What Does Palomar College Offer HVAC Students?
Palomar College in San Marcos, California offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in HVAC through its Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $1,354 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 22 HVAC credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning an HVAC degree, not just a certificate.
HVAC Degree and Certificates at Palomar College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration A.S. Degree | Associate | 25-26 major units plus general education |
| Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement | Certificate | 16 units |
| Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Entry Employment Ready Certificate of Proficiency | Certificate | 10 units |
As listed on Palomar College's HVAC program page, reviewed September 26, 2026.
Palomar College HVAC Tuition: $1,354 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $1,354 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $10,650 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,062 2024–25 estimate
- HVAC certificates awarded
- 21 2024–25
- HVAC associate degrees
- 1 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 38% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 19,550 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.
What You'll Learn in Palomar College's HVAC Program
A 10-unit entry certificate prepares students for all sections of the EPA 608 exam and stacks into the 16-unit certificate and the A.S. degree.
- EPA 608 refrigerant certification
- Refrigeration systems
- Electrical and wiring
- Heating, furnaces and boilers
- Air conditioning
Certification Testing at Palomar College
Testing. The entry certificate prepares students for the EPA Section 608 exam (Core, Type I, II and III), and the program includes EPA certification for maintenance technicians.
Where You'll Train: Palomar College
- Palomar College
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Palomar College's own site.
Visit palomar.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 38 Miles of San Marcos
- UEI College-Oceanside11 mi
- San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula26 mi
- ATA College26 mi
- San Diego City College30 mi · $1,146/yr
- UEI College-Chula Vista38 mi
Straight-line distance between campuses. All HVAC schools in California · HVAC schools in San Marcos
Palomar College HVAC FAQ
Does Palomar College Have an HVAC Program?
Yes. Palomar College offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in HVAC at Palomar College. Training covers EPA 608 refrigerant certification, refrigeration systems, electrical and wiring, heating, furnaces and boilers, air conditioning.
How Much Does HVAC School Cost at Palomar College?
Palomar College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $1,354 for a full-time year (in-state) and $10,650 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 Palomar College?
Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration A.S. Degree: 25-26 major units plus general education. Air Conditioning/Heating/Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement: 16 units. Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Entry Employment Ready Certificate of Proficiency: 10 units.
Can You Get EPA 608 Certified at Palomar College?
The entry certificate prepares students for the EPA Section 608 exam (Core, Type I, II and III), and the program includes EPA certification for maintenance technicians.
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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