What Are the Best Welding Schools in Arkansas?
- Arkansas State University Mid-South (West Memphis) offers Associate of Applied Science in General Technology and Certificate of Proficiency in Flux-Core Arc Welding Technology.
- Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (Mountain Home) offers Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology and Technical Certificate in Welding Technology.
- Black River Technical College (Pocahontas) offers Technical Certificate - Welding and Certificate of Proficiency - Welding.
- Resident tuition and fees run from $2,570 to $9,292 a year (2024–25).
- Arkansas welders earn a median $47,970 a year (BLS, May 2025).
Arkansas State University Mid-South Leads the Arkansas Welding School Rankings
| # | College | Tuition and fees | Welding awards | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas State University Mid-SouthWest Memphis | $3,216 | 152 certificates | 58% |
| 2 | Arkansas State University-Mountain HomeMountain Home | $3,312 | 57 certificates, 10 associate | 44% |
| 3 | Black River Technical CollegePocahontas | $4,776 | 215 certificates | 55% |
| 4 | Cossatot Community College of the University of ArkansasDe Queen | $4,200 | 141 certificates | 54% |
| 5 | Phillips Community College of the University of ArkansasDeWitt | $3,380 | 64 certificates | 55% |
| 6 | Arkansas Northeastern CollegeBlytheville | $2,570 | 58 certificates | 49% |
| 7 | South Arkansas CollegeEl Dorado | $3,324 | 137 certificates | 30% |
| 8 | University of Arkansas Community College-MorriltonMorrilton | $3,648 | 42 certificates, 9 associate | 42% |
| 9 | North Arkansas CollegeHarrison | $3,504 | 75 certificates | 42% |
| 10 | Arkansas Welding AcademyJacksonville | 67 certificates | ||
| 11 | Arkansas State University Three RiversMalvern | $3,788 | 99 certificates, 2 associate | 26% |
| 12 | University of Arkansas Community College Rich MountainMena | $3,696 | 48 certificates | 55% |
| 13 | Ozarka CollegeMelbourne | $3,820 | 67 certificates | 47% |
| 14 | University of Arkansas Community College-BatesvilleBatesville | $3,630 | 27 certificates | 66% |
| 15 | University of Arkansas at MonticelloCrossett | $9,292 | 94 certificates | 49% |
| 16 | Arkansas State University-NewportJonesboro | $3,312 | 37 certificates | 46% |
| 17 | East Arkansas Community CollegeForrest City | $3,300 | 15 certificates | 51% |
| 18 | National Park CollegeHot Springs | $5,600 | 121 certificates | 35% |
| 19 | Arkansas Tech UniversityOzark | $8,674 | 31 certificates, 5 associate | 49% |
| 20 | Northwest Technical InstituteSpringdale | $6,277 | 27 certificates | 74% |
| 21 | Arkansas State University-BeebeSearcy | $3,336 | 23 certificates | 42% |
| 22 | University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical CollegeNorth Little Rock | $6,300 | 58 certificates | 36% |
| 23 | University of Arkansas-