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

HVAC programs in Washington typically produce significantly stronger outcomes than the national average—the state median sits at $48,866 compared to $35,749 nationally. Based on comparable programs nationwide, Wenatchee Valley's certificate would start graduates around that lower national figure, which translates to roughly $13,000 less in first-year earnings than what similar programs across Washington deliver. Perry Technical Institute, the state's top performer with actual reported data, shows HVAC graduates earning nearly $58,000—a gap of over $22,000 compared to these estimates.

The estimated debt load of $9,298 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 that suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a year or two of full-time work. That's a solid foundation for a skilled trade credential. However, the earnings gap matters more than the debt advantage here: over a decade, the difference between earning at Washington's state median versus the national average could amount to over $130,000 in lost income.

For parents weighing this program, the key question is whether Wenatchee Valley's graduates actually perform closer to the state average or the national one—something the suppressed data prevents us from knowing. If location or circumstances make Wenatchee Valley the only viable option, the estimated debt burden won't sink your child. But if other Washington HVAC programs are accessible, those appear to deliver substantially better earning potential in a state where this trade pays well.