2027 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the Southwest Region
[Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-refrigeration/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-and-refrigeration-maintenance-technology-technician/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 67 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician students.
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2027 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the Southwest Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools
El Centro College earned the #1 spot for value among heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $9,720. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $28,849 early in their careers. Set against $9,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Texas College earned it the #2 place for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Students borrow a median of $6,868 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $24,267. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician will find it at Del Mar College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Corpus Christi, Del Mar College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,500 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $7,476. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Del Mar College earn a median of $40,661 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pima Community College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Students borrow a median of $10,655 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $40,977. Set against $10,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lamar State College Port Arthur is a great value for students pursuing a degree in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician, landing the #5 spot this year. Lamar State College Port Arthur is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Port Arthur. Students from in state pay about $1,770 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,070. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $33,385. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Lamar State College Port Arthur generally make around $78,580. That is a strong return on a $33,385 median debt.
The University Of Texas At Brownsville ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a large public school located in the city of Brownsville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,148, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,058 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of The University Of Texas At Brownsville earn a median of $30,343 early in their careers. Set against $10,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the town of Roswell, Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,256, while out-of-state students pay about $5,616. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $11,110. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus generally make around $21,129. Set against $11,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Wharton County Junior College placed #8 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Wharton County Junior College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Wharton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Students borrow a median of $10,916 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $32,414. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Brazosport College placed #9 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Lake Jackson, Brazosport College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,388 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,711 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Brazosport College generally make around $32,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
El Paso Community College placed #10 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. El Paso Community College is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $8,542 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from El Paso Community College generally make around $29,086. Set against $8,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Trinity Valley Community College placed #11 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the town of Athens, Trinity Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,970 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $12,323. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Trinity Valley Community College generally make around $32,623. Set against $12,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Central New Mexico Community College earned the #12 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College generally make around $34,751. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Panola College ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the town of Carthage, Panola College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,352, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry.
Mohave Community College earned the #14 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Mohave Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Kingman. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,208, while out-of-state students pay about $7,968. Students borrow a median of $14,766 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Mohave Community College earn a median of $54,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,766 median debt.
Lee College landed the #15 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of Baytown, Lee College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Lee College generally make around $53,448. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kilgore College earned the #16 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the town of Kilgore, Kilgore College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,160, compared with $5,256 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,734 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Kilgore College generally make around $44,322. That is a strong return on a $16,734 median debt.
Houston Community College ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Houston Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. In-state tuition and fees average $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Houston Community College generally make around $26,250. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
North Central Texas College landed the #18 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. Located in the town of Gainesville, North Central Texas College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $5,739. Students borrow a median of $15,965 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $43,536. That is a strong return on a $15,965 median debt.
New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #19 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Set in the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,322, with out-of-state students paying around $6,360. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,284. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from New Mexico State University Dona Ana generally make around $39,399. That is a strong return on a $10,284 median debt.
South Plains College earned the #20 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the town of Levelland, South Plains College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Students borrow a median of $13,788 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from South Plains College generally make around $30,949. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt.
Green Country Technology Center came in at #21 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Green Country Technology Center is a small public school located in the rural area of Okmulgee. Students borrow a median of $10,125 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Green Country Technology Center generally make around $51,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Western Technology Center ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the rural area of Burns Flat, Western Technology Center is a small public university. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $40,264.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center placed #23 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the town of Shawnee, Gordon Cooper Technology Center is a small public university. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Gordon Cooper Technology Center earn a median of $44,822 early in their careers.
Central Technology Center placed #24 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the rural area of Drumright, Central Technology Center is a small public university. Median earnings reach $36,351 ten years out.
Pontotoc Technology Center placed #25 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Pontotoc Technology Center is a small public school located in the rural area of Ada. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Pontotoc Technology Center earn a median of $44,846 early in their careers.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value ranking:
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 67 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 67 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.
