Home/Best HVAC Schools/North Carolina
2026 Rankings · NC

Best HVAC Schools
in North Carolina

The top 36 accredited HVAC training schools in North Carolina for 2026, ranked by tuition, accreditation, included certifications, program variety, and financial aid.

North Carolina Rankings

Top HVAC Schools in North Carolina

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

  1. 1Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Central Piedmont Community College

    Charlotte, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    $3,600
    Credentials
    EPA + NATE
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited (SACSCOC)
    • EPA 608 + NATE prep included
    • Most affordable tuition in this ranking
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    95
    Guide Score
  2. 2Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Guilford Technical Community College

    Jamestown, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    $4,400
    Credentials
    EPA + NATE
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited (SACSCOC, HVAC Excellence)
    • EPA 608 + NATE prep included
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    94
    Guide Score
  3. 3Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Alamance Community College

    Graham, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  4. 4Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

    Asheville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  5. 5Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Catawba Valley Community College

    Hickory, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  6. 6Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Central Carolina Community College

    Sanford, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  7. 7Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Cleveland Community College

    Shelby, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  8. 8Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Coastal Carolina Community College

    Jacksonville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  9. 9Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Fayetteville Technical Community College

    Fayetteville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  10. 10Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Johnston Community College

    Smithfield, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  11. 11Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Martin Community College

    Williamston, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  12. 12Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    McDowell Technical Community College

    Marion, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  13. 13Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Pitt Community College

    Winterville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  14. 14Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Richmond Community College

    Hamlet, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  15. 15Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Robeson Community College

    Lumberton, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  16. 16Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

    Salisbury, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  17. 17Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Sampson Community College

    Clinton, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  18. 18Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    South Piedmont Community College

    Polkton, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  19. 19Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Surry Community College

    Dobson, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  20. 20Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Vance-Granville Community College

    Henderson, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    3
    • Accredited institution
    • 3 HVAC programs to choose from
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    65
    Guide Score
  21. 21Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Cape Fear Community College

    Wilmington, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  22. 22Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    College of the Albemarle

    Elizabeth City, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  23. 23Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Davidson-Davie Community College

    Thomasville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  24. 24Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Forsyth Technical Community College

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  25. 25Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Gaston College

    Dallas, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  26. 26Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Mitchell Community College

    Statesville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  27. 27Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Montgomery Community College

    Troy, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  28. 28Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Roanoke-Chowan Community College

    Ahoskie, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  29. 29Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Rockingham Community College

    Wentworth, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  30. 30Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Southeastern Community College

    Whiteville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  31. 31Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Stanly Community College

    Albemarle, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  32. 32Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Wayne Community College

    Goldsboro, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  33. 33Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Wilson Community College

    Wilson, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    2
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    60
    Guide Score
  34. 34Rank
    Trade SchoolAccredited

    NASCAR Technical Institute

    Mooresville, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    55
    Guide Score
  35. 35Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Tri-County Community College

    Murphy, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    —
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited institution
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    55
    Guide Score
  36. 36Rank
    Community CollegeAccredited

    Wake Technical Community College

    Raleigh, North Carolina
    Starting Tuition
    $9,730
    Credentials
    —
    Financial Aid
    Available
    Programs
    1
    • Accredited (SACSCOC)
    • Financial aid available
    View School & Programs
    40
    Guide Score
Central Piedmont Community College— programs & tuition →Guilford Technical Community College— programs & tuition →Alamance Community College— programs & tuition →Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College— programs & tuition →Catawba Valley Community College— programs & tuition →Central Carolina Community College— programs & tuition →Cleveland Community College— programs & tuition →Coastal Carolina Community College— programs & tuition →Fayetteville Technical Community College— programs & tuition →Johnston Community College— programs & tuition →Martin Community College— programs & tuition →McDowell Technical Community College— programs & tuition →Pitt Community College— programs & tuition →Richmond Community College— programs & tuition →Robeson Community College— programs & tuition →Rowan-Cabarrus Community College— programs & tuition →Sampson Community College— programs & tuition →South Piedmont Community College— programs & tuition →Surry Community College— programs & tuition →Vance-Granville Community College— programs & tuition →Cape Fear Community College— programs & tuition →College of the Albemarle— programs & tuition →Davidson-Davie Community College— programs & tuition →Forsyth Technical Community College— programs & tuition →Gaston College— programs & tuition →Mitchell Community College— programs & tuition →Montgomery Community College— programs & tuition →Roanoke-Chowan Community College— programs & tuition →Rockingham Community College— programs & tuition →Southeastern Community College— programs & tuition →Stanly Community College— programs & tuition →Wayne Community College— programs & tuition →Wilson Community College— programs & tuition →NASCAR Technical Institute— programs & tuition →Tri-County Community College— programs & tuition →Wake Technical Community College— programs & tuition →

Key Takeaways

The best HVAC school in North Carolina for 2026 is Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte (Guide Score 95). Rankings weigh affordability, accreditation, included credentials, program variety, and financial aid — schools cannot pay for higher rankings.

  • #1 Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte) — Guide Score 95, from $3,600
  • #2 Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown) — Guide Score 94, from $4,400
  • #3 Alamance Community College (Graham) — Guide Score 65
  • #4 Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (Asheville) — Guide Score 65
  • #5 Catawba Valley Community College (Hickory) — Guide Score 65
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.

Explore North Carolina
Salary, Licensing & Programs
North Carolina HVAC Guide →
Schools, salary & licensing overviewNorth Carolina HVAC Salary →
Median $45,050/yr · percentilesNorth Carolina License Requirements →
License required — exams & experienceAll North Carolina Schools & Programs →
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FAQ
HVAC Schools in North Carolina: Common Questions
What is the best HVAC school in North Carolina?
Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte ranks first among the HVAC schools we track in North Carolina, earning a Guide Score of 95 for its combination of affordability, accreditation, included credentials, program variety, and financial aid.
How many HVAC schools are in North Carolina?
We currently rank 36 accredited HVAC schools in North Carolina, offering certificate, diploma, and associate-degree programs plus EPA 608 exam prep.
How much do HVAC technicians make in North Carolina?
The median HVAC technician wage in North Carolina is $45,050 per year, with top earners (90th percentile) making $64,810.
Do you need a license to do HVAC work in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina requires HVAC licensing, regulated by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. EPA Section 608 certification is also federally required to handle refrigerants.
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