Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Stanly Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
stanly.eduAnalysis
HVAC programs across North Carolina typically deliver strong returns, with the state median reaching $46,491 in first-year earnings—about 30% higher than the national benchmark. While Stanly Community College doesn't have reported outcomes due to small graduate cohorts, peer programs nationally suggest earnings around $35,749 with debt near $9,300, yielding a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio.
The gap between these national-based estimates and North Carolina's actual performance is significant. Davidson-Davie Community College, for instance, reports that $46,491 figure, suggesting graduates in this state benefit from robust demand for skilled HVAC technicians. If Stanly's program performs closer to state norms than national ones—a reasonable possibility given North Carolina's strong construction and industrial sectors—the value proposition improves considerably. Even at the conservative national estimate, the debt load remains light for a technical credential with immediate workforce entry.
The challenge is uncertainty: without program-specific data, you're betting on Stanly producing outcomes similar to either the modest national average or the stronger state performance. Talk directly with the program about job placement rates, local employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed. In skilled trades like HVAC, the school's specific industry connections often matter more than estimated earnings figures.
Where Stanly Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stanly Community CollegeAlbemarle | $2,672 | $35,749* | — | $9,298* | — |
 Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville | $1,978 | $46,491* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,749* | — | $10,223* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates
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 Stanly Community College, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 224 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.