Home/Best HVAC Schools/California
2026 Rankings · CA

Best HVAC Schools
in California

The top 48 accredited HVAC training schools in California for 2026, ranked by tuition, accreditation, included certifications, program variety, and financial aid.

California Rankings

Top HVAC Schools in California

Ranked by Guide Score. Tap any school for full program details, tuition, and credentials.

  1. 1Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Laney College

    Oakland, California
    Starting Tuition
    $2,400
    Credentials
    EPA + NATE
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited (ACCJC/WASC)
    • EPA 608 + NATE prep included
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    97
    Guide Score
  2. 2Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Citrus College

    Glendora, California
    Starting Tuition
    $1,800
    Credentials
    EPA + NATE
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • EPA 608 + NATE prep included
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    93
    Guide Score
  3. 3Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

    Los Angeles, California
    Starting Tuition
    $3,600
    Credentials
    EPA + NATE
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited (ACCJC/WASC)
    • EPA 608 + NATE prep included
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    90
    Guide Score
  4. 4Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Palomar College - Escondido Center

    Escondido, California
    Starting Tuition
    $736
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • Most affordable tuition in this ranking
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    70
    Guide Score
  5. 5Rank
    Technical InstituteAccredited

    Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education

    Baldwin Park, California
    Starting Tuition
    $1,135
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    70
    Guide Score
  6. 6Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    San Bernardino Valley College

    San Bernardino, California
    Starting Tuition
    $1,472
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    69
    Guide Score
  7. 7Rank
    Technical InstituteAccredited

    Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

    La Puente, California
    Starting Tuition
    $1,633
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    69
    Guide Score
  8. 8Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    American River College

    Sacramento, California
    Starting Tuition
    $2,760
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    68
    Guide Score
  9. 9Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Chaffey College

    Rancho Cucamonga, California
    Starting Tuition
    $2,760
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    68
    Guide Score
  10. 10Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Sacramento City College

    Sacramento, California
    Starting Tuition
    $2,760
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    68
    Guide Score
  11. 11Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    San Diego City College

    San Diego, California
    Starting Tuition
    $2,760
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCJC)
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    68
    Guide Score
  12. 12Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    InterCoast Colleges - Anaheim

    Anaheim, California
    Starting Tuition
    $17,800
    Credentials
    EPA 608
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited (ACCSC)
    • EPA 608 prep included
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    61
    Guide Score
  13. 13Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia

    Visalia, California
    Starting Tuition
    $26,377
    Credentials
    EPA + NATE
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (WSCUC)
    • EPA 608 + NATE prep included
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  14. 14Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    DeHart Technical School

    Modesto, California
    Starting Tuition
    Not published
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  15. 15Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield

    Bakersfield, California
    Starting Tuition
    Not published
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  16. 16Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario

    Ontario, California
    Starting Tuition
    Not published
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  17. 17Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College - Reseda

    Reseda, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    EPA 608
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (ACCET)
    • EPA 608 prep included
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    56
    Guide Score
  18. 18Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    Brownson Technical School

    Anaheim, California
    Starting Tuition
    Not published
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    55
    Guide Score
  19. 19Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    Capstone College

    Pasadena, California
    Starting Tuition
    Not published
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    55
    Guide Score
  20. 20Rank
    Technical InstituteAccredited

    CET-Coachella

    Coachella, California
    Starting Tuition
    Not published
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    55
    Guide Score
  21. 21Rank
    Technical InstituteAccredited

    CET-Colton

    Colton, California
    Starting Tuition
    $15,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    53
    Guide Score
  22. 22Rank
    Technical InstituteAccredited

    CET-San Jose

    San Jose, California
    Starting Tuition
    $15,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    53
    Guide Score
  23. 23Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    National Career Education

    Citrus Heights, California
    Starting Tuition
    $15,582
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    53
    Guide Score
  24. 24Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    Mayfield College

    Cathedral City, California
    Starting Tuition
    $15,914
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    52
    Guide Score
  25. 25Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    Institute for Business and Technology

    San Jose, California
    Starting Tuition
    $17,688
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    50
    Guide Score
  26. 26Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    American College of Healthcare and Technology

    Huntington Park, California
    Starting Tuition
    $17,995
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    50
    Guide Score
  27. 27Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    American College of Healthcare and Technology

    Riverside, California
    Starting Tuition
    $17,995
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    50
    Guide Score
  28. 28Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    InterCoast Colleges-West Covina

    West Covina, California
    Starting Tuition
    $18,000
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    50
    Guide Score
  29. 29Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    ATA College

    El Cajon, California
    Starting Tuition
    $18,345
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    49
    Guide Score
  30. 30Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    Institute of Technology

    Clovis, California
    Starting Tuition
    $19,219
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    48
    Guide Score
  31. 31Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    National Polytechnic College

    Lakewood, California
    Starting Tuition
    $19,632
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    48
    Guide Score
  32. 32Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Bakersfield

