Key Takeaways
Financial Aid options for HVAC training programs include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, veteran’s benefits, and more.
HVAC jobs in Texas are projected to increase by 13% through 2034, according to Projections Central.
Completing a one-year HVAC program can reduce the work requirement for licensure by six months.
Texas is heating up. Literally. If ever there was a time to consider a career path in HVAC, it’s now.
A 2024 report from Texas A&M University found that average temperatures in Texas in 2036 are expected to be 1.8 degrees higher than those experienced in the state between 1991 and 2020. Air conditioners installed and maintained by HVAC technicians can moderate rising temperatures in residential, industrial, and commercial environments.
Pursuing an education from an HVAC school in Houston can help individuals obtain a critical state license by reducing the four-year work requirement for the license by six months. An HVAC program also can help students prepare for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Technician Certification exam, which must be passed to work with the refrigerants used in air conditioners and other HVAC devices according to federal requirements.
As you pursue your local opportunities for career-ready HVAC training, one of your first questions may be, “Can I get financial aid for HVAC School in Houston?” This article will outline several options available to help fund HVAC school in Houston.
Federal Pell Grant: These grants are need-based and provided by the federal government based on a student’s existing income, including that of their parents or guardians. The award amount depends upon the student’s eligibility, their enrollment status, and the cost of tuition at their school.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): These grants are awarded to those with exceptional financial need.
Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loan Program: These loans are for parents with good credit histories who intend to take out a loan to cover their child’s education.
Veterans’ Benefits: Offered through the Veterans Administration, these financial aid benefits are typically reserved for students who have served in the military. In some cases, a veteran’s dependents may also be able to access this option.
Scholarships: Several scholarships are available from organizations that focus on helping cover educational expenses for HVAC programs, such as the Rees scholarship, the Women in HVAC scholarship, and the Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) Dave Nelson scholarship. Eligibility requirements vary.
Private Loans: These loans, such as the Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans, are often available from private organizations. They are designed to be applied to remaining costs after federal aid, scholarships, and other savings are used, and they accumulate interest over time.
Some forms of federal aid may require students to maintain a specific grade point average and may only cover the student’s education up to a certain limit, such as for up to 150% of the credits required for a specific program.
Requirements for HVAC School in Houston
Prior to enrollment in the Fortis HVAC school in Houston, prospective students must:
Complete high school or its equivalent, such as passing the General Educational Development (GED) exam, and provide proof through a school transcript or other qualifying documentation. To be accepted, any documentation from a school or program in another country must be translated into English and equivalent to or higher than a U.S. high school education level.
Be at least 17 years old by the time the HVAC program begins.
Submit an applicant information form.
Complete an interview with an admission advisor or administrative member, discussing career goals and ensuring the program is an adequate fit.
Ensure they meet all financial obligations, including tuition payment requirements.
Pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE), which tests an applicant’s cognitive ability, with a minimum entrance score of 11 for the HVAC training program. Applicants who do not pass with a qualifying minimum score on their first attempt can take the test up to three additional times and are encouraged to prepare in advance.
Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians in Houston
The job outlook for HVAC professionals in Houston is strong, with Projections Central estimating there will be a 13% increase in HVAC technician positions in Texas between 2024 and 2034. Given that Houston is the most populous city in the state as of 2025, career opportunities in the area are expected to be on the rise in the coming years.
When compared to the whole country, HVAC technician job growth in Texas looks promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), positions for HVAC technicians across the country are expected to increase 11% between 2024 and 2034.
The BLS suggests that growth in HVAC technician employment will coincide with increased construction in both residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, the increased need for energy efficient climate-control systems will help boost job opportunities, with demand expected to increase for technicians to work on existing buildings that need HVAC units retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced.
Pursue Your Career Goals in HVAC
Financial aid can help students afford foundational HVAC education, which helps them become better educated and more skilled in the field. Consider the benefits of the Fortis HVAC training program in North Houston or HVAC training program in South Houston to prepare for a rewarding career.
Our HVAC schools in Houston offer a curriculum that covers thermodynamics, HVAC controls, residential air conditioning, and various types of heating systems. Additionally, the program prepares students to take the EPA certification exam upon graduation, allowing them to work with refrigerants.
In as little as 48 weeks, individuals can complete a Fortis HVAC program that can also reduce the amount of work experience they need to obtain a Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license in Texas, giving them the ability to work independently in a self-owned business.
Begin a new career today with Fortis.
Recommended Readings
How to Become an HVAC Contractor
How to Know if a Career in Skilled Trades Is Right for You
What I Like Best About Working in HVAC
