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

Based on comparable HVAC programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $41,000 in their first year—a solid starting point for a two-year degree. The estimated $12,000 debt load is notably lower than the national median of $17,500 for this credential, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. That means graduates would need roughly three and a half months of gross income to cover their debt, a manageable burden that shouldn't derail financial stability early in their careers.

What's less certain is how Tidewater's program specifically performs. The earnings estimate comes from national patterns rather than actual outcomes for this school's graduates, and Virginia's HVAC market appears slightly softer than the national picture—the one program with reported data shows earnings around $37,700. Still, the skilled trades typically offer steady work and advancement potential, and HVAC remains essential infrastructure regardless of economic swings.

The low estimated debt gives this program some breathing room even if actual earnings trend toward Virginia's lower benchmarks rather than the national median. For families wary of student debt, a sub-$15,000 investment in a technical credential is far safer territory than many four-year options. Just understand you're making this decision based on peer program outcomes, not verified results from Tidewater itself.