Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster

San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster delivers solid HVAC training at a slightly higher cost than most programs, but the investment pays off quickly. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32, graduates can typically repay their $13,000 in loans within months, not years. First-year earnings of $40,368 beat the national median by nearly $5,000 and place this program at the 75th percentile nationally—meaning it outperforms three-quarters of HVAC programs across the country.

What makes this program particularly appealing is the earnings trajectory. Graduates see their income jump 28% by year four, reaching $51,812—a clear sign that the skills learned here translate into career advancement. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile among California's 44 HVAC programs (solidly above average), it's worth noting that Lancaster serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, many of whom enter the trades with limited resources. The modest debt burden keeps the program accessible while still delivering competitive outcomes.

For parents concerned about technical training costs, this represents a practical path to middle-class earnings without the typical burden of college debt. Your child could start earning immediately and be debt-free within a year while building toward $50,000+ income. Given HVAC's consistent demand in California's climate, it's a stable career choice with room to grow.