Frequently Asked Questions

Program length depends on which program and class schedule you select. We specialize in accelerated, skill specific programs, and career services assistance upon completion. Therefore, day students may attend as little as seven months or as long as 14 months, depending on their educational goals. Students attending night classes will have longer course lengths.

1. Contact The Refrigiration School
Contact us or visit one of our conveniently located campuses for a personalized visit, or tour them virtually from the comfort of home!

2. Connect With A Representative
Connect with a professional representative about your goals and discover how The Refrigiration School can help you succeed!

3. Choose Your Program
We’ll work with you to figure out which The Refrigiration School training program is right for you based on your life situation, personal interests and career goals.

4. Work With Your Rep Through the Process
Students come from many states nationwide. Visit one of our conveniently located campuses or tour them virtually from the comfort of home!

5. Start Your Training
Our experienced staff has been training welders since 1949, and work closely with all students to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

Yes, RSI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

The RSI campus is located in the Phoenix metropolitan area and includes 26,000 square feet of training facilities, including classrooms, labs, support services, and shops.

Phoenix, AZ Campus
4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI), a trades school located in Phoenix, Arizona, provides hands-on training in HVAC/R, electrical, electromechanical, and welding technologies. Founded in 1965, RSI designs its programs with direct industry input and teaches them through experienced professionals to prepare students for in-demand**, entry-level careers. The school fosters a student-focused environment that supports individuals committed to achieving their career goals.

RSI training programs are hands-on and career-focused, designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the skilled trades. With more than 60 years of experience, students learn from industry-experienced instructors and benefit from flexible class schedules that support a wide range of career paths, including recent graduates, career changers, and military transitions.

Students also receive personalized support throughout their education, with dedicated faculty, staff, and financial aid professionals focused on student success. As a military-friendly school offering GI Bill® and MyCAA benefits, RSI is committed to helping students gain the skills and support needed to achieve their career goals.

The mission of The Refrigeration School (RSI) is to assist learners in development of the skills and knowledge necessary for employment and professional growth.

Campus tours are a common way to see classrooms and labs before making a decision. Our Admissions Representatives can help schedule a visit and answer questions about programs, training spaces, and student support.

Scheduling options depend on the program and campus availability, and some programs may offer multiple class times. An admissions representative can share current scheduling options and help identify a format that fits your schedule.

While we cannot promise employment, the type of job you can get depends on what side of the industry you choose to get into – anything from HVAC Technician to Facility Maintenance and will be based on employer requirements.

Any student who believes they has a need for additional assistance should immediately bring the issue to the attention of their instructor, who will initiate the process for tutoring services.

Yes, RSI welcomes out-of-state students from all over the country. No matter where you’re coming from, the RSI faculty and staff are here to make the process and your stay as easy as possible.

RSI offers multiple start dates throughout the year. An Admissions Representative can help you choose the best one for your schedule.

Once you have successfully completed your educational program, you may be awarded either a diploma or degree upon completion of the entire program.

The RSI catalog is available here, as well as through the footer menu on every page.

Graduates of the Associate of Occupational Studies degree program can apply to transfer their credits to the University of Phoenix (UOP) under an articulation agreement between the two institutions. This relationship allows RSI graduates to access higher-level education at UOP campuses across the country and around the world seamlessly and efficiently.

Credits from other programs may or may not be transferable. This can only be determined by the receiving institution and you must speak with them directly. RSI has no control over how or if credits are transferable to other institutions.

1. Contact The Refrigiration School
Contact us or visit one of our conveniently located campuses for a personalized visit, or tour them virtually from the comfort of home!

2. Connect With A Representative
Connect with a professional representative about your goals and discover how The Refrigiration School can help you succeed!

3. Choose Your Program
We’ll work with you to figure out which The Refrigiration School training program is right for you based on your life situation, personal interests and career goals.

4. Work With Your Rep Through the Process
Students come from many states nationwide. Visit one of our conveniently located campuses or tour them virtually from the comfort of home!

