Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at UEI College-Chula Vista

UEI College-Chula Vista's HVAC program offers solid debt management but delivers below-average earnings that could limit your child's financial prospects. With graduates earning $33,444 annually—about $5,000 less than California's median for HVAC programs and $2,300 below the national average—this program ranks in the 40th percentile among California schools and 36th percentile nationally. While the debt load is manageable at $9,500, the earnings gap means your child would be starting behind peers from stronger programs in the state.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 is reasonable, meaning graduates can realistically manage their loan payments. However, California's robust HVAC market offers significantly better opportunities elsewhere. Top programs in the state like DeHart Technical School produce graduates earning over $40,000—roughly $10,000 more annually than UEI's typical graduate. Given that 68% of students receive Pell grants, many families here are making significant sacrifices for their education investment.

For an HVAC career in California, this program gets you credentialed without crushing debt, but leaves earning potential on the table. Consider comparing costs and outcomes at higher-performing California programs before committing—the extra investment in a stronger program could pay dividends throughout your child's 30-year career.