HVAC Technology at Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, IL · Public · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 3,917 students in Springfield, IL.

Program Analysis

At $28,504 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Lincoln Land Community College earn below the $36,779 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 89.3x 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 $7,445 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Lincoln Land Community College ranks #62 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $28,504 to $32,199 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.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
55
Score
55
High End
Earnings $28,504/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$328K
3.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
89.4x
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 (In-State)
$3,672
Out-of-state: $10,248
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,445
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,199
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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Lincoln Land Community 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 Lincoln Land Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Lincoln Land Community College?
This program scores 55/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Lincoln Land Community College?
Median debt of just $7,445 against $28,504/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Is Lincoln Land Community College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
Among 260 HVAC Technology programs, Lincoln Land Community College's #62 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Why are HVAC Technology earnings lower at Lincoln Land Community College?
Lower starting pay at Lincoln Land Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Lincoln Land Community College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Lincoln Land Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →