Cost can be one of the largest obstacles to education. And even when an educational program like welding school will typically provide a career-dependent education at a much affordable price, the fact here remains that needing to spend that first cost may seem so daunting.
So how much does welding school cost, and what are sometimes ways to pay for it? Below we have outlined how to pay for your welding program.
Welding school cost
At the majority of welding trade school programs in California, tuition, fees, study materials, and equipment costs can cost about $3,500. On the other hand, if you take community college courses, these costs are typically $6,000 to $20,000. An associate’s degree welding program can even cost as much as $55,000 annually.
Although the cost of the program is something you will want to consider, there are a few other things to take into account. In addition to tuition and fees, you may find money will be needed for other tools and books, as well as certification tests after your program is completed.
- Welding tools and safety equipment cost $500–$1,500.
- Certification tests may or may not be included in your tuition; they cost $300–$550 per test.
Lastly, there is a further expense you will need to consider (although you won’t incur it while attending welding school) — cost of living.
On average, welding programs take less than two years to complete (some welding schools offer programs as short as seven months), you still may have to face a loss of income while in school.
If that is the case, you will want to make sure you have enough savings to cover the cost of things like rent, groceries and transportation while you are in a welding program.
Financial Aid Options
There are two primary kinds of financial aid, government sponsored grants (Pell Grant) or loans for school. Think about it, grants do not need to be repaid, while you do have to repay loans.
Several local welding trade schools have a fund that could have independent or sponsored funds, whether it be a loan, grant, or scholarship. There are grants and scholarships from state government and federal government to assist potential students that meet the qualifications.
Grants
Grants are, for many, desirable option since they do not have to be repaid. There are a number of options you can look into the Pell Grant, the Welding Workforce Grant, and sectional scholarships offered by the American Welding Society. For more information, you may check the American Welding Society’s grant information page.
Loans
Although student loans assist with school costs, they have a payback period with interest. Generally, student loans will not be paid back interest rates greater than higher risk loans, so the payback is not as scary.
They do not lessen the total cost of schooling; they only make them manageable on the spot. The federal government provides student loans as do numerous private lenders.
Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are scholarships given for outstanding work or achievement. Merit scholarships are typically awarded to people who have demonstrated academic or extracurricular success, but that is not the case for all scholarships.
These tend to be competitive scholarships, so it is good to review the requirements to see if you meet the qualifications to apply.
Scholarships Specific to Welding School
You can find welding scholarships that are specific to you from companies and organizations such as John Deere and the American Welding Society (AWS). If you would like these scholarships to apply for a list of scholarships, you can find a list of welding-specific scholarships in this article.
Finding Help
Not all trade schools are eligible for government financial aid, so be sure to speak with your schools financial aid officer about possible viable alternatives. Your financial aid officer at your school should be able to help you narrow down your choices.
While the expenses tied to schooling may seem overwhelming, students must keep in mind that aid taken in the form of a grant, scholarship, or loan, can be much more beneficial than being without an education in welding.
Schooling is an important first step in starting your career as a welder, and students should take comfort in the knowledge that they may qualify for assistance they can use to further their education.
FAQs
How long are most welding schools?
If you are starting a career in welding, we recommend taking a minimum of 3 classes. Of course, with any trade, the more training you receive, the better you are positioned within the job market. To complete all the classes, it would take about 6-8 months.
How much is the welding course?
Welding school typically costs between $5,000 and $30,000 in total. The cost of welding school can include tuition fees, the type of school and program chosen, tools and equipment, and textbooks.
How much math is in welding school?
A welder must be familiar with fractions, decimals, geometry, formulas and trigonometry. With these math skills, a welder can make strong welds regardless of the type of material used.
How long does it take to become a welder in California?
To become a welder in California, one must first complete a welding education program, which typically takes 6-12 months.
Is it hard to be a welder?
When you are first learning to weld, you will likely find that it is moderately difficult. Once you grasp the technical foundations of welding, it takes years of hands-on practice to master.
How long is a level 1 welding course?
These programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in welding. Welder classes vary in duration, but a Level 1 welding training program typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the institution and the specific welding course.