What is The Refrigeration School Known For?
The Refrigeration School is an institution that was founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1965. Since its opening, the school has been known for training skilled HVAC/R technicians through a flexible and innovative educational approach. The Refrigeration School offers programs in HVAC/R, welding training, and solar and electrical technology through day and evening classes.
The school prides itself on a hands-on approach, encouraging students to build fundamental skills necessary for career success. The Refrigeration School offers course credits accepted by other universities, such as the University of Phoenix, and has career services available to all students and alums.
Is it Legit?
Yes, it is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The school complies with all local, state, and federal regulations and is licensed to operate by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. They are additionally a member of the Arizona Private School Association.
The Refrigeration School is also a member of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the Air Conditioning Contractors of Arizona, the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, and the Better Business Bureau. The institute partners with many organizations to grant students funding assistance, including the Department of Economic Security, Workforce in Action, and Arizona’s Vocational Rehabilitation Department.
Is The Refrigeration School Worth It?
The Refrigeration School is an institution that boasts over 10,000 graduates and a 94% employment rate–significantly higher than the national average employment rate for college graduates, which is 87%, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. The institution’s graduates’ annual mean wage is $50,090, and numerous students cite they acquired fantastic jobs immediately after graduation. The Refrigeration School offers a life-changing educational experience, fostering professional relationships and a community of enterprising and hardworking individuals amongst its students, alumni, and faculty.
The Refrigeration School vs. Community College
The Refrigeration School is renowned for what they teach and how they teach it. Each educator at the institution cares about their student’s progress and success, fostered by small class sizes with competitive student-to-teacher ratios that allow for personalized attention.
The school additionally emphasizes hands-on learning as a component of their education, focusing on theory, basic principles, and safety procedures. Still, a majority of time is dedicated to hands-on shop experience to foster problem-solving and technical skills.
The Refrigeration School includes the E-STAR and M-STAR systems of troubleshooting in their programs, allowing students to gain experience in troubleshooting and diagnosing common problems in HVAC/R systems. The school additionally offers financial assistance, career services, and referral services to all students, with select services extending to alums.
Acceptance Rate
The Refrigeration School has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Total program tuition at The Refrigeration School ranges from $19,500 to $32,650. Programs at the institution typically take between 6 to 15 months to complete.
The Refrigeration School offers financial aid to students who qualify. The institution additionally accepts federal aid in the form of loans, grants, external scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
The Refrigeration School and related student facilities are open from 8 AM to 8 PM on Mondays through Thursdays, 8 AM to 4 PM on Fridays, and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays. Online learning components are available to students 24/7.
Programs & Courses
HVAC & Building Services
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Refrigeration
- Welding
Campus Locations
Phoenix, AZ 4210 East Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Financial Aid Services
Students can visit the Financial Aid Department to see if they qualify for assistance. If so, federal grants or loans may be available. The staff has all the necessary forms and will make sense of the information. In addition, The Refrigeration School has quite a few scholarships for those who meet certain criteria, based on need and background.
Student Services
Attendees work with Student Services to coordinate their programs. This ensures they’re on track to graduate. Additionally, The Refrigeration School staff helps with things like transportation, housing, administrative tasks, and more.
Career Services
To assist students in obtaining entry-level jobs for HVACR or other skilled trades, RSI has a Career Services Department. Resources include help with resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking, certifications, and the job search.
The Refrigeration School also holds career fairs, and lists links to useful sites online. Local employers provide input on the curriculum to ensure the training will be sustainable in the workforce.
Veteran and Military Services
As a military-friendly vocational school, RSI accepts the GI Bill and other educational benefits from eligible active duty or veteran service members and their families. The Refrigeration School also offers military tuition discounts. Advisors can discuss possible funding options, including scholarships.
Alumni Services
As a way to keep up with the evolving field of HVACR, former attendees might need to take extra classes. Successful graduates can return to continue their education at RSI. They just have to contact Student Services. Alumni may attend job fairs too.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) is an established trade school offering programs in HVAC, welding, and electrical. Reviews are mixed, highlighting strong individual instructors and the practical education they provide, but also raising serious concerns about administration, equipment, and class organization.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Highly Praised and Knowledgeable Instructors: Several program instructors (including those for welding and HVAC) are highly regarded for their insight, guidance, and dedication. They are credited with making the classes educational and enjoyable, particularly in the welding and HVAC programs.
Effective Hands-On Learning: Students frequently mention the fun and practical labs and the value of the hands-on education, especially for those in the welding program. Many feel they learned the craft and gained the skills needed for their future careers.
Accommodating Schedules and Staff: The school is praised for having flexible schedules (including weekend classes) and accommodating staff, making it accessible for students who are already working.
Starter Tools Provided: One reviewer noted that a great set of tools is provided upon the first week of class, which is a significant benefit for new tradespeople.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Financial Aid Issues: A primary source of frustration is the school’s administration. Complaints include poor communication regarding tuition costs, an overwhelming experience with the online information request process, and financial aid problems, including delayed money owed to a student using the GI Bill.
Poor Equipment and Overcrowding: Students in the welding program specifically complain about faulty or old machines, requiring them to frequently switch booths. There are also significant complaints about material shortages (plates, rods, argon) and overcrowding, forcing students to share booths and disrupt training.
Curriculum Changes and Quality Concerns: One recent graduate lamented the decision to reduce in-person class time to two days a week, questioning how that change will affect the quality of the program. Another reviewer noted almost enrolling in a program that they felt was not properly accredited for their chosen trade (electrical).
Generic Campus President Responses: Nearly every recent negative review received an almost identical, boilerplate response from the Campus President, which apologies for the experience and offers to discuss the concerns offline.
Momentum
The recent reviews from the last six months show a significant spike in complaints, particularly regarding administrative, financial, and equipment issues in the welding program, which suggests a negative momentum in operational quality. While students still praise individual instructors, the growing number of complaints about class time reduction, material shortages, and advisor difficulties indicate systemic issues that are frustrating the student body. The school’s quick but generic administrative responses do little to assure reviewers that the core organizational problems are being fixed.