5. Start Your Training
Our experienced staff has been training welders since 1949, and work closely with all students to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

Yes, RSI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

The admissions requirements to attend any program at RSI are the following:

– A U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
– A high school graduate with a standard or higher-level diploma, GED or eligible home school program
– At least 18 years or older (Or meet your state’s age compulsory age requirements, or sign your enrollment agreement jointly with a parent or guardian)
– Are able to read, write and understand the English language
– Meet program specific requirements as applicable
– Complete an entrance interview with a school official
– Complete review and execution of an enrollment agreement
– Provide government issued identification

All applicants must have good eyesight with corrective lenses if needed. They must be capable of dealing with the program-specific physical requirements, including lifting and necessary body motions. It is important to note that the program abides by all state requirements and can vary based on the campus you are applying to. Complete the entrance interview to understand the specific requirements for your situation better.

The General Educational Development (GED) test is a high school equivalency diploma. Passing this test shows that you have completed four high school equivalency tests. The subjects include:

– Reasoning through language arts
– Social studies
– Science
– Mathematical reasoning

One of the requirements to enroll at RSI is to have your High School Diploma or GED. We at RSI understand that sometimes this is not a part of everyone’s journey, and that life can get in the way.

The admissions teams at RSI is here to provide you options on earning your proof of graduation in order to begin your path towards a better career with Smart Schools Online Diploma Program.

RSI has partnered with EDUrent to help you find the best student housing solution. EDUrent goes beyond standard property listings and can help you find roommates or even assist in raising money to help pay for your housing.

Options for housing include:
– Renting an apartment or house
– Sharing a living space with roommates

Many students look for training schedules that fit around work and personal commitments. RSI Phoenix can discuss current scheduling options and help identify what may work best for an individual situation.

The process commonly includes requesting information, speaking with an admissions representaive, selecting a program, and completing any required steps to enroll (e.g., financial aid application). The Admissions Team can outline the current process and answer questions along the way.

Scheduling options depend on the program and campus availability, and some programs may offer multiple class times. An admissions representative can share current scheduling options and help identify a format that fits your schedule.

The student may cancel their enrollment at any time by submitting notice, preferably in writing, of cancellation to the Admissions Department. Their money shall be fully refunded if requested within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after signing an Enrollment Agreement and paying a registration fee or larger amount.

See the reverse side of your Enrollment Agreement or the School Catalog for more details.

Yes, RSI welcomes out-of-state students from all over the country. No matter where you’re coming from, the RSI faculty and staff are here to make the process and your stay as easy as possible.

Tuition varies from one program to another. In any case, tuition and actual out-of-pocket cost may be completely different things depending on your financial aid eligibility. Speak with an Admissions Representative for more information about tuition.

The tuition cost for each program does not include funds for course materials, textbooks, lab feeds, gear package, accident insurance, and technology fees. Those on active duty and veterans pay less tuition and may be eligible for military educational benefits.

Course Materials/Textbooks, Lab Fees, Gear Packages, Accident Insurance and Technology Fee is included in the program’s overall cost.

Yes, we do have a Financial Aid Department that can assist you with any questions and processing your application for Financial Aid which consists of both grants and student loans. You can complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

RSI Phoenix school code: 014127

Most students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to fund their investment in trade school. Several factors influence eligibility: whether or not you completed high school or have a GED, are enrolled or accepted as a student in a qualifying program and more. See this Federal Student Aid Department infographic for all of the requirements to qualify for financial aid.

After you speak with an Admissions Representative to determine eligibility for enrollment and complete an application you may complete the FAFSA online. Contact us once you have completed this process and we will assist you with your next steps to determine what types of financial aid that you may qualify for.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Scholarships: You do not have to pay back scholarships.

Federal Grants: If you withdraw early from your training program, switch from full-time enrollment to part-time or if you received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal aid, then you might have to repay part or all of your federal grants.

Loans: Loans must be repaid with interest.

There is only one application to determine your Federal Loan and Grant eligibility. This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Various parts of the application, however, might warrant verification by completing subsequent documents. Depending on other sources of funding you apply for, there may be additional applications or documents to complete.

