An HVAC technician installs, troubleshoots, adjusts, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Refrigeration is frequently included in the profession as well. Many of the certificate programs are available to high-school juniors or seniors, so students can graduate from high-school with a head-start on a career and very little student debt. When the certificate is completed, students are prepared to enter jobs as service technicians in domestic, industrial, and commercial settings.
Our list of the top 10 affordable college certificates in HVAC technology began with a list of nearly 100 programs with annual costs under $7,500 (based on tuition reported to College Navigator). These programs were then ranked according to the quality of the program (based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio).
The top 10 affordable HVAC certificate programs are:
- Manatee Technical College
- Orange Technical College – Mid-Florida campus
- Tulsa Technology Center
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology
- Metro Technology Center
- Lorenzo Walker Technical College
- Lake Technical College
- Moore Norman Technology Center
- Ogden-Weber Technical College
- Montgomery Community College
10. Montgomery Community College
Troy, North Carolina
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Certificate
At Montgomery Community College, students can earn an HVAC/R certificate in a single year. This 34-credit program provides the basic knowledge to develop the skills necessary to work with residential and light commercial systems. Curriculum topics include mechanical refrigeration, heating and cooling theory, electricity, controls, and safety. Upon completion, graduates will be able to work with startup, preventative maintenance, service, repair, and installation of HVAC systems.
Tuition: $6,615
9. Ogden-Weber Technical College
Ogden, Utah
HVAC Technologies Certificate
Ogden-Weber Technical College offers an exciting, affordable apprenticeship program in HVAC technologies. Upon completion, students receive all local, state, and industry certifications needed for entry into the workplace. The certificate program requires 750 hours of classroom training. Students will learn to install, diagnose, and repair control systems, including both residential and commercial HVAC/R equipment.
Tuition: $3,530
8. Moore Norman Technology Center
Norman, Oklahoma
HVAC/R Certificate
The HVAC/R program at Moore Norman Technology Center is available to both adults and high-school juniors and seniors. This affordable certificate program consists of six courses, and it can be completed in two semesters. Students will learn about residential and light commercial HVAC systems, installation, maintenance, and repair. Graduates of the program have a positive job placement rate of 100%.
Tuition: $5,229
7. Lake Technical College
Eustis, Florida
HVAC/R1 and HVAC/2 Certificates
Lake Technical College offers two HVAC certificate programs: a 25-week, 750-hour program, and a 20-week, 600-hour program. Each one offers a broad foundation of knowledge and skills to fully prepare students for employment. The curriculum content includes hands-on, practical experience in troubleshooting HVAC equipment; fabricating and servicing piping, tubing, and fittings; and designing, installing, and repairing HVAC systems.
Tuition: $7442
6. Lorenzo Walker Technical College
Naples, Florida
HVAC/R Career Certificate
Lorenzo Walker Technical College offers many affordable career certificate programs, including one in HVAC. This unique 1350-hour, 5-course program provides training within multiple trades. The curriculum includes training in HVAC system basics, equipment, tools, electrical systems, and thermostat controls. Financial aid is available for the program.
Tuition: $4,804
5. Metro Technology Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
HVAC/R Technician Certificate
Metro Technology Center offers an extremely affordable HVAC/R technician certificate program available to high-schoolers and adults. The 1,010-hour program is available in both day and evening classes. Students will learn to install, troubleshoot, adjust, and repair both residential and light commercial HVAC systems. The curriculum includes hands-on labs and specialized training for EPA certification in refrigerants.
Tuition: $1,678
4. Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology
Livingston, North Carolina
HVAC/R Certificate
The HVAC/R certificate program at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology can be completed at any pace, with students having the choice of either full-time or part-time study. On average, this affordable program takes 16 months to complete. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with shop learning to teach theory, application, and service of equipment. Additionally, students will learn about print reading, basic electronics, programmable controllers, and heat pump technology.
Tuition: $6,229
3. Tulsa Technology Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma
HVAC Technician Certificate
At Tulsa Technology Center, both adults and high-school juniors and seniors can take advantage of the HVAC technician certification program. This affordable program can be completed in nine months when studying full-time, and in two years when studying part-time. Students will learn to design and install HVAC systems and piping, and graduates will understand how to maintain HVAC components and troubleshoot electrical problems. Upon completion of this program, students will have the certification needed to enter the field.
Tuition: $3,982
2. Orange Technical College – Mid Florida Campus
Orlando, Florida
HVAC/R 2 Certificate
Orange Technical College – Mid Florida Campus offers two options for affordable HVAC certificate programs. The 750-hour program takes nine months to complete, while the 600-hour program can be completed in just six months. 94% of graduates have reported immediate job placements. The curriculum for each program focuses on all aspects of the HVAC industry, including planning, management, technical and production skills, entry-level engineering and design, and safety and environmental issues.
Tuition: $2,513
1. Manatee Technical College
Bradenton, Florida
HVAC/R Certificate
Manatee Technical College offers a very affordable HVAC/R certificate program that can be completed in just under a year. This 1350-hour program is available for both day and evening study, and dual enrollment is available for high-school students. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for employment or advanced training in the HVAC industry. The curriculum includes designing, testing, and repairing many kids of HVAC systems.
Tuition: $4,271
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