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

2026 Best Welding Technology/Welder Schools in the Great Lakes Region

7 Colleges in the United States
6,619 Welding Technology/Welder Degrees Awarded
$41,273 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.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 149 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for welding technology/welder students pursuing a degree.

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 Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the welding technology/welder degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Welding Technology/Welder

1

Fox Valley Technical College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in welding technology/welder. Fox Valley Technical College is a large public school located in the suburb of Appleton. Fox Valley Technical College awarded about 217 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Fox Valley Technical College earn around $52,978 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $7,664. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Fox Valley Technical College

2

Northcentral Technical College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in welding technology/welder, ranking #2. Set in the city of Wausau, Northcentral Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Northcentral Technical College awarded about 153 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Northcentral Technical College generally make around $47,718. Typical student debt for the program is $5,250. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Northcentral Technical College

3
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in welding technology/welder, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. 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. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Ferris State University earn around $62,832 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,633. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Ferris State University

4
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

A rank of #4 makes Ivy Tech Community College one of the top schools for welding technology/welder. This very large public university is located in the city of Indianapolis. Ivy Tech Community College awarded about 658 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Ivy Tech Community College earn around $49,030 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $6,599 to complete this degree. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Ivy Tech Community College

5

Students looking for a strong welding technology/welder program will find one at Waukesha County Technical College, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Pewaukee, Waukesha County Technical College is a large public institution. 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. Waukesha County Technical College graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Waukesha County Technical College

6
Vincennes University crest
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

Vincennes University came in at #6 for welding technology/welder this year. Set in the town of Vincennes, Vincennes University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 3%. Vincennes University awarded about 35 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Vincennes University earn around $54,908 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,932 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Vincennes University

7

Moraine Park Technical College came in at #7 for welding technology/welder this year. Moraine Park Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fond du Lac. There were roughly 75 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Moraine Park Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $41,073 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $7,000. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Moraine Park Technical College

8

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #8 for welding technology/welder this year. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Rice Lake. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College awarded about 420 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College generally make around $42,282. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

9

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #9 among the best welding technology/welder schools. This large public university is located in the city of Green Bay. About 89 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College generally make around $41,421. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

10
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College landed the #10 spot for welding technology/welder this year. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. About 93 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Harper College in the most recent year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Harper College earn a median of $44,523 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,963. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Harper College

11

Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Located in the city of Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a large public university. Chippewa Valley Technical College awarded about 98 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College earn around $48,638 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $8,109. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Chippewa Valley Technical College

12

Lakeshore Technical College earned the #12 position for welding technology/welder this year. Located in the rural area of Cleveland, Lakeshore Technical College is a mid-sized public university. There were roughly 29 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Lakeshore Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $48,619 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,582. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Lakeshore Technical College

13

College Of Lake County landed the #13 spot for welding technology/welder this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. There were roughly 118 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at College Of Lake County in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from College Of Lake County earn around $50,314 in the first couple years of their career. College Of Lake County graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. See the full welding technology/welder program report for College Of Lake County

14

Northern Michigan University came in at #14 for welding technology/welder this year. 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. Northern Michigan University awarded about 30 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $40,508 in their early career. Northern Michigan University graduates carry a median of $22,608 in student loans. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Northern Michigan University

15

Madison Area Technical College earned the #15 position for welding technology/welder this year. Located in the city of Madison, Madison Area Technical College is a large public university. About 74 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Madison Area Technical College in the most recent year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Madison Area Technical College earn a median of $37,860 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Madison Area Technical College

16

Western Technical College La Cross ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Located in the city of La Crosse, Western Technical College La Cross is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 43 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Western Technical College La Cross in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $40,624 in their early career. Western Technical College La Cross graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Western Technical College La Cross

17
Owens Community College crest
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH

Owens Community College landed the #17 spot for welding technology/welder this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Perrysburg. There were roughly 78 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Owens Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Owens Community College earn around $45,785 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete this degree. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Owens Community College

18

Heartland Community College came in at #18 for welding technology/welder this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the suburb of Normal. About 91 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Heartland Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Heartland Community College earn around $48,710 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,266. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Heartland Community College

19

Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #19 spot for welding technology/welder this year. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. There were roughly 48 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Milwaukee Area Technical College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, welding technology/welder degree recipients from Milwaukee Area Technical College generally make around $38,325. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. More information about a degree in welding technology/welder from Milwaukee Area Technical College

20
Mid State Technical College crest
Mid State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Mid State Technical College landed the #20 spot for welding technology/welder this year. Set in the town of Wisconsin Rapids, Mid State Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. About 35 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Mid State Technical College in the most recent year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Mid State Technical College earn around $38,653 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $4,750 to complete this degree. See the full welding technology/welder program report for Mid State Technical College

21

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #21 spot for welding technology/welder this year. Set in the rural area of Fennimore, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. About 25 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in the most recent year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College earn a median of $35,167 early in their careers. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

22

Blackhawk Technical College earned the #22 position for welding technology/welder this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the suburb of Janesville. About 40 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Blackhawk Technical College in the most recent year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Blackhawk Technical College earn a median of $44,698 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $13,715. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Blackhawk Technical College

23
Illinois Central College crest
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL

Illinois Central College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of East Peoria. About 120 welding technology/welder degrees were awarded at Illinois Central College in the most recent year. Welding Technology/welder graduates of Illinois Central College earn a median of $53,190 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,222. Get the full welding technology/welder details for Illinois Central College

24

Elgin Community College placed #24 among the best welding technology/welder schools. Elgin Community College is a large public school located in the city of Elgin. There were roughly 52 welding technology/welder students who graduated with this degree at Elgin Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their welding technology/welder degree from Elgin Community College earn around $43,975 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $7,727. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Elgin Community College

25

Kankakee Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best welding technology/welder schools. Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Kankakee. Kankakee Community College awarded about 75 welding technology/welder degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the welding technology/welder program make about $60,509 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,289. Read more about the welding technology/welder program at Kankakee Community College

Rest of the Top 50 Welding Technology/Welder Schools

These schools also placed among the best for welding technology/welder this year:

26
Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL
27
28
29
30
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL
31
32
Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Kaskaskia College crest
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
43
44
45
46
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL
47
48
49
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI
50

Narrow Welding Technology/Welder Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Welding Technology/Welder Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 149 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