No. Scholarships and grants are gift aid to help fund your training investment.iii Federal
student aid is also NOT based on credit history, but on eligibility. Your credit history can influence the Federal Parent PLUS loan or any private loans

FAFSAs can be subject to a random process called verification. This requires that the applicant either use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA or provide a copy of his or her taxes for that year. Please contact your RSI Financial Aid Advisor to see if you qualify to use the online tool for the fastest results. Until selected, please do not provide tax documents to the school.

Visit your local IRS office and ask for a copy of your tax transcripts. You can also obtain a digital copy. Visit the IRS’ website to access your tax records.

A complete tuition plan is a key step in securing your seat in class. Completing the FAFSA quickly upon enrolling helps us map out a financial plan for your investment and ensure you have funding for your program. There are many steps to financial aid and additional documentation may be required. The sooner the FAFSA is completed, the sooner we will know what additional documents, if any, are needed. Additionally, “Gift Aid” is often first come, first serve. The sooner you complete the process, the less likely it is to run out.

If the following information describes you, then the Department of Education considers you a dependent of your parents, meaning you rely on them for financial support:

• You are under the age of 24.
• You are not married.
• You have no children or dependents.
• Some unusual circumstances may require exceptions. (Custody is not a qualifier)

If you are a dependent, then your parents’ information is required on the FAFSA. This does not make your parents liable for any loans under their name. Instead, it helps to determine what federal grants you may qualify for.

There are circumstances under which the student and school can appeal to override the need for parent information. These include abandonment, death, incarceration or institutionalization.

Yes. Parents who are not citizens or do not have a SSN will still be able to fill out the FAFSA. They will enter all zeros as their SSN, and they will need to physically print a signature page, sign and mail the copy to us.

RSI address is 4210 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

If your parents did not file taxes, they will simply indicate that on the FAFSA with “will not file” and answer any additional income questions.

The parent who you live with or supports you more than 50 percent of the time will need to include his or her information on the FAFSA. If that parent happens to be remarried, their spouse’s information will need to be included on the FAFSA as well.

Depending on the school, some of the financial aid documents can be transferred over from RSI. There is no risk or obligation from filling out these forms until you have sat in class and are officially attending RSI.

Yes, we do and we have a veteran’s coordinator here on campus to assist you in applying for these benefits. Benefits are available to those who qualify.

Some scholarship awards are a few hundred dollars and others cover the total cost of tuition.

You can research scholarships online or at a public library. Check with local community organizations, churches and businesses. Many online sites can help as well. Remember: NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship. Information on scholarships is also available at Financial Aid Department.

Call us at (855) 596-1499 

Deadlines vary with the scholarship. Getting an early start on your scholarship search and applications is a good idea because some deadlines can be as early as a year before school starts.

The first step is filling out the application completely and turning it in on time. Application requirements vary, so be sure to read them carefully. Our Student Financial Services representatives can help you with the forms and provide enrollment verification letters as needed.

Either is possible. You may receive a check for the full award amount, or the scholarship provider may send the money to your school to apply to tuition and fees. Check with the scholarship provider.

Yes. A scholarship is considered a form of financial aid. When all of the aid you receive is added up, it cannot total more than your cost of attending RSI. Make sure to let one of our Student Financial Services representatives know if you are awarded a scholarship

A grant is a sum of money paid by the government or other organization that does not have to be repaid if all requirements are met. Students typically receive grants based on financial need. Grant funding can be affected by program length, school status and withdrawing.

They can come from several sources:

• Federal government.
• State government.
• Trade schools.
• Nonprofit organizations.
• Private organizations.

A loan servicer is a company that manages a student loan. They can answer any questions
you have, collect monthly payments and handle other administrative tasks.

With a Federal Direct Loan, you’ll be assigned a loan servicer after the first disbursement of the loan. The loan servicer will contact you directly.

You can find out who your loan servicer is by visiting: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers

Contact your Federal Loan Servicer.

Visit StudentLoans.gov to complete a free Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request application, or call us at 855-886-2898

Counseling to prepare you to repay your federal student loans. Topics include understanding your loans, making a repayment plan, avoiding default and how to make financial responsibility a priority.

