2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools in the The Plains States Region
[Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-refrigeration/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 60 schools to find the best return on investment for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration students.
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2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools
Leading the list is Metropolitan Community College Area, our #1 best value for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $12,799. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $45,583 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration will find it at Fort Scott Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $3,840. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $12,990 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Fort Scott Community College generally make around $40,041. That is a strong return on a $12,990 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan Community College Kansas City earned it the #3 place for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Set in the city of Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $12,281. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $44,715. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Central Community College one of the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Set in the city of Grand Island, Central Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Central Community College earn a median of $43,218 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Dodge City Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration, landing the #5 spot this year. Dodge City Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Dodge City. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,850 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,427.
Southeast Community College Area landed the #6 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Southeast Community College Area generally make around $49,666. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College generally make around $36,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeast Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Northeast Community College earn a median of $40,568 early in their careers. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kirkwood Community College came in at #9 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $15,779. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $41,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $15,866. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $38,862. Set against $15,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Jefferson College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the rural area of Hillsboro, Jefferson College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,250, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $13,664. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Jefferson College generally make around $47,560. Set against $13,664 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
North Iowa Area Community College placed #12 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Set in the rural area of Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,653 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,551 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,043 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from North Iowa Area Community College generally make around $44,466. That is a strong return on a $12,043 median debt.
Century College placed #13 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $12,250. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $52,488. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt.
Eastern Iowa Community College District placed #14 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Set in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,848, with out-of-state students paying around $6,456. Students borrow a median of $15,995 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $41,510. That is a strong return on a $15,995 median debt.
Bismarck State College came in at #15 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of Bismarck, Bismarck State College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,340 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $61,364. Set against $13,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Central College landed the #16 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. South Central College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of North Mankato. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,146. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $13,139 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from South Central College generally make around $46,447. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Neosho County Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Neosho County Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Chanute. In-state tuition and fees average $4,704. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $13,209 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $44,672. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt.
Hawkeye Community College earned the #18 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Hawkeye Community College earn a median of $41,902 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wichita Area Technical College earned the #19 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita Area Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $11,828. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Wichita Area Technical College generally make around $35,358. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt.
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College landed the #20 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Hibbing. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022. Students borrow a median of $17,029 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $44,387. Set against $17,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hennepin Technical College landed the #21 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Located in the suburb of Brooklyn Park, Hennepin Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $65,592. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #22 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $14,956 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn a median of $43,121 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt.
Highland Community College Highland earned the #23 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Highland Community College Highland is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Highland. In-state tuition and fees average $4,495. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Highland Community College Highland earn a median of $22,909 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #24 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Saint Cloud. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $10,394. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from St Cloud Technical And Community College generally make around $57,178. Set against $10,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Dakota County Technical College landed the #25 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Dakota County Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Rosemount. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Students borrow a median of $13,474 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Dakota County Technical College earn a median of $52,079 early in their careers. Set against $13,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 40 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 60 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 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.
