Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at York Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
yorktech.eduAnalysis
Based on comparable HVAC programs across South Carolina, York Technical College's certificate appears positioned in the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $43,600—about $7,000 below what graduates from Greenville Tech typically earn, but well above the national median for these programs. The estimated debt load of roughly $9,300 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, meaning graduates would owe less than three months' salary.
The trades offer a particular advantage here: HVAC technicians can start earning immediately, and similar programs in South Carolina suggest solid earning potential right out of the gate. That said, York Tech's figures trail the state's top performers by a meaningful margin. If your child has options among South Carolina's technical colleges, programs at Greenville or Midlands have demonstrated stronger earnings outcomes—though those are actual reported figures while York Tech's are estimates based on peer programs.
The fundamental calculation still works in favor of HVAC training—low debt relative to earnings potential, immediate job market entry, and skills in constant demand. But if proximity isn't binding you to Rock Hill, it's worth comparing offerings at neighboring technical colleges where graduates' actual outcomes show they're clearing $45,000-$50,000 in their first year.
Where York Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 York Technical CollegeRock Hill | $5,512 | $43,642* | — | $9,298* | — |
 Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville | $5,639 | $50,802* | $49,045 | $12,546* | 0.25 |
 Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia | $4,788 | $46,803* | $53,555 | —* | — |
 Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway | $4,468 | $40,480* | $48,502 | $9,500* | 0.23 |
 Fortis College-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,576 | $35,785* | $38,708 | $13,000* | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $35,749* | — | $10,223* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates
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 York Technical College, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.