Best institutions to study Heating
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, and heating systems.
179 U.S. institutions graduated 11,417 Heating students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0501, a specialization of Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.05), and leads most directly to the Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers occupation (BLS SOC 49-9021).
About Heating programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, and heating systems. Includes instruction in principles of heating and cooling technology, design and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, installation and operation procedures, and report preparation.
See also: 47.0201 - Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Heating program, officially titled Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician, prepares individuals to support engineers and professionals in developing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. This program is ideal for those interested in applying engineering principles and technical skills in a hands-on environment.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in heating and cooling technology, design principles, operational testing, and maintenance procedures. Core skills include critical thinking, reading comprehension, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Heating graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years5,446 graduates / yr · 105 institutions48%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year5,337 graduates / yr · 93 institutions47%
- Associate's degree554 graduates / yr · 63 institutions4.9%
- Award of less than 12 weeks38 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.3%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years21 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Bachelor's degree21 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Heating completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 10,342 |
| 2013 | 7,301 |
| 2014 | 7,561 |
| 2015 | 7,112 |
| 2016 | 6,451 |
| 2017 | 7,013 |
| 2018 | 6,217 |
| 2019 | 6,462 |
| 2020 | 6,236 |
| 2021 | 7,017 |
| 2022 | 7,993 |
| 2023 | 7,467 |
| 2024 | 9,397 |
| 2025 | 11,417 |
Top 50 institutions for Heating, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Florida Institute of Technology Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1,439 | 83% | $29,731 | $33,760 |
| 2 | Northwestern Technological Institute Southfield, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 469 | 72% | $33,047 | $36,015 |
| 3 | Delta Technical College - Mississippi Horn Lake, MSPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 394 | 71% | $18,202 | $31,905 |
| 4 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 328 | 54% | $9,377 | $20,068 |
| 5 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Union Union, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 312 | 75% | $26,378 | $40,778 |
| 6 | Southern Careers Institute - San Antonio San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 269 | 61% | $30,890 | $32,421 |
| 7 | Midwest Technical Institute - Illinois Springfield, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 259 | 69% | $28,377 | $31,905 |
| 8 | Lincoln College of Technology - Columbia Columbia, MDPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 207 | 68% | $30,638 | $37,285 |
| 9 | Collin County Community College District McKinney, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 202 | 20% | — | — |
| 10 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - McAllen McAllen, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 189 | 78% | $23,260 | — |
| 11 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 170 | 20% | — | $46,623 |
| 12 | Lincoln College of Technology - Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 170 | 73% | $31,422 | $40,778 |
| 13 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - San Antonio San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 163 | 69% | $23,546 | $32,364 |
| 14 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Mahwah Mahwah, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 158 | 79% | $29,877 | $40,778 |
| 15 | St Philip's College San Antonio, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 154 | 28% | — | — |
| 16 | Riverside City College Riverside, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 144 | 37% | — | $48,911 |
| 17 | Laredo College Laredo, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 135 | 30% | — | $31,037 |
| 18 | South Texas Vocational Technical Institute - Brownsville Brownsville, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 135 | 78% | $22,129 | — |
| 19 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - Arlington Arlington, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 135 | 84% | $24,000 | — |
| 20 | Wichita Technical Institute Wichita, KSPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 131 | 55% | $20,276 | $37,895 |
| 21 | Advantage Technical College Manati, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 120 | 60% | $2,650 | $21,291 |
| 22 | Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center Copiague, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 115 | 99% | $18,872 | $41,567 |
| 23 | Miller - Motte College - Berks Technical Institute - Allentown Allentown, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 107 | 83% | — | — |
| 24 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 107 | 46% | — | $33,995 |
| 25 | Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 106 | 56% | — | — |
| 26 | Lincoln Technical Institute - East Windsor East Windsor, CTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 106 | 62% | $27,142 | $37,285 |
| 27 | College of Business and Technology Cutler Bay, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 106 | 88% | $17,658 | — |
| 28 | College of Business and Technology Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 105 | 93% | $17,832 | $34,206 |
| 29 | Florida Academy Fort Myers, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 104 | 71% | $13,489 | $42,769 |
| 30 | College of Business and Technology Hialeah, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 100 | 96% | $11,246 | $41,814 |
| 31 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 99 | 35% | — | $43,340 |
| 32 | Miller - Motte College - Berks Technical Institute Wyomissing, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 98 | 76% | — | — |
| 33 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 94 | 34% | — | — |
| 34 | Mech - Tech College Caguas, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 93 | 72% | $13,886 | — |
| 35 | Lincoln College of Technology - Marietta Marietta, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 92 | 64% | $30,713 | $34,220 |
| 36 | El Camino Community College District Torrance, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 91 | 42% | — | — |
| 37 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 91 | 68% | $22,622 | $32,364 |
| 38 | Summit College San Bernardino, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 88 | 62% | $25,402 | $37,725 |
| 39 | Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 87 | 48% | — | — |
| 40 | Miller - Motte College - Raleigh Raleigh, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 85 | 79% | $19,251 | — |
| 41 | Atlantic Technical College Coconut Creek, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 81 | 65% | — | — |
| 42 | Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 80 | 45% | — | — |
| 43 | Professional Technical Institution Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 80 | 83% | $7,068 | $21,228 |
| 44 | Northwest Shoals Community College Muscle Shoals, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 78 | 39% | — | — |
| 45 | College of the Desert Palm Desert, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 78 | 31% | — | — |
| 46 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 76 | 53% | $17,520 | $50,187 |
| 47 | Lively Technical College Tallahassee, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 71 | 51% | — | — |
| 48 | Cypress College Cypress, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 70 | 37% | — | — |
| 49 | Southern Careers Institute - Harlingen Harlingen, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 70 | 60% | $24,989 | $32,421 |
| 50 | Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 69 | 64% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 26 states & territories
Where Heating graduates come from. Each state links to all Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-9021, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Heating program can pursue careers as Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, with an expected job growth of 8.1% and approximately 40,100 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $59,810, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0501
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installersprimary SOC 49-9021 | $61,010 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~40,100 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other SOC 17-3029 | $78,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~5,700 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Heating programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
Tools and technology used
Other Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.05).
- Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/CIP 15.0506
Technician 860 graduates / yr56 institutions - Environmental/CIP 15.0507
Environmental Engineering Technology/ Technician 254 graduates / yr32 institutions - Environmental Control Technologies/CIP 15.0599
Technicians 120 graduates / yr13 institutions - Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/CIP 15.0508
Technician 118 graduates / yr14 institutions
See all Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of awards can I earn in this program?+
You can earn awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to at least 2 academic years, including associate's degrees.
What skills will I develop in the Heating program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and technical knowledge related to HVAC systems.
What is the job outlook for Heating program graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of 8.1%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 179 colleges offering the Heating program across the United States.
What is the CIP code for Heating?+
Heating is CIP 15.0501 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.05). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, and heating systems. Includes instruction in principles of heating and cooling technology, design and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, installation and operation procedures, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Heating programs?+
179 U.S. institutions reported Heating graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 26 states & territories, awarding 11,417 credentials in the year. That is 89.4% of all Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Heating graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers occupation, which Heating most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,010 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $36,515 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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