Are you considering attending a welding school, but aren’t sure about how much you should spend to pursue career training? In this article, we’ll take a deeper look into the costs associated with welding school programs to help you make an informed decision when it’s time to enroll.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Welding School?
The amount you’ll pay for welding school will vary based on where you choose to attend school and how extensive of a welding program you are enrolling in. The types of institutions that offer welding training include:
- Vocational/Trade Schools
- Community Colleges
- Vocational High School Programs
The cost of a welding training program may also vary depending on the length of the program, or type of training. When choosing a welding school, it is important to consider factors like class size, the balance between hands-on instruction versus theory/classroom, and whether you will earn any certifications.
Welding School Cost Breakdown
(National, Technical Schools & Community Colleges)
| Area | Low End | High End | Duration | Award |
| National | $5,000 | $20,000 | 3-7 Months | Certificate or Diploma |
What’s included with your Welding School Tuition?
To put your tuition dollars to good use, do your research to ensure you are investing in a comprehensive welding education.
Delta Technical College, for example, combines classroom lecture with lab experience. This combination is very important for students who want to put what they learn to practice and hone their skills while attending school. Delta Tech’s welding training teaches MIG & flux core welding and provides students skills in pipe welding and manufacturing.
Here’s a list of principles covered in Delta Tech’s Journeyman Welder Program:
- Metal Properties
- Cutting Process
- Production Welding
- Safety
- Metallurgy/Industry Vocabulary
- Fitting Principles
Students will also receive Delta Tech welding certifications and, upon meeting graduation requirements of the program, the student will receive a diploma.
| Cost | $13,300[ii] |
| Length | 30 Weeks (7 Months) |
| Semester Credits | 27 |
| Award | Diploma |
Here’s more info about how to become a welder.
How do You Pay for Welding School?
Even though you can attend vocational school for a fraction of the cost of a typical university, it’s still a sizable cost. The good news is you can get help paying for your education.
Students attending vocational or trade schools are eligible for the same types of financial aid as traditional college students.[iv] This Includes:
- Federal Grants
- Federal Low-Interest Student Loans
- GI Bill® Assistance (for veterans and children of veterans)
Delta Tech is approved by the United States Department of Education to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program. Delta Tech offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
Apply for Welding Scholarships
Scholarships are a great resource for vocational school students. Delta Tech offers scholarships to students who qualify. Delta Tech offers scholarships for high school seniors who are interested in a career in welding. Awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 and even full tuition. Learn more about scholarship opportunities.
External Scholarships
You will also want to look for external scholarship programs that can help you pay tuition at a welding school. The American Welding Society offers a list of scholarship opportunities available at the national level. [v]
What Other Expenses Influence the Cost of Welding School?
Aside from tuition, there may be additional costs for room and board, books and supplies or off-campus housing if you plan to relocate.
The Cost of Welding Certification
Certain states and employers may want to see other certifications, in addition to the diploma earned from a vocational school. For instance, the American Welding Society offers various welding certifications that range in cost from $825 – $1,030.[vi] You’ll be required to pass an exam, and once you pass, AWS will send you a Certified Welder wallet card. There are also a variety of specialized welding certifications available.
Learn more about welding certifications here.
Where Can You Work as a Welder?
Welders are needed across a wide range of industries. More than 316,000 welders are employed in the area of manufacturing alone.[vii] A large number of welders also work in the construction industry or industrial maintenance and repair.
With the right education and certifications, welders can develop the skills to perform pipefitting, shipbuilding, automotive assembly and much more.
What to know more? Check out What does a welder do?
Should You Pursue a Career in Welding?
With skilled trades on the rise, now is a great time to consider a career in welding.[viii] Investing in a welding education through a vocational school like Delta Tech can be a great investment in beginning a career in welding. At Delta Tech, you can train for a career in welding in 7 months.
Want to learn more about the cost of Delta Tech‘s Journeyman Welder Program? Fill out the form below to contact your local campus.
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[i] http://education.costhelper.com/welding-school.html
[ii] https://www.deltatechnicalcollege.com/documents/GE/HLMS-JW.html
[iii] https://www.deltatechnicalcollege.com/documents/GE/HLMS-JW.html
[iv] https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility
[v] https://www.aws.org/foundation/page/scholarships
[vi] https://www.aws.org/certification
[vii] http://work.chron.com/kind-jobs-welders-do-17420.html
[viii] https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Editorial/Daily-News/Skilled-trades-job-openings-are-at-a-10-year-high-Aerotek-reports-43665?