Student Loans for HVAC School: Compare Loan Options

HVAC school can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the program, location, and type of school. And tuition is just one part of the total cost. You'll also need to budget for tools, equipment, and exam fees.

If you need help covering HVAC school costs, HVAC training loans can help. This guide explores the best student loans for HVAC school, including federal loans for technical programs and private student loans for HVAC certifications. You'll also get advice from industry professionals on how to keep your costs down.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for HVAC school?

You can get student loans for HVAC training if your school qualifies.

To take out federal student loans, you'll need to enroll in an accredited program that participates in the Title IV federal aid program. Typically, the school must offer courses of at least 10 weeks in order to qualify.

Private student loans are also an option, depending on the lender and the school. Some lenders offer loans for HVAC certificate programs through trade schools or community colleges, but you'll need to confirm that your school is on the lender's approved list.

Federal student loans for HVAC programs

To see if federal loans can help you cover HVAC school, start by checking whether your school is eligible for federal student aid. You can confirm accreditation using the U.S. Department of Education's school search tool.

Once you've confirmed your school is accredited, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what type of aid you qualify for. If you're enrolled at least half-time in an eligible HVAC program, you may qualify for federal student loans, including:

• Direct Subsidized Loans: Undergraduate students who can demonstrate financial need may qualify for subsidized loans. These loans don't accumulate interest charges until six months after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: All students, regardless of financial need, can qualify for unsubsidized loans. These loans begin to accrue interest from the date of disbursement. 

Typically, federal student loans come with lower interest rates and better terms than private student loans. However, federal loans come with borrowing limits, which means you might have to turn to other funding sources if they aren't enough to cover your HVAC training.

Private student loans for HVAC training

If federal aid doesn't cover your full costs, these private student loans can help. Some private lenders offer loans for trade school or community college loans for HVAC training. Here are a few options to consider:

• Sallie Mae: Sallie Mae offers the Smart Option Student Loan for Career Training, which could help you pay for HVAC training at participating schools.
• Ascent: Ascent offers loans for career training and bootcamps at eligible schools. You can use Ascent's school search tool to check if your program qualifies before applying.
• College Ave: College Ave offers career training loans for students attending select associate degree or certification programs. You'll find out if your school is eligible during the application process.

When choosing a lender, it's important to compare interest rates and repayment terms to find the most affordable loan option for your situation.

It's also important to consider your potential return on investment (ROI). That means weighing the cost of your education — like tuition and interest on loans — against how much money you expect to earn in your new career as an HVAC technician.

Credit score needed for private student loans

Private student loans are credit-based, so your credit score and income will affect your eligibility and interest rate. If you have a limited credit history or a low score, applying with a cosigner can improve your chances of qualifying and help you get a lower rate.

Here are the average prequalified rates by credit score for borrowers who applied through the Credible marketplace:

Other ways to pay for HVAC school

“HVAC is a high-ROI field and you can start earning quickly, so the goal is to hit the ground running, not buried under debt,” says Jimmy Hiller, CEO and president of Happy Hiller, a company that offers plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services.

“Your earning power comes from getting licensed, gaining field experience, and building your reputation, not from spending more,” Hiller says. “The less you owe, the sooner you can buy tools, take overtime, or say yes to starting your own crew.”

Don't be afraid to get creative when paying for HVAC school. Some potential funding sources include:

• Scholarships from trade associations or HVAC manufacturers
• Grants from workforce development programs
• Tuition reimbursement from select employers
• Installment plans from the school

Explore all of your options before committing to student loans. When possible, seek out funding opportunities that don't require repayment down the line.

See Also: Pros and Cons of Student Loans

Cost of HVAC school

The cost of HVAC school varies widely based on the school you choose and the length of the program. For most, it will cost several thousand dollars. Here's a look at common options:

• Community college: For HVAC programs offered by community colleges, you may need to obtain an associate's degree as part of the program. In the 2024-25 school year, in-district students at public community colleges paid an average of $4,050 in tuition and fees, according to the College Board.
• Trade and certificate programs: Trade schools often offer shorter certificate or diploma programs. Costs can vary widely, so it's worth comparing programs. Some community college options may be more affordable.

Salary outlook for HVAC technicians

The amount you can earn as an HVAC technician varies based on your location, experience, and employer. In 2024, HVAC mechanics and installers earned a median of $28.75 per hour or $59,810 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the lowest 10% earned less than $39,130 per year, and the highest 10% earned more than $91,020 per year.

For many, investing in HVAC school offers an opportunity to pursue worthwhile employment. But you'll need to run the numbers for your unique situation to confirm that paying for HVAC school makes sense.

Tips for borrowing responsibly

Don't borrow more than you need

Taking out more than you can afford to repay can make it harder to manage your debt after graduation. Before turning to student loans, explore other ways to pay for HVAC school that don't require repayment.

“Start by applying for grants, scholarships, and tuition payment plans. Work part-time in the field you're studying, many HVAC companies or supply stores offer paid internships or tuition reimbursement,” advises Hiller.

Choose the right program

When choosing a program, it's important to shop around.

“I always encourage students to look at community colleges or union programs first,” says Ali Zane, credit consultant at Imax Credit Repair Firm, who has worked with many students coming out of trade schools.

“I've seen students pay $25,000+ for a private program when their local community college offered the same EPA certification for around under $7,000,” adds Zayne.

Weigh the program's cost against its long-term value. Paying more for the same certification could leave you with unnecessary debt after graduation.

Watch your costs carefully

Hiller suggests skipping overpriced extras from your school, like bundled toolkits. Instead, shop around for deals on individual items and don't be afraid to buy your HVAC gear secondhand from a professional.

Consider employer sponsorships

Finding funding solutions that don't involve a loan can lead to a brighter financial future. But you might need to get a little creative.

“Don't overlook employer sponsorships. Many smaller HVAC firms are desperate for new techs and will help pay for school if you commit to working for them after. These opportunities don't usually show up in glossy brochures — you find them by walking into a business and asking.”

If you haven't found a funding source but don't want to take on too much debt, consider working while you attend school.

“I know it's tough, but HVAC programs often offer evening or weekend classes,” says Zane.

Zane continues, “I've had clients work entry-level jobs at local HVAC companies while in school — not only do they earn money, but they get experience that can lead to job offers post-certification.”