HVAC Technology at Dorsey College

Madison Heights, MI · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 547 students in Madison Heights, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,265 track close to the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 13.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for HVAC Technology graduates.

At $9,500 in median debt against $33,265 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #236 out of 260 programs, Dorsey College's financial outcomes for HVAC Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $33,265 to $42,330 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to HVAC Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $33,265/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$443K
6.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
1 of 1
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$32,160
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,330
27% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for HVAC Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof

HVAC Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Dorsey College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dorsey College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dorsey College's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
For Dorsey College graduates, AI risk is minimal. HVAC Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Dorsey College?
At $9,500 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Dorsey College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Dorsey College?
Beyond Dorsey College's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →