HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Falls, OH · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 489 students in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Program Analysis

At $37,139/yr, HVAC Technology graduates from Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 30.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in HVAC Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #155 ranking among 260 HVAC Technology programs places Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $37,139 to $41,984 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $37,139/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$428K
3.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
30.5x
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
$14,050
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,984
13% 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

See the full career breakdown for HVAC Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls and 259 other schools.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
HVAC Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →