Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College's Santa Maria HVAC program charges roughly 30% more in debt than California's median, but delivers earnings that actually justify the premium. First-year graduates earn $40,368—beating 75% of HVAC programs nationally and 60% in California—while carrying just $13,000 in debt. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need less than four months of income to cover their loans, a remarkably favorable position for entering the skilled trades.
The earnings trajectory tells an even better story. By year four, typical graduates reach $51,812, representing 28% wage growth that reflects HVAC's strong career progression as technicians gain certifications and specialized skills. This puts the program's graduates on solid financial footing in California's expensive central coast region. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, the program successfully serves working-class students seeking a direct path to middle-class wages.
The bottom line: yes, you'll pay slightly more here than at the typical California HVAC program, but the stronger earnings outcomes—both immediate and four years out—make this a sound investment. Your child could realistically pay off their debt within their first year of work while earning well above what most HVAC certificate programs deliver.
Where San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria 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-Santa Maria graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria 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-Santa Maria | $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-Santa Maria, 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.