Compare training cost against entry-level wages, break-even timeline, and projected 5-year net earnings.
| School | Avg Tuition | Break-even | 5-Year Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Technical Community College | $8,300 | 9 months | $297,050 |
| Triton College | $7,900 | 9 months | $293,100 |
| Bellingham Technical College | $9,100 | 10 months | $291,750 |
| Renton Technical College | $10,800 | 12 months | $290,050 |
| Citrus College | $2,800 | 3 months | $288,600 |
| Laney College | $3,700 | 4 months | $287,700 |
| Los Angeles Trade-Technical College | $4,900 | 6 months | $286,500 |
| Apex Technical School | $16,500 | 18 months | $282,100 |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | $8,700 | 10 months | $281,550 |
| Porter and Chester Institute - Rocky Hill | $20,500 | 23 months | $281,300 |
| Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield IL | $19,800 | 22 months | $281,200 |
| Coyne College | $20,650 | 23 months | $280,350 |
Key Takeaways
HVAC school ROI depends mostly on tuition, time to completion, local entry-level wages, and whether the program helps students earn EPA 608 certification quickly. Lower-cost programs in strong wage markets usually break even fastest.