Is There an HVAC School in Rockford?
- Rockford Career College in Rockford, 2 miles away, offers Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Diploma.
- Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, WI, 23 miles away, offers Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Associate Degree and Residential HVAC Embedded Technical Diploma.
- Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, 41 miles away, offers Heating, Refrigeration, & Air Conditioning: Entry Level Technician Certificate (H84).
- EPA 608: 4 of these 8 schools name EPA 608 preparation or testing.
- HVAC pay in the Rockford, IL metro area: a median $75,070 a year (BLS, May 2025).
Best HVAC Schools in Rockford for What You Need
HVAC Schools in Rockford and the Surrounding Area
Rockford Career College
Offers a diploma in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $16,699 all students, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 37 conferred 2024–25
The closest campus to Rockford.
Covers Refrigeration · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Controls · Commercial
Blackhawk Technical College
Offers an associate degree and a diploma in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $4,267 in-state, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 12 conferred 2024–25
Some coursework online; a degree option on top of certificates.
Covers EPA 608 · Refrigeration · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Heat pumps
Sauk Valley Community College
Offers a certificate in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $5,340 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 11 conferred 2024–25
Covers Refrigeration · Electrical · 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 8 HVAC schools here ($3,252); a degree option on top of certificates.
Covers EPA 608 · Refrigeration · Heating · Heat pumps · Controls · Ductwork
Waubonsee Community College
Offers an associate degree and a certificate in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $3,504 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 27 conferred 2024–25
A degree option on top of certificates.
Covers EPA 608 · Refrigeration · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Heat pumps
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
College of DuPage
Offers 3 associate degrees and 5 certificates in HVAC
- Tuition / year
- $4,560 in-district, 2024–25
- HVAC awards
- 73 conferred 2024–25
Evening or weekend classes; some coursework online; a degree option on top of certificates.
Covers Refrigeration · Electrical · Heating · Air conditioning · Controls
Tuition and HVAC awards: NCES College Navigator. Programs and topics: each school's own HVAC page, reviewed September 2026. Distances are straight-line from Rockford.
Rockford Career College and 7 More Programs Within 60 Miles
| School | Distance | Tuition and fees | HVAC awards | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford Career CollegeRockford | 2 miles | $16,699 | 37 | 66% |
| Blackhawk Technical CollegeJanesville, WI | 23 miles | $4,267 | 12 | 34% |
| Sauk Valley Community CollegeDixon | 41 miles | $5,340 | 11 | 49% |
| Elgin Community CollegeElgin | 42 miles | $3,252 | 111 | 41% |
| Waubonsee Community CollegeSugar Grove | 45 miles | $3,504 | 27 | 39% |
| William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine | 52 miles | $3,894 | 55 | 48% |
| College of Lake CountyGrayslake | 54 miles | $4,788 | 250 | 37% |
| College of DuPageGlen Ellyn | 59 miles | $4,560 | 73 | 25% |
HVAC programs near Rockford, 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 Rockford: College of DuPage Teaches Evenings or Weekends
- Rockford Career CollegeDelivered fully in person at the Rockford campus.
- Blackhawk Technical CollegeThe program page lists face-to-face, online, hybrid, FlexLab and MyEdChoice formats, where students can switch between online and in-person attendance for some courses.
- 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.
Also publishing schedules: College of DuPage (59 miles). See each profile for times.
Certificate or Associate Degree Near Rockford?
Rockford Career College and Sauk Valley Community College offer certificates or diplomas only; Blackhawk Technical College, Elgin Community College and Waubonsee Community College also award an HVAC associate degree, which adds general education and usually takes about two years full time.
- Rockford Career CollegeHeating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Diploma: 64 quarter credit hours (10 months)
- Blackhawk Technical CollegeAir Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Associate Degree: 61 credits (four semesters); Residential HVAC Embedded Technical Diploma: 26 credits
- Sauk Valley Community CollegeHeating, Refrigeration, & Air Conditioning: Entry Level Technician Certificate (H84): 16 credit hours
HVAC Technician Pay Around Rockford
Annual wages for HVAC mechanics and installers in the Rockford, IL metro area (190 jobs); U.S. median $61,010. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Questions About HVAC Schools in Rockford
How Much Do HVAC Schools in Rockford Cost?
Elgin Community College charges the least, $3,252 a year full time in 2024–25 (in-district); Rockford Career College charges $16,699. Tools and books cost extra (Elgin Community College budgets $1,500 for books and supplies).
How Long Does HVAC School Take Near Rockford?
It depends on the credential. At Rockford Career College, the closest program that publishes lengths, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Diploma runs 64 quarter credit hours (10 months). 6 of the 8 schools near Rockford also offer an associate degree, which usually takes about two years full time.
How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make in Rockford?
HVAC mechanics and installers in the Rockford, IL metro area earn a median $75,070 a year (BLS, May 2025), 23% above the U.S. median of $61,010. The top 10% earn more than $117,550.
What Is the Best HVAC School Near Rockford?
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 Rockford?
Blackhawk Technical College, Elgin Community College and Waubonsee Community College name EPA 608 preparation or testing on their HVAC program pages.
Are There Night HVAC Classes Near Rockford?
Yes. College of DuPage (59 miles) publishes evening or weekend classes. Each school profile has its full schedule.
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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.