HVAC Technology at Minnesota State Community and Technical College

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

with a smaller student body of 2,875 in Fergus Falls, MN.

Program Analysis

At $46,285 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Minnesota State Community and Technical College significantly outpace the $36,779 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 113.4x 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 28% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $5,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #11 of 260 nationally, this is a top-5% HVAC Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $46,285 to $62,937 over five years — a 36% 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.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $46,285/yr (26% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$670K
8.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
113.6x
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
$5,900
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
1.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,937
36% 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

HVAC Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Minnesota State Community and Technical College?
This program scores 68/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
Is HVAC Technology from Minnesota State Community and Technical College a future-proof career choice?
For Minnesota State Community and Technical 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 Minnesota State Community and Technical College?
At $5,500 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Minnesota State Community and Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Is Minnesota State Community and Technical College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
Ranked #11 of 260 programs nationally, Minnesota State Community and Technical College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
If Minnesota State Community and Technical College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →