What Is It Known For?
HVAC Technical Institute opened in 1994 as a minority-owned private institution, graduating its first class of 35 students trained in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning skills. Located just five minutes from Chicago’s Midway Airport, the school is not affiliated with any larger state college network.
However, it has built an excellent reputation in the HVAC and electrical industries, certifying around 175 students annually across its 17,500 square feet of classroom and hands-on workshop spaces.
Degrees & Certifications
HVAC Technical Institute offers the following certification programs:
- HVAC/R Training Program
- Electrical Technician Program
Upon completion of their chosen program, graduates receive a certificate that shows their readiness to start a rewarding career in their respective fields.
Class Schedules
HVAC Technical Institute offers classes during the day and evening, making it easier for students with different schedules to attend. Since the programs are hands-on, there’s no mention of online classes. You’ll need to be there in person to learn.
While the school doesn’t talk about externships, they do help students and graduates find jobs after finishing their job placement program. Just keep in mind that they can’t promise you’ll get hired.
Is HVAC Technical Institute Legit?
Yes. HVAC Technical Institute in Chicago is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The school is also approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Acceptance Rate
HVAC Technical Institute in Chicago has an open admission policy. This means that the school has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
HVAC Technical Institute offers two programs: HVAC/R Training and Electrical Technician. According to their student catalog, each program has a tuition cost of $15,000.00.
For a better estimate of the total cost of attendance, we recommend using the school’s net price calculatoravailable on their website.
Programs & Courses
Electrician
- NCCER Core Level
- NCCER Level 1
- NCCER Level 2
- NCCER Level 3
- NCCER Level 4
HVAC
- Electricity
- Heating
- Hydronics
- AC
Campus Locations
Chicago 4532 S. Kolin Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60632
Financial Aid Services
The HVAC Institute helps students complete and process their FAFSA application. After leaving school, all students meet with counselors to ensure that student loan obligations are understood.
Career Services
HVAC Technical Institute has a dedicated team to help students look for employment, craft a professional resume, and connect with potential employers through networking opportunities. The school works to foster relationships with key industry employers, to maintain their reputation as a reliable source of skilled technicians. Job placement is not guaranteed but the school strives to help with placement in the field.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, HVAC Technical Institute has an excellent reputation, with a very high overall rating. The feedback is consistently and overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the quality of instruction, the hands-on learning environment, and the staff’s dedication to student success.
Overall Score: 4.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Knowledgeable and Supportive Staff: Many reviews praise the instructors for being knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. Students feel the entire staff is dedicated to their success, providing a family-like atmosphere and going above the norm to ensure they understand the material.
Highly Effective Hands-on Training: The school is celebrated for its hands-on approach. Reviewers, including one who graduated over a decade ago, highlight the abundance of equipment and the practical learning style that directly translates to a successful career in the field.
Strong Career Outcomes and Job Placement: Multiple graduates state that the school provided them with the skills and connections needed to secure a job quickly after graduation. One alumnus credits the institute for having a strong reputation among companies, which helped them land a job just one month after finishing the program.
Life-Changing Opportunity: Several reviewers describe their decision to attend the school as a “life-changing” one, as it helped them launch successful and profitable careers. The school is praised for setting students up to succeed in their chosen trades.
Common Criticisms
Negative Experience with Front Desk Staff: One reviewer mentioned a negative experience with a staff member during the registration process, describing them as “rude.” However, this isolated incident is directly contradicted by other positive reviews that praise the helpfulness of the entire staff.
Out-of-pocket Costs and Job Placement Limitations: Some external online discussions mention that students may need to purchase their own tools, which can be an unexpected expense. A few comments also suggest that while the school is excellent at providing job placement support, it does not guarantee employment.
Momentum
The reviews for HVAC Technical Institute show a very strong, sustained positive momentum, with recent feedback from the last few months being highly favorable. The school’s quick and personalized responses to all reviews, including the one negative comment, show a strong commitment to addressing student concerns and maintaining its reputation. External data corroborates the positive sentiment by showing a high job placement rate and that the school is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The school is also a long-standing institution, having operated since 1994, which adds to its credibility.