    Bakersfield, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  33. 33Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Chula Vista

    Chula Vista, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  34. 34Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Fresno

    Fresno, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  35. 35Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Garden Grove

    Garden Grove, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  36. 36Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Gardena

    Gardena, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  37. 37Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Huntington Park

    Huntington Park, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  38. 38Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Oceanside

    Oceanside, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  39. 39Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Ontario

    Ontario, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  40. 40Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Riverside

    Riverside, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  41. 41Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Sacramento

    Sacramento, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  42. 42Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-Stockton

    Stockton, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  43. 43Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    UEI College-West Covina

    West Covina, California
    Starting Tuition
    $21,500
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    46
    Guide Score
  44. 44Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia

    Hesperia, California
    Starting Tuition
    $26,377
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    45
    Guide Score
  45. 45Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage

    Rancho Mirage, California
    Starting Tuition
    $26,377
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    45
    Guide Score
  46. 46Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula

    Temecula, California
    Starting Tuition
    $26,377
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    45
    Guide Score
  47. 47Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center

    Fresno, California
    Starting Tuition
    $26,377
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    45
    Guide Score
  48. 48Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster

    Lancaster, California
    Starting Tuition
    $26,377
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    40
    Guide Score
Laney College— programs & tuition →Citrus College— programs & tuition →Los Angeles Trade-Technical College— programs & tuition →Palomar College - Escondido Center— programs & tuition →Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education— programs & tuition →San Bernardino Valley College— programs & tuition →Hacienda La Puente Adult Education— programs & tuition →American River College— programs & tuition →Chaffey College— programs & tuition →Sacramento City College— programs & tuition →San Diego City College— programs & tuition →InterCoast Colleges - Anaheim— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia— programs & tuition →DeHart Technical School— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario— programs & tuition →UEI College - Reseda— programs & tuition →Brownson Technical School— programs & tuition →Capstone College— programs & tuition →CET-Coachella— programs & tuition →CET-Colton— programs & tuition →CET-San Jose— programs & tuition →National Career Education— programs & tuition →Mayfield College— programs & tuition →Institute for Business and Technology— programs & tuition →American College of Healthcare and Technology— programs & tuition →American College of Healthcare and Technology— programs & tuition →InterCoast Colleges-West Covina— programs & tuition →ATA College— programs & tuition →Institute of Technology— programs & tuition →National Polytechnic College— programs & tuition →UEI College-Bakersfield— programs & tuition →UEI College-Chula Vista— programs & tuition →UEI College-Fresno— programs & tuition →UEI College-Garden Grove— programs & tuition →UEI College-Gardena— programs & tuition →UEI College-Huntington Park— programs & tuition →UEI College-Oceanside— programs & tuition →UEI College-Ontario— programs & tuition →UEI College-Riverside— programs & tuition →UEI College-Sacramento— programs & tuition →UEI College-Stockton— programs & tuition →UEI College-West Covina— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center— programs & tuition →San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster— programs & tuition →

Key Takeaways

The best HVAC school in California for 2026 is Laney College in Oakland (Guide Score 97). Rankings weigh affordability, accreditation, included credentials, program variety, and financial aid — schools cannot pay for higher rankings.

  • #1 Laney College (Oakland) — Guide Score 97, from $2,400
  • #2 Citrus College (Glendora) — Guide Score 93, from $1,800
  • #3 Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Los Angeles) — Guide Score 90, from $3,600
  • #4 Palomar College - Escondido Center (Escondido) — Guide Score 70, from $736
  • #5 Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education (Baldwin Park) — Guide Score 70, from $1,135
How We Rank

Our Ranking Methodology

Each school earns a Guide Score from 0–100, calculated only from objective data we track on every program: tuition, accreditation, included certifications, program variety, and financial aid. Affordability and program variety are scored relative to the other schools in each ranking.

  • Affordability (tuition)30%
  • Accreditation25%
  • Included credentials (EPA 608 / NATE)20%
  • Program variety15%
  • Financial aid availability10%

Editorial independence: schools cannot pay for higher rankings. Affiliate relationships are never an input to the Guide Score. See our full methodology and advertising disclosure.

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FAQ
HVAC Schools in California: Common Questions
What is the best HVAC school in California?
Laney College in Oakland ranks first among the HVAC schools we track in California, earning a Guide Score of 97 for its combination of affordability, accreditation, included credentials, program variety, and financial aid.
How many HVAC schools are in California?
We currently rank 48 accredited HVAC schools in California, offering certificate, diploma, and associate-degree programs plus EPA 608 exam prep.
How much do HVAC technicians make in California?
The median HVAC technician wage in California is $57,180 per year, with top earners (90th percentile) making $81,370.
Do you need a license to do HVAC work in California?
Yes. California requires HVAC licensing, regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). EPA Section 608 certification is also federally required to handle refrigerants.
Next Step
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in California.
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