Is There an HVAC School in Palatine?
- William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, 3 miles away, offers Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technology AAS and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Certificate.
- Chicago Professional Center in Prospect Heights, 7 miles away, offers Residential & Commercial HVAC Technician/Electrician and Electrician / HVAC Technician / Maintenance PLC.
- Oakton College in Des Plaines, 9 miles away, offers Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology A.A.S. and Residential Comfort Control Certificate.
- EPA 608: 6 of these 8 schools name EPA 608 preparation or testing.
- HVAC pay in Illinois: a median $77,410 a year (BLS, May 2025).
Best HVAC Schools in Palatine for What You Need
HVAC Schools in Palatine and the Surrounding Area
William Rainey Harper College
Offers an associate degree and 5 certificates in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $3,894 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 55 conferred 2024–25
The closest campus to Palatine; a degree option on top of certificates.
Covers Refrigeration · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Controls · Ductwork
Chicago Professional Center
Offers 2 other awards in HVAC
- HVAC awards offered
- 2 certificates and degrees
- HVAC awards
- 180 conferred 2024–25
Evening or weekend classes.
Covers EPA 608 · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Commercial
Oakton College
Offers an associate degree and 5 certificates in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $3,985 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 28 conferred 2024–25
A degree option on top of certificates.
Covers EPA 608 · Refrigeration · Heating · Air conditioning
Elgin Community College
Offers an associate degree and 6 certificates in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $3,252 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 111 conferred 2024–25
The lowest tuition of the 7 HVAC schools here ($3,252); a degree option on top of certificates.
Covers EPA 608 · Refrigeration · Heating · Heat pumps · Controls · Ductwork
College of Lake County
Offers an associate degree and 6 certificates in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $4,788 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 250 conferred 2024–25
The most HVAC awards nearby (250 in 2024–25); a degree option on top of certificates.
Covers EPA 608 · Refrigeration · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Commercial
Tuition and HVAC awards: NCES College Navigator. Programs and topics: each school's own HVAC page, reviewed September 2026. Distances are straight-line from Palatine.
William Rainey Harper College and 7 More Programs Within 60 Miles
| School | Distance | Tuition and fees | HVAC awards | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine | 3 miles | $3,894 | 55 | 48% |
| Chicago Professional CenterProspect Heights | 7 miles | 180 | ||
| Oakton CollegeDes Plaines | 9 miles | $3,985 | 28 | 37% |
| Elgin Community CollegeElgin | 16 miles | $3,252 | 111 | 41% |
| College of Lake CountyGrayslake | 17 miles | $4,788 | 250 | 37% |
| Triton CollegeRiver Grove | 17 miles | $5,070 | 5 | 29% |
| College of DuPageGlen Ellyn | 19 miles | $4,560 | 73 | 25% |
| Morton CollegeCicero | 25 miles | $5,502 | 6 | 31% |
HVAC programs near Palatine, sorted by straight-line distance. Tuition: 2024–25 full-time rate. Awards: HVAC credentials conferred (NCES College Navigator). Graduation rate is school-wide. Blank cells have no federal figure.
HVAC Classes in Palatine: 2 Schools Teach Evenings or Weekends
- Chicago Professional CenterMorning classes run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and evening classes 6 to 10 p.m. The six-month Maintenance PLC course offers a paid internship of up to 20 hours a week for up to four weeks after completion.
- College of Lake CountyA fast-track option lets students complete two stackable certificates in about four months, and two more in a second semester; certificate credits apply to the A.A.S.
- Triton CollegeCourses run in eight-week accelerated formats.
Also publishing schedules: College of DuPage (19 miles). See each profile for times.
Certificate or Associate Degree Near Palatine?
Chicago Professional Center and Triton College offer certificates or diplomas only; William Rainey Harper College, Oakton College and Elgin Community College also award an HVAC associate degree, which adds general education and usually takes about two years full time.
- William Rainey Harper CollegeRefrigeration/Air Conditioning Technology AAS: 61 credit hours; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Certificate: 29 credit hours; Heating Service Certificate: 22 credit hours
- Chicago Professional CenterResidential & Commercial HVAC Technician/Electrician: 4.5 months; Electrician / HVAC Technician / Maintenance PLC: 6 months
- Oakton CollegeAir Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology A.A.S.: 60 credit hours (18 general education + 42 program); Residential Comfort Control Certificate: 32 credit hours; Commercial Buildings Energy Systems Certificate: 32 credit hours
HVAC Technician Pay in Illinois
Annual wages for HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois (9,740 jobs); U.S. median $61,010. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Questions About HVAC Schools in Palatine
How Much Do HVAC Schools in Palatine Cost?
Elgin Community College charges the least, $3,252 a year full time in 2024–25 (in-district); Morton College charges $5,502. Tools and books cost extra (Elgin Community College budgets $1,500 for books and supplies).
How Long Does HVAC School Take Near Palatine?
It depends on the credential. At William Rainey Harper College, the closest program that publishes lengths, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technology AAS runs 61 credit hours. 6 of the 8 schools near Palatine also offer an associate degree, which usually takes about two years full time.
How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make in Palatine?
HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois earn a median $77,410 a year (BLS, May 2025), 27% above the U.S. median of $61,010. The top 10% earn more than $117,550.
What Is the Best HVAC School Near Palatine?
Elgin Community College scores highest on program size, cost and completion among the HVAC schools within 60 miles, with 111 HVAC awards in 2024–25. College of Lake County ranks second.
Where Can You Get EPA 608 Certified Near Palatine?
Chicago Professional Center, Oakton College and Elgin Community College name EPA 608 preparation or testing on their HVAC program pages.
Are There Night HVAC Classes Near Palatine?
Yes. Chicago Professional Center (7 miles) and College of DuPage (19 miles) publish evening or weekend classes. Each school profile has its full schedule.
HVAC Programs Near Palatine but Farther Out
- ETI School of Skilled Trades, Willowbrook26 miles
- HVAC Technical Institute, Chicago27 miles
- Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove31 miles
- Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills31 miles
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How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make in Illinois?
Illinois HVAC technicians earned a median $77,410 in May 2025 ($37.21 an hour), well above the national $61,010. See pay by metro and where to train.

National · Cost
What HVAC Students Spend on Books, Tools and Supplies
HVAC books and supplies run from $500 a year at St. Philip's College to $3,864 at Sampson Community College. See what schools list and what's included.

Ohio · Cost
How Much Does HVAC School Cost in Ohio?
Ohio HVAC training costs $4,680 to $10,716 at adult career centers, $3,675 to $5,870 a year at colleges, and $11,534 to $16,699 a year at private schools.
Guides, Careers and Pay
Sources
- Official HVAC program pages of the 8 schools above (each profile links to its page), reviewed September 2026.
- U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
