What Does San Diego City College Offer HVAC Students?
San Diego City College in San Diego, California offers 4 associate degrees and 9 certificates in HVAC through its Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology (AIRE) program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $1,146 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 14 HVAC credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning an HVAC degree, not just a certificate.
HVAC Degree and Certificates at San Diego City College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology Associate in Science | Associate | |
| HVAC/R Mechanical Systems Installation and Repair Associate in Science | Associate | 24 major units plus general education |
| Mechanical Systems and Solid-State Electronics Technician Associate in Science | Associate | 30 major units plus general education |
| Mechanical Systems Project Development Associate in Science | Associate | 33 major units plus general education |
| Advanced HVAC/R Mechanical Systems Installation and Repair Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | 24 units |
| Mechanical Systems and Solid-State Electronics Technician Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | 30 units |
| Mechanical Systems Project Development Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | 33 units |
| Advanced Air Conditioning and Direct Digital Control Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | |
| Air Conditioning, Heating, and Advanced Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | |
| Basic HVAC/R Mechanical Systems Installation Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar Energy Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | |
| Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems Design Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | |
| Basic Refrigeration and Control Systems Certificate of Performance | Certificate | 11 units |
As listed on San Diego City College's HVAC program page, reviewed September 26, 2026.
San Diego City College HVAC Tuition: $1,146 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $1,146 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $10,002 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,062 2024–25 estimate
- HVAC certificates awarded
- 10 2024–25
- HVAC associate degrees
- 4 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 30% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 13,242 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 San Diego City College Teaches
The AIRE program offers a stack of certificates, from an 11-unit basic refrigeration award to degrees in HVAC/R installation, solid-state electronics and project development, with emphasis on energy efficiency and alternative energy integration.
- Refrigeration systemsindustrial refrigeration
- Air conditioningcommercial air conditioning
- Heat pumps and geothermalsolar/geothermal
- Controls and building automationDDC controls
- Commercial and industrial systemscommercial air conditioning, industrial refrigeration
Certification Testing at San Diego City College
Testing. The certificate sequence includes an HVAC/R Certification Training course (AIRE 94).
Where You'll Train: San Diego City College
- San Diego City College
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on San Diego City College's own site.
Visit sdcity.eduWhat HVAC Technicians Earn Around San Diego
HVAC technicians in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area earn a median $74,880 a year. 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 56 Miles of San Diego
- UEI College-Chula Vista9 mi
- ATA College12 mi
- Palomar College30 mi · $1,354/yr
- UEI College-Oceanside36 mi
- San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula56 mi
Straight-line distance between campuses. All HVAC schools in California · HVAC schools in San Diego
San Diego City College HVAC FAQ
Does San Diego City College Have an HVAC Program?
Yes. San Diego City College offers 4 associate degrees and 9 certificates in HVAC at San Diego City College. Training covers refrigeration systems, air conditioning, heat pumps and geothermal, controls and building automation, commercial and industrial systems.
How Much Does HVAC School Cost at San Diego City College?
San Diego City College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $1,146 for a full-time year (in-state) and $10,002 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,062. HVAC students also buy hand tools and meters.
How Long Is the HVAC Program at San Diego City College?
HVAC/R Mechanical Systems Installation and Repair Associate in Science: 24 major units plus general education. Mechanical Systems and Solid-State Electronics Technician Associate in Science: 30 major units plus general education. Mechanical Systems Project Development Associate in Science: 33 major units plus general education.
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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