2026 Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician Schools
[Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician](/majors/engineering-technologies/environmental-control-technology/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-engineering-technology-technician/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 201 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician students.
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Finding the Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician School for You
The right heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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Customizing Your List
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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2026 Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician Schools
Leading the list is Florida State College At Jacksonville, our #1 best value for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician in the United States. Located in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,657 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,631. Typical student debt for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates is $19,139. Early-career heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates make about $46,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Seminole State College Of Florida earned it the #2 place for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician. Located in the city of Sanford, Seminole State College Of Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,122 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Typical student debt for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates is $18,419. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Seminole State College Of Florida generally make around $48,049. Set against $18,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Mt San Antonio College one of the best values for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician. Set in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Early-career heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates make about $44,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Oxnard College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,393.
El Centro College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from El Centro College generally make around $41,295. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt.
Fresno City College earned the #6 position for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Fresno City College earn a median of $37,470 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt.
George C Wallace State Community College Dothan placed #7 among the best values for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician. Located in the city of Dothan, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,980, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Students borrow a median of $9,942 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from George C Wallace State Community College Dothan generally make around $34,762. Set against $9,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Sequoias came in at #8 for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. College Of The Sequoias is a large public school located in the city of Visalia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,394, while out-of-state students pay about $9,038. Students borrow a median of $10,288 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates of College Of The Sequoias earn a median of $37,749 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Riverside City College landed the #9 spot for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,428, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $8,767 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Riverside City College generally make around $48,911. That is a strong return on a $8,767 median debt.
Imperial Valley College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician schools. Located in the rural area of Imperial, Imperial Valley College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,126, compared with $8,830 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates is $6,176. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Imperial Valley College earn a median of $42,617 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gavilan College placed #11 among the best values for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician. Located in the rural area of Gilroy, Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,508, with out-of-state students paying around $12,249. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $5,939 in student loans. Early-career heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates make about $28,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Sacramento City College earned the #12 position for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates is $13,180. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Oakland Community College came in at #13 for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,865 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Oakland Community College generally make around $43,205. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Butte College came in at #14 for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Oroville, Butte College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,356 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,276. Typical student debt for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates is $13,302. Early-career heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates make about $67,048. That is a strong return on a $13,302 median debt.
Cypress College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician schools. Cypress College is a very large public school located in the city of Cypress. In-state tuition and fees average $1,150, with out-of-state students paying around $12,379. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,533 ten years after entry.
Orange Coast College came in at #16 for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,392 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,640 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates is $8,978. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Orange Coast College generally make around $46,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northwest Shoals Community College came in at #17 for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Muscle Shoals, Northwest Shoals Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,131, with out-of-state students paying around $9,001. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,312 in student loans. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Northwest Shoals Community College earn a median of $33,842 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gadsden State Community College came in at #18 for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Gadsden, Gadsden State Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,272, while out-of-state students pay about $7,368. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,312 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Gadsden State Community College generally make around $36,407. Set against $9,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
St Philips College landed the #19 spot for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, St Philips College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,412, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. Students borrow a median of $15,653 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates of St Philips College earn a median of $45,185 early in their careers. Set against $15,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Merced College landed the #20 spot for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician value this year. Merced College is a large public school located in the city of Merced. Students from in state pay about $1,200 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Students borrow a median of $9,024 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Merced College generally make around $45,032. Set against $9,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Indian River State College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician schools. Indian River State College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fort Pierce. Students from in state pay about $2,764 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Indian River State College earn a median of $44,082 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Central Arizona College earned the #22 position for value in heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Coolidge, Central Arizona College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,250, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $11,635 in student loans. Early-career heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician graduates make about $48,826. That is a strong return on a $11,635 median debt.
Grayson College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician schools. Grayson College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Denison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete the heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Grayson College generally make around $42,487. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Palomar College landed the #24 spot for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician value this year. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,354, with out-of-state students paying around $10,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,300 ten years after entry.
El Camino Community College District landed the #25 spot for heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician value this year. Located in the suburb of Torrance, El Camino Community College District is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,144, while out-of-state students pay about $7,630. Median earnings reach $41,589 ten years out.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration engineering technology/technician value ranking:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 201 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 13 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
