HVAC Technology at Century College

White Bear Lake, MN · Public · Associate Degree · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

with a mid-sized student body of 5,971 in White Bear Lake, MN.

Program Analysis

Century College HVAC Technology graduates command $52,105/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,779 national median. That 42% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 66.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for HVAC Technology carry above-average AI exposure (11% of tasks). The 33% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,500 in median debt clears fast against $52,105 in annual earnings.

Century College ranks #29 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 45% earnings increase from $52,105 to $75,499 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
64
Score
64
High End
Earnings $52,105/yr (42% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$819K
9.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
66.3x
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
$12,364
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,499
45% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for HVAC Technology 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

HVAC Technology Career Guide

HVAC Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Century College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Century College?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Century College's score of 64/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for HVAC Technology graduates from Century College?
At $10,500 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Century College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Century College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
Among 260 HVAC Technology programs, Century College's #29 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Century College?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →