HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Columbus

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

a smaller institution with 761 students in Westerville, OH.

Program Analysis

At $35,785/yr, HVAC Technology graduates from Fortis College-Columbus land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 32.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in HVAC Technology's career paths, with 11% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #152 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis College-Columbus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,785 to $43,961 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
48
High End
Earnings $35,785/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$456K
5.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
32.2x
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
$14,148
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,961
23% 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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Fortis College-Columbus? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Columbus?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Fortis College-Columbus's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →