HVAC Technology at Fortis Institute-Cookeville
a smaller institution with 301 students in Cookeville, TN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $37,139 track close to the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 29.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
At $13,000 in median debt against $37,139 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Ranked #156 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis Institute-Cookeville falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $41,984 are relatively flat compared to the $37,139 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
HVAC Technology Career Guide
What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Fortis Institute-Cookeville? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.