Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Washburn University

Washburn's HVAC program sits in a competitive Kansas landscape where peer institutions report stronger outcomes. While we're working with national estimates here—around $35,749 in first-year earnings and $9,300 in debt—the state's actual median for HVAC programs is notably higher at $41,070. Kansas City Kansas Community College and Manhattan Area Technical College, which do report outcomes, show their graduates earning $43,000 and $39,000 respectively. That gap matters when you're considering where to invest training dollars.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 looks reasonable on paper—manageable debt for a credential that should lead to steady work. HVAC technicians are in demand, and these certificates typically get people working quickly. But the question is whether Washburn's program delivers the same earning power as its Kansas competitors. Without reported data specific to Washburn's graduates, you're making an informed guess rather than a confident bet.

The practical move: contact Washburn directly for their actual placement rates and starting wages. Then compare those numbers to the two Kansas schools with proven track records. If Washburn can demonstrate they're competitive with the $39,000-$43,000 range their peers achieve, the modest debt makes sense. If they can't provide those specifics, that tells you something too.