HVAC Technology at University of Northwestern Ohio

Lima, OH · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

with a smaller student body of 2,572 in Lima, OH.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,690 at University of Northwestern Ohio come in 16% above the national median of $36,779 for HVAC Technology programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 21.2x 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.

With first-year pay of $42,690 far exceeding the $13,084 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #124 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, University of Northwestern Ohio scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $42,690 to $52,736 over five years — a 24% 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.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
50
Score
49
High End
Earnings $42,690/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$548K
5.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
21.2x
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
$25,860
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,084
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,736
24% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, HVAC Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at University of Northwestern Ohio?
A score of 50/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. University of Northwestern Ohio graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at University of Northwestern Ohio?
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 →