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

At $29,535 in first-year earnings, this HVAC program earns just below Texas's median for similar programs—performing near the middle of the pack statewide (40th percentile) but significantly behind the national average of $35,749. That $6,000+ gap matters when you're starting a skilled trade career. The moderate debt load of $10,500 keeps the program serviceable with a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross earnings. Still, nearby alternatives like Wharton County Junior College and Lone Star College deliver notably higher first-year earnings while keeping debt in check.

The fundamental challenge here is that HVAC technicians should be earning more right out of the gate—this is hands-on work with strong demand across Texas. When graduates at comparable programs elsewhere in the state are clearing $32,000-$42,000, settling for $29,535 suggests either weaker employer connections or a less rigorous curriculum. For an anxious parent, the question becomes whether Texarkana's geographic convenience justifies accepting earnings that trail most Texas peers by $2,500-$12,000 annually.

This program won't trap your child in unmanageable debt, but it's leaving money on the table compared to other Texas HVAC certificates. If location flexibility exists, exploring higher-performing programs within the state makes financial sense.