There are a couple different ways to become a welder. One, taking a trade school or community college certificate or associate’s degree program. An associate degree in welding technology includes general education courses. While diploma or certificate programs focus on only welding.
Another common choice is apprenticeship, both formal and informal. Apprenticeships generally last 3-5 years and are either free or low in cost.
How Much Does Welding School Cost?
Costs can vary greatly by geographic location. Other factors that cause these wide price ranges include how modern a school’s equipment is or if you need specialized training classes such as underwater welding.
- Diploma/Certificate – $3,500-$20,000, 3 months – 1 year or 18-40 credit hours
- Associate’s Degree – $6,000-$50,000, 16 months to 2 years full time or 60-80 credit hours
Additional Welding School Costs – School supplies, housing (if needed): from $500 up to $10,000.
Welding School Scholarships & Financial Aid
“The AWS Foundation awards over $1 million annually to help students achieve their dreams through education.”
There are scholarships and financial aid available to offset the cost of your welder program. Financial aid comes in the form of grants and private loans, but you need to discuss your financial aid options with the financial department of the school you choose.
The American Welding Society offers welding scholarships, and corporate sponsorships are available from companies like John Deere too.
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