What Does Foothill College Offer HVAC Students?
Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California offers 2 associate degrees and 2 certificates in HVAC through its Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Apprenticeship; Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $1,565 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 106 HVAC credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning an HVAC degree, not just a certificate.
Note: HVAC training is offered through a union or registered apprenticeship.
HVAC Degree and Certificates at Foothill College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Apprenticeship AS | Associate | 45.5-70 major units |
| Certificate of Achievement in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology | Certificate | 45.5-70 units |
| Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship AS | Associate | 57-61 major units |
| Certificate of Achievement in Air Conditioning Mechanic | Certificate | 57-61 units |
As listed on Foothill College's HVAC program page, reviewed September 26, 2026.
Foothill College HVAC Tuition: $1,565 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $1,565 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $12,590 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,794 2024–25 estimate
- HVAC certificates awarded
- 102 2024–25
- HVAC associate degrees
- 4 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 56% school-wide, Fall 2018 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 12,949 school-wide, Fall 2024
Tuition and fees are for a full-time year. Awards count HVAC credentials conferred. Graduation rate and enrollment cover the whole school. Source: NCES College Navigator.
From Residential to Commercial Systems: What Foothill College Teaches
HVAC training at Foothill runs only through five-year union apprenticeships: AC & Refrigeration with the Pipe Trades Training Center and UA Local 467, and AC Mechanic with Sheet Metal Local 104 and the Bay Area Industry Training Fund.
- Refrigeration systems
- Air conditioning
- Controls and building automationpneumatic controls
- Ductwork, airflow and sheet metalduct design
- Commercial and industrial systemslarge commercial HVAC
When Foothill College HVAC Classes Meet
Schedule. Both are five-year registered apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with college coursework; enrollment is limited to apprentices registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Where You'll Train: Foothill College (With Union Training Centers)
- Foothill College (with union training centers)
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Foothill College's own site.
Visit foothill.eduWhat HVAC Technicians Earn in California
Across California, the median HVAC technician wage is $72,560 a year, from $46,950 at the 10th percentile to $109,060 at the 90th, with 35,130 HVAC mechanics and installers employed. The national median is $61,010. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More HVAC Schools Within 31 Miles of Los Altos Hills
- Institute for Business and Technology9 mi
- San Jose City College12 mi · $1,366/yr
- CET-San Jose14 mi
- City College of San Francisco31 mi · $1,696/yr
- Laney College31 mi · $1,258/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All HVAC schools in California · HVAC schools in Los Altos Hills
Foothill College HVAC FAQ
Does Foothill College Have an HVAC Program?
Yes. Foothill College offers 2 associate degrees and 2 certificates in HVAC at Foothill College (with union training centers). Training covers refrigeration systems, air conditioning, controls and building automation, ductwork, airflow and sheet metal, commercial and industrial systems.
How Much Does HVAC School Cost at Foothill College?
Foothill College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $1,565 for a full-time year (in-state) and $12,590 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,794. HVAC students also buy hand tools and meters.
How Long Is the HVAC Program at Foothill College?
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Apprenticeship AS: 45.5-70 major units. Certificate of Achievement in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology: 45.5-70 units. Air Conditioning Mechanic Apprenticeship AS: 57-61 major units.
Does Foothill College Offer Night or Weekend HVAC Classes?
Both are five-year registered apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with college coursework; enrollment is limited to apprentices registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make in California?
The median HVAC technician wage in California is $72,560 a year, and the middle half earn between $58,280 and $90,780 (BLS, May 2025).
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