ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Welding Technology/Welder Associate’s Degree Schools

64 Colleges in the United States
4,749 Welding Technology/Welder Degrees Awarded
$43,597 Avg Early-Career Salary

Welding Technology/Welder degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their welding technology/welder programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 946 schools to find the best for welding technology/welder students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/welding-technology-welder/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 48.05), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Welding)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Welding)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Welding Technology/Welder in the United States

See the highest-ranked welding technology/welder schools offering a associate’s degree below.

Top Schools in Welding Technology/Welder

1

Leading the list is Fox Valley Technical College, our #1 school for welding technology/welder. This large public university is located in the suburb of Appleton. There were roughly 27 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Fox Valley Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $52,449 in their early career. Fox Valley Technical College graduates carry a median of $7,664 in student loans. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Fox Valley Technical College

2

Students looking for a strong welding technology/welder program will find one at Linn State Technical College, which ranked #2. Located in the rural area of Linn, Linn State Technical College is a mid-sized public university. There were roughly 20 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Linn State Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Linn State Technical College earn around $47,325 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,474. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Linn State Technical College

3
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. About 658 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $56,292 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,810. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Ivy Tech Community College

4
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in welding technology/welder, ranking #4. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. There were roughly 51 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Ferris State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $56,811 in their early career. Ferris State University graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Ferris State University

5

Students looking for a strong welding technology/welder program will find one at Dunwoody College Of Technology, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Minneapolis, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Dunwoody College Of Technology awarded about 16 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $55,188 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Dunwoody College Of Technology

6
Vincennes University crest
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

Vincennes University came in at #6 for welding technology/welder this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Vincennes. About 3% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 14 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Vincennes University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Vincennes University generally make around $54,908. Typical student debt for the program is $12,000. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Vincennes University

7

North Dakota State College Of Science came in at #7 for welding technology/welder this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Wahpeton. There were roughly 21 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at North Dakota State College Of Science in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from North Dakota State College Of Science earn around $51,647 in the first couple years of their career. North Dakota State College Of Science graduates carry a median of $11,246 in student loans. See the full welding technology/welder program report for North Dakota State College Of Science

8

Texas State Technical College came in at #8 for welding technology/welder this year. Texas State Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Waco. Texas State Technical College awarded about 131 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Texas State Technical College earn a median of $39,234 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $9,168 to complete this degree. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Texas State Technical College

9
Hennepin Technical College crest
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park, MN

Hennepin Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Set in the suburb of Brooklyn Park, Hennepin Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. There were roughly 38 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Hennepin Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $59,829 in their early career. Hennepin Technical College graduates carry a median of $9,329 in student loans. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Hennepin Technical College

10

Lake Area Technical Institute placed #10 among the best welding technology/welder schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Watertown. There were roughly 25 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Lake Area Technical Institute in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Lake Area Technical Institute generally make around $43,436. Lake Area Technical Institute graduates carry a median of $11,001 in student loans. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Lake Area Technical Institute

11

Waukesha County Technical College came in at #11 for welding technology/welder this year. Located in the suburb of Pewaukee, Waukesha County Technical College is a large public university. About 58 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Waukesha County Technical College in the most recent year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $43,380 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Waukesha County Technical College

12

Southeast Community College Area earned the #12 position for welding technology/welder this year. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. There were roughly 23 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Southeast Community College Area in the most recent data year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $49,114 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $11,650. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Southeast Community College Area

13

Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology landed the #13 spot for welding technology/welder this year. Located in the city of Lancaster, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a small public university. About 23 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology in the most recent year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology earn around $52,298 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete this degree. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology

14

Pennsylvania College Of Technology earned the #14 position for welding technology/welder this year. Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Williamsport. Pennsylvania College Of Technology graduates 45% of students within six years. Pennsylvania College Of Technology awarded about 53 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Pennsylvania College Of Technology earn around $50,402 in the first couple years of their career. Pennsylvania College Of Technology graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Pennsylvania College Of Technology

15
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College came in at #15 for welding technology/welder this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. Harper College awarded about 15 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Harper College earn a median of $44,523 early in their careers. Harper College graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Harper College

16

Northern Michigan University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Located in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public university. Northern Michigan University graduates 53% of students within six years. About 18 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Northern Michigan University in the most recent year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $40,508 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,608 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Northern Michigan University

17

Central Piedmont Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public university. About 13 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Central Piedmont Community College earn around $40,149 in the first couple years of their career. Central Piedmont Community College graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Central Piedmont Community College

18
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

Central Community College came in at #18 for welding technology/welder this year. Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Grand Island. Central Community College awarded about 42 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Central Community College generally make around $39,409. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Central Community College

19

Mesa Community College landed the #19 spot for welding technology/welder this year. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. About 15 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Mesa Community College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Typical student debt for the program is $13,750. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Mesa Community College

20

Tri County Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Tri County Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Pendleton. Tri County Technical College awarded about 35 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $43,438 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $15,787. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Tri County Technical College

21

Pueblo Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Located in the city of Pueblo, Pueblo Community College is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 22 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Pueblo Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Pueblo Community College earn around $43,715 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $11,300 to complete this degree. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Pueblo Community College

22

Elgin Community College earned the #22 position for welding technology/welder this year. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. Elgin Community College awarded about 11 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. Elgin Community College graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Elgin Community College

23

Mt San Antonio College earned the #23 position for welding technology/welder this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Walnut. Mt San Antonio College awarded about 23 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $44,391. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete this degree. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Mt San Antonio College

24

Suny College Of Technology At Alfred came in at #24 for welding technology/welder this year. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Alfred. About 54% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 66 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Suny College Of Technology At Alfred in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Suny College Of Technology At Alfred generally make around $42,739. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete this degree. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Suny College Of Technology At Alfred

25

Central Lakes College Brainerd ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Central Lakes College Brainerd is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Brainerd. Central Lakes College Brainerd awarded about 10 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Central Lakes College Brainerd generally make around $40,671. Central Lakes College Brainerd graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Central Lakes College Brainerd

Rest of the Top 50 Welding Technology/Welder Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s welding technology/welder ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
Sheridan College crest
Sheridan College
Sheridan, WY
31
32
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
33
34
35
Kirkwood Community College crest
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
36
37
38
Eastern Wyoming College crest
Eastern Wyoming College
Torrington, WY
39
Midlands Technical College crest
Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC
40
41
42
43
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX
44
45
46
Del Mar College crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX
47
48
Orange Coast College crest
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
49
50

Honorable Mentions

A few more welding technology/welder schools worth a look:

Other Welding Technology/Welder Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Welding Technology/Welder rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Welding Technology/Welder
Bachelor's Degrees in Welding Technology/Welder
Master's Degrees in Welding Technology/Welder
ADBLOCK #173
View All Welding Technology/Welder Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 946 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options