Veteran Trade Schools

Does the GI Bill® cover HVAC school?

Quick answer

Yes, if the program is approved for VA education benefits. VA names HVAC repair as an example of a non-college degree program it covers. Employer HVAC apprenticeships can also be approved. VA's data lists 1,767 approved HVAC locations, listed below. [VA: Non-college degree programs] [VA: GI Bill Comparison Tool]

What the GI Bill pays for HVAC school

These are VA's current Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) figures. VA scales tuition and housing to your eligibility percentage, which depends on how long you served.

$30,908.34Post-9/11 cap on net tuition and fees per year for non-college degree programs (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027) [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]
E-5 BAHMonthly housing allowance rate basis, set by your training ZIP code [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]
$83/moPost-9/11 books and supplies for NCD and OJT, up to $1,000 a year [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]
$2,000Maximum VA pays back per approved licensing or certification test [VA: Licensing and certification tests]

Things to know about HVAC training

How to use your GI Bill for HVAC school

  1. Check your eligibility

    Apply for education benefits on VA.gov to get your Certificate of Eligibility. [VA: How to apply for education benefits]

  2. Pick an approved program

    Use the list below, then open the program's VA profile in the Comparison Tool. Approval is for specific programs. [VA: GI Bill Comparison Tool]

  3. Read the caution flags

    VA flags issues such as accreditation problems or Heightened Cash Monitoring. We show them in VA's wording.

  4. Talk to the certifying official

    The School Certifying Official reports your enrollment to VA. Confirm the start date and program before you sign anything. [VA: Choosing a GI Bill approved school]

Approved HVAC programs

As of October 23, 2026, VA's data lists 1,767 HVAC training locations in 53 states and territories: 933 with school programs and 834 with apprenticeship or OJT. The most locations are in Connecticut (218), Texas (104), Florida (103), Iowa (97), California (80).

By type: 832 employers and apprenticeship sponsors, 671 public colleges and technical schools, 216 for-profit schools, 48 private nonprofit schools. The most common program titles in VA's data are “Heating & Cooling Mechanic” (101), “HVAC Technician” (75), “HVAC” (66).

Search all 1,767 HVAC locations →

Or go straight to a state:

Common questions

Will the GI Bill pay for HVAC school?

Yes. VA specifically names HVAC repair as an example of a non-college degree program. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays the net tuition and mandatory fees up to $30,908.34 per academic year (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027), scaled to your eligibility percentage, if the program is approved.

[VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates] [VA: Non-college degree programs]

Does the GI Bill cover EPA 608 certification?

EPA requires Section 608 certification for technicians who work on equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants. If the certification test you take is approved for the GI Bill, VA can pay you back for the fee, up to $2,000 per test.

[EPA: Section 608 technician certification] [VA: Licensing and certification tests]

Can I do an HVAC apprenticeship on the GI Bill?

Yes, if the employer's program is approved. You earn wages, and VA pays a monthly benefit that steps down every six months under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

[VA: On-the-job training and apprenticeships] [VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill rates]

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Non-college degree programs” (page last updated December 13, 2024). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “On-the-job training and apprenticeships” (page last updated February 4, 2025). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Post-9/11 GI Bill rates (Aug 1, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027)” (page last updated October 13, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) rates (Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027)”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Licensing and certification tests and prep courses” (page last updated October 23, 2026). Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  6. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “GI Bill Comparison Tool”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  8. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Choosing a GI Bill approved school”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Section 608 Technician Certification”. Retrieved October 23, 2026.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.