HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Norfolk

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

with a smaller student body of 431 in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,955/yr, roughly in line with the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 27.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 12% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

With first-year pay of $32,955 far exceeding the $10,523 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #195 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis College-Norfolk falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $38,095 are relatively flat compared to the $32,955 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
46
Score
46
High End
Earnings $32,955/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$390K
3.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
27.7x
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
$14,083
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,523
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,095
16% 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 Fortis College-Norfolk? 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 Fortis College-Norfolk

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Norfolk?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring HVAC Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is HVAC Technology from Fortis College-Norfolk a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Fortis College-Norfolk's score of 46/100 reflects this durability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Fortis College-Norfolk?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to HVAC Technology career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Fortis College-Norfolk.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →