Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Waubonsee Community College

HVAC programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $41,000—solid middle-class wages for a two-year degree. The estimated $12,000 debt at Waubonsee sits well below the national median of $17,500 for similar programs, which matters when you're entering a field where earnings grow with certifications and experience rather than dramatic salary jumps. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates would theoretically dedicate less than four months of gross income to paying off their loans—a manageable burden for a skilled trade.

The challenge here is that both figures are estimates derived from peer programs nationwide, not actual outcomes for Waubonsee's graduates. Without reported data from this program or comparable Illinois schools, parents are essentially betting that Waubonsee's outcomes mirror the national picture. In HVAC, local employer relationships and hands-on training quality vary significantly between programs, and those differences don't show up in these estimates. The relatively low percentage of Pell recipients (22%) suggests this may serve a less financially vulnerable population than typical community colleges, but that doesn't tell you whether the program connects graduates to jobs.

If your child is mechanically inclined and interested in HVAC work, the estimated numbers look reasonable. But contact the program directly to learn their actual job placement rates and which local contractors hire their graduates—that's where the real value becomes visible.