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2026 Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 669 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Highland Community College Highland to be the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration school in the United States. Set in Highland, KS, Highland Community College Highland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,495. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,291 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read the full report on Highland Community College Highland
You'll get strong value at Hennepin Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Out of the 669 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Dakota County Technical College landed the #3 spot. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $13,474. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,938. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. Read more about Dakota County Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Madison Area Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $16,812. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
A rank of #5 makes South Louisiana Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $12,435. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Minnesota State Community And Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Set in Fergus Falls, MN, Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,908. Minnesota State Community And Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. Minnesota State Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,591 a decade after entry. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Minnesota State Community And Technical College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,394. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. That is a strong return on a $10,394 median debt. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Century College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $12,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,424. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. More on Century College
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. Western Iowa Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,473 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Bismarck State College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $13,340. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,277 ten years after entry. Set against $13,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bismarck State College report
Northland Community And Technical College placed #12 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Thief River Falls, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Northland Community And Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $18,550 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,425 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,550 median debt. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
West Georgia Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. West Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Waco, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $12,651. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022. Graduates carry a median of $17,029 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,570. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Graduates carry a median of $11,384 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,384 median debt. Read more about Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Itawamba Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Itawamba Community College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,912. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. Read the full report on Itawamba Community College
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $13,669 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Georgia Piedmont Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Set in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,404, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $15,716. Median earnings reach $34,619 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Metropolitan Community College Area Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $12,799 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Students borrow a median of $12,843 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Savannah Technical College
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Wichita Area Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,679 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt. Get the full Wichita Area Technical College report
Texarkana College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Texarkana College is a public school based in Texarkana, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,476, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $10,500. Texarkana College alumni report median earnings of $34,647 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Read the full report on Texarkana College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $6,595. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $6,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,780, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $14,348 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,306. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $10,864. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Gateway Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $14,829. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. Set against $14,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Kansas City Kansas Community College placed #29 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kansas City, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $13,129. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,795. That is a strong return on a $13,129 median debt. More on Kansas City Kansas Community College
Central Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Community College
San Jacinto Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $11,376 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College placed #33 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Graduates carry a median of $12,718 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,899. That is a strong return on a $12,718 median debt. Read more about Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Delgado Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,279. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $18,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. That is a strong return on a $18,250 median debt. Read more about Delgado Community College
Southern Crescent Technical College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Hawkeye Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Hawkeye Community College is a public school based in Waterloo, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $17,001. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,849. That is a strong return on a $17,001 median debt. Read more about Hawkeye Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Students borrow a median of $16,595 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Atlanta Technical College placed #38 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Graduates carry a median of $10,117 in student loans. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,117 median debt. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Hinds Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Graduates carry a median of $16,385 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,774. That is a strong return on a $16,385 median debt. See the full Hinds Community College profile
Columbus Technical College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,052, while out-of-state students pay about $7,262. Columbus Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $15,845 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,238 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Columbus Technical College
Washburn Institute Of Technology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Topeka, KS, Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,880. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $11,362. Washburn Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washburn Institute Of Technology profile
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public school based in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Students borrow a median of $12,281 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,796. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City profile
North Georgia Technical College placed #44 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Students borrow a median of $12,279 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,932. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Georgia Technical College
Interactive College Of Technology Chamblee came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chamblee, GA, Interactive College Of Technology Chamblee is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,330 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,106 in student loans. Median earnings reach $27,065 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Interactive College Of Technology Chamblee
Southeast Technical Institute landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $46,709 ten years out. Set against $18,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Milwaukee Area Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $18,296 in debt. Milwaukee Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,113 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $18,048. Median earnings reach $45,025 ten years out. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
Iowa Western Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. This public school is set in Council Bluffs, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,930, compared with $7,080 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $15,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,793. Set against $15,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Iowa Western Community College
Forsyth Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,276 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,884. Students borrow a median of $16,374 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,139. Set against $16,374 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Forsyth Technical Community College profile
Related Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 669 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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