San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia 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-Hesperia graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia 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-Hesperia | $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-Hesperia, approximately 62% 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.