Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Universal Technical Institute-Canton

Universal Technical Institute's HVAC program in Canton produces solid tradespeople with manageable debt, though not industry-leading earnings. Graduates start at $35,713 and climb to $42,441 within four years—slightly above the national median and notably ahead of Michigan's state average of $33,265. That 60th percentile ranking among Michigan HVAC programs means students here outperform most in-state alternatives, though they're squarely middle-of-the-pack nationally.

The debt load of $12,225 is reasonable for a technical certificate, translating to a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe about four months' salary. While that's higher than Michigan's typical HVAC debt, the stronger earnings partially offset the difference. The 19% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates develop marketable skills that improve with experience, a positive sign in the skilled trades.

For families considering HVAC as a career path, this program offers a straightforward value proposition: you'll pay a bit more than at some Michigan competitors but earn more from day one. With open enrollment and relatively low total debt, it's an accessible entry point into a stable trade. Just don't expect outsized returns—this is about reliable middle-class work, not exceptional earnings.