Welding offers a promising career path with steady job demand and competitive pay—and getting started often costs far less than other skilled trades or college degrees. This article explores the average student loan debt for welding programs, which typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the school and credential level.
Below is a breakdown of debt you might incur, as well as timeframe for servicing the loans once you are employed in welding.
Cost of Welding Education
Welding program tuition can be as low as $3,000 and as high as $25,000 at public community colleges and technical schools. Associate degrees command higher costs.
Private trade schools may charge up to $40,000 or more for advanced or specialized programs. See examples below.
Typical Tuition Ranges
Public Community Colleges / Technical Schools:
According to HK Fabrication, programs range from $5,000 to $25,000 for comprehensive training, with associate degrees at the higher end of that range.
Private Trade Schools
Tuition can reach up to $30K for advanced or specialized welding programs, according to Tulsa Welding School.
Short-Term Certificate Programs
Basic welding certificates may cost as little as $3,000–$4,000, while advanced or structural welding courses can go up to $20,000.
Example Program Costs
Tulsa Welding School (Tulsa, OK)
The average total loan debt after two years is about $11K; for four years, about $24K.
Advanced Welding University
The total cost can be as high as $127,000 for a full university degree, with an average student debt of around $30,000.
General Technical School Average:
Completing a welding program typically costs $33,000, with an average debt of around $10,000–$30,000 depending on program length and school type.
Average Student Debt for Welding Graduates
The amount of student loan debt you’ll incur depends on your program and financial aid:
| Program Type | Public Institution | Private Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate/Diploma | $5,000–$10,000 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Associate Degree | $10,000–$20,000 | $20,000–$30,000 |
| University Degree | $30,000+ | $30,000–$40,000+ |
At Tulsa Welding School, 76% of students use federal loans, averaging $5,922 per year. Over a two-year program, this totals about $11,844 in debt, according to CollegeFactual.com.
Per the American Welding Society, the average student debt for welding graduates is about $10,000–$30,000. For advanced university welding degrees, debt may reach $30,000 or more.
Additional Expenses
- Supplies and Equipment: Welding helmets, gloves, tools, and safety gear can add $500–$2K to your total costs.
- Books and Materials: Plan for $500–$1.5K depending on the program.
- Certification Exams: Some programs include certification fees; others may require you to pay separately.
| Certified Welder Application | $60 |
| Maintenance of Welder Certification | $35 |
| Maintenance of Welder Certification – ITI | $35 |
Strategies to Minimize Student Loan Debt
Scholarships and Grants
The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation awards over 1,600 scholarships annually, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000+ for both associate and bachelor’s degree students.
- Apply for national, district, and local scholarships through AWS and other trade organizations.
Budgeting and Payment Plans
Many welding schools offer interest-free payment plans to spread out tuition without accruing loan interest.
- Reduce living expenses by commuting, living with family, or sharing housing.
Borrowing Smartly
Prioritize federal student loans, which offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.
- Only borrow what you need, and consider paying interest while in school if possible.
Impact of Student Loan Debt on Welding Careers
- Career Choices: Welding offers strong starting salaries (average around $51,000/year), making debt more manageable than in many other fields.
- Financial Stress: Keeping debt low gives you more flexibility to choose jobs, invest in your own tools, or start your own business.
- Default Rates: At schools like Tulsa Welding School, the three-year loan default rate is 8.3%, close to the national average.
Conclusion
Welding training is a practical investment with a clear pathway to employment and good earning potential. By choosing affordable programs, applying for scholarships, and borrowing wisely, you can keep student loan debt manageable and set yourself up for a successful, financially stable career in welding.