The student may cancel their enrollment at any time by submitting notice, preferably in writing, of cancellation to the Admissions Department. Their money shall be fully refunded if requested within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after signing an Enrollment Agreement and paying a registration fee or larger amount.

See the reverse side of your Enrollment Agreement or the School Catalog for more details.

Each year RSI holds the Annual RSI National Welding Competition, looking for the best high school senior students in the country. This yearly event is a great way to showcase your welding skills and win tuition scholarships to attend The Refrigiration School.

Everyone who registers for the Weld Comp/Workshop event and participates in any of the hands on events, or welding competition, will receive a $500 scholarship toward any training program at RSI.

The top prizes will only go to first place and second place.

First place: Full Tuition Scholarship to RSI
Second place: Partial Tuition Scholarship to RSI

One of the requirements to enroll at RSI is to have your High School Diploma or GED. We at RSI understand that sometimes this is not a part of everyone’s journey, and that life can get in the way.

The admissions teams at RSI is here to provide you options on earning your proof of graduation in order to begin your path towards a better career with Smart Schools Online Diploma Program.

RSI has partnered with EDUrent to help you find the best student housing solution. EDUrent goes beyond standard property listings and can help you find roommates or even assist in raising money to help pay for your housing.

Options for housing include:
– Renting an apartment or house
– Sharing a living space with roommates

Career Services is available to assist with job search resources like resume support, interview prep, and employer events. While placement isn’t guaranteed, you won’t be navigating it alone.

As a graduate in good standing, you will have access to Career Services as often as necessary and for as long as necessary. You are always encouraged to exploit all options in your career, but you can have the security of knowing the professionals in the Career Services Department are there for you.

Yes. The Career Services Department at RSI is here to help with the next steps, including assistance with:

• Preparing resumes
  
• Conducting employment searches
  
• Interview preparation
  
• Employer weld test preparation
  
• On campus employer recruitment testing for graduates

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Career Connect is your gateway to meaningful career opportunities and powerful industry connections. Available to all RSI alumni, this resource is a fantastic stepping stone from graduation to entry-level employment, and a great way to connect with employer partnerships RSI has.

Yes, we do and we have a veteran’s coordinator here on campus to assist you in applying for these benefits. Benefits are available to those who qualify.

In recognition of your service to our country, you and your family may be eligible for military education benefits, including multiple programs under the GI Bill®. Please reach out to an Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service for your specific eligibility status.

Below are some examples of who could be eligible:

• Active Duty
• Reserves
• National Guard Members
• Active Duty Spouses
• Dependent Children of Active Duty Service
• Members
• Military Retirees
• Honorably Discharged Veterans

GI Bill® is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program providing education and training benefits to service members, veterans, and their families, covering costs like tuition, housing, and books for college, trade school, apprenticeships, and other programs

Check with the RSI campus where you’ll be training for eligibility for military tuition pricing.

Military tuition assistance may be used to pay for:

• Vocational programs
• Technical programs
• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate programs
• Independent study
• Distance-learning programs

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Career Connect is your gateway to meaningful career opportunities and powerful industry connections. Available to all RSI alumni, this resource is a fantastic stepping stone from graduation to entry-level employment, and a great way to connect with employer partnerships RSI has.

The RSI Alumni Association is an elite group of graduates who changed their lives with one of our training programs and want to carry that change forward.

As a member, you’ll be the first to hear about job opportunities shared by our Career Services Department, and connect with fellow RSI alumni through discussion boards.

As a graduate of a StrataTech Education Group school, you may be eligible to receive a StrataTech Alumni Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance to help further your education.

The RSI campus is located in the Phoenix metropolitan area and includes 26,000 square feet of training facilities, including classrooms, labs, support services, and shops.

Phoenix, AZ Campus
4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Campus tours are a common way to see classrooms and labs before making a decision. Our Admissions Representatives can help schedule a visit and answer questions about programs, training spaces, and student support.

Trade School Training Programs offered at RSI include:

• Refrigeration Technologies
• Electro-Mechanical Technologies
• Associate of Occupational Studies in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering
• Welding Specialist Training
• Electrical Technologies