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

Southeast Community College Area's HVAC program stands out for producing graduates who earn nearly $50,000 in their first year—well above the national median of $41,438 for this credential. While the debt figure here is an estimate based on similar programs at community colleges nationally (around $12,000), the earnings are solidly reported and place graduates at the 80th percentile nationwide. That's a strong starting point by any measure.

The concerning element is what happens next: earnings actually decline to $47,408 by year four, a 4% drop that contradicts the typical trajectory for skilled trades. This could reflect several things—seasonal work patterns in Nebraska's climate, graduates moving into different roles, or simply the volatility that comes with commission-based HVAC work. Without more granular data, it's hard to know if this is a program-specific issue or a broader pattern in the field. Still, even at the lower four-year mark, the debt burden remains manageable at roughly 25 cents owed for every dollar earned.

For parents evaluating this program, the math works: strong immediate earnings against modest estimated debt creates a viable path to financial independence. The earnings plateau is worth understanding better—talk to current students or recent alumni about long-term earning potential and whether that first-year number reflects typical starting salaries or temporary project work. But the fundamentals suggest this program delivers market-relevant skills that employers value from day one.