What Does Elgin Community College Offer HVAC Students?
Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois offers an associate degree and 6 certificates in HVAC through its Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $3,252 for a full-time year (in-district), the lowest of the 28 Illinois schools we list with federal figures. The school awarded 111 HVAC credentials in 2024–25. Best for keeping tuition low in Illinois.
Elgin Community College HVAC Tuition: $3,252 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $3,252 in-district, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $9,516 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,500 2024–25 estimate
- HVAC certificates awarded
- 103 2024–25
- HVAC associate degrees
- 8 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 41% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 10,251 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.
HVAC Degree and Certificates at Elgin Community College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration - Associate of Applied Science | Associate | 61 credit hours (four semesters) |
| HVAC Facilities Maintenance Tech - Vocational Specialist | Certificate | 47 credit hours |
| Light Commercial HVAC Service Tech - Vocational Specialist | Certificate | 39 credit hours |
| Sheet Metal Mechanics - Vocational Specialist | Certificate | 34.5 credit hours |
| Residential HVAC Service Technician - Basic Vocational Specialist | Certificate | 27 credit hours |
| Refrigeration Service Technician - Basic Vocational Specialist | Certificate | 19 credit hours |
| Residential HVAC Systems - Basic Vocational Specialist | Certificate | 13 credit hours |
As listed on Elgin Community College's HVAC program page, reviewed September 26, 2026.
From Residential to Commercial Systems: What Elgin Community College Teaches
The program covers solar thermal and geothermal heat pump integration alongside a Green Energy Technology degree track.
- EPA 608 refrigerant certification
- Refrigeration systemscommercial refrigeration
- Heating, furnaces and boilers
- Heat pumps and geothermalsolar/geothermal
- Controls and building automationpneumatic and electronic controls
- Ductwork, airflow and sheet metal
- Commercial and industrial systemscommercial refrigeration
Certification Testing at Elgin Community College
Testing. The program prepares students for EPA Section 608 certification (testing fee applies). A heat pump course includes the RSES national heat pump certification, and a pre-training course leads to AHRI/GAMA Industry Competency Exams in residential, light commercial and commercial refrigeration.
Where You'll Train: Main Campus
- Main Campus
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Elgin Community College's own site.
Visit elgin.eduWhat HVAC Technicians Earn Around Chicago
HVAC technicians in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn a median $77,960 a year. Across Illinois, the median HVAC technician wage is $77,410 a year, from $46,690 at the 10th percentile to $117,550 at the 90th, with 9,740 HVAC mechanics and installers employed. The national median is $61,010. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More HVAC Schools Within 23 Miles of Elgin
- William Rainey Harper College14 mi · $3,894/yr
- Waubonsee Community College17 mi · $3,504/yr
- College of DuPage18 mi · $4,560/yr
- Chicago Professional Center22 mi
- Oakton College23 mi · $3,985/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All HVAC schools in Illinois · HVAC schools in Elgin
Elgin Community College HVAC FAQ
Does Elgin Community College Have an HVAC Program?
Yes. Elgin Community College offers an associate degree and 6 certificates in HVAC at Main Campus. Training covers EPA 608 refrigerant certification, refrigeration systems, heating, furnaces and boilers, heat pumps and geothermal, controls and building automation.
How Much Does HVAC School Cost at Elgin Community College?
Elgin Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $3,252 for a full-time year (in-district) and $9,516 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,500. HVAC students also buy hand tools and meters.
How Long Is the HVAC Program at Elgin Community College?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration - Associate of Applied Science: 61 credit hours (four semesters). HVAC Facilities Maintenance Tech - Vocational Specialist: 47 credit hours. Light Commercial HVAC Service Tech - Vocational Specialist: 39 credit hours.
Can You Get EPA 608 Certified at Elgin Community College?
The program prepares students for EPA Section 608 certification (testing fee applies). A heat pump course includes the RSES national heat pump certification, and a pre-training course leads to AHRI/GAMA Industry Competency Exams in residential, light commercial and commercial refrigeration.
How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make in Illinois?
The median HVAC technician wage in Illinois is $77,410 a year, and the middle half earn between $60,200 and $96,030 (BLS, May 2025).
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