Heating & Air Conditioning at Centura College-Newport News

Newport News, VA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a smaller institution with 210 students in Newport News, VA.

Program Analysis

At $29,395 per year, Heating & Air Conditioning graduates from Centura College-Newport News earn below the $36,779 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 18.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Heating & Air Conditioning involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $14,730 against $29,395/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #245 ranking among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs places Centura College-Newport News in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heating & Air Conditioning reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
41
Score
41
High End
Earnings $29,395/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$308K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.5x
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
$16,637
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,730
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning 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

About Heating & Air Conditioning Careers

Your career in HVACR begins with your hands on the tools. As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside a senior technician, learning to use pressure gauges on a residential AC unit or a multimeter to diagnose a faulty furnace circuit board in a chilly basement. Soon, you'll be driving the service van, independently tackling everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs on commercial rooftops. This is skilled, physical work that requires you to be on-site—it can’t be automated or outsourced.

Read the full Heating & Air Conditioning career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heating & Air Conditioning Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Centura College-Newport News's Heating & Air Conditioning program score?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Heating & Air Conditioning. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How safe is Heating & Air Conditioning from automation?
Highly resilient. Heating & Air Conditioning careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can you still earn well with Heating & Air Conditioning from Centura College-Newport News?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates?
Heating & Air Conditioning connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →