HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Smyrna

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

with a smaller student body of 488 in Smyrna, GA.

Program Analysis

At $35,785/yr, HVAC Technology graduates from Fortis College-Smyrna land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 30.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in HVAC Technology's career paths, with 11% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

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.

Ranked #162 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis College-Smyrna falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,785 to $43,961 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $35,785/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$456K
5.3% 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
$14,929
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,961
23% 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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College-Smyrna

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Smyrna?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
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 →