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

UEI College-Ontario's HVAC program delivers mixed results that fall short of both state and national standards. While the $9,500 debt load is manageable and matches California's median, the $33,444 first-year earnings significantly lag behind California's $38,137 median and the national average of $35,749. Among California's 44 HVAC programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile—meaning 60% of similar programs produce better-earning graduates.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 is reasonable, suggesting graduates can manage their loans without excessive financial strain. However, the earning potential gap is substantial—top California programs like DeHart Technical School produce graduates earning over $10,000 more annually. Given that HVAC is typically a stable, well-paying trade, these below-average earnings are concerning for long-term career prospects.

For families considering this investment, the program offers affordable entry into the HVAC field but doesn't maximize earning potential. With 74% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves many lower-income families who need programs that deliver strong returns. While the debt burden won't be crushing, your child would likely find better earning prospects at higher-performing California HVAC programs, even if they cost slightly more upfront.