Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at UEI College-Phoenix
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
UEI College-Phoenix's HVAC program delivers modest but reasonable outcomes with a significant advantage in affordability. At $33,444 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly below both the national median ($35,749) and Arizona median ($35,744) for HVAC programs, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide. However, the program's debt load of $9,500 matches Arizona's median and creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28—meaning graduates owe less than three months of their annual salary.
The earnings gap is meaningful but not devastating. Top Arizona HVAC programs like Refrigeration School Inc produce graduates earning $48,145, nearly $15,000 more annually. Still, UEI's lower debt burden partially offsets the earnings disadvantage. With 70% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need affordable workforce training rather than premium outcomes.
For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, UEI-Phoenix offers a practical path into a stable trade. HVAC work provides steady employment, and the modest debt load won't burden new graduates. However, if your child can access higher-performing programs in Arizona, the potential for significantly higher earnings may justify exploring those options first.
Where UEI College-Phoenix Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How UEI College-Phoenix graduates compare to all programs nationally
UEI College-Phoenix graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEI College-Phoenix | $33,444 | — | $9,500 | 0.28 |
| Refrigeration School Inc | $48,145 | — | $8,835 | 0.18 |
| Miller-Motte College-Arizona Automotive Institute | $38,043 | $39,791 | $12,139 | 0.32 |
| UEI College-Mesa | $33,444 | — | $9,500 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $35,749 | — | $10,223 | 0.29 |
Other Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration School Inc Phoenix | — | $48,145 | $8,835 |
| Miller-Motte College-Arizona Automotive Institute Glendale | — | $38,043 | $12,139 |
| UEI College-Mesa Mesa | — | $33,444 | $9,500 |
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 UEI College-Phoenix, approximately 70% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 1212 graduates with reported earnings and 1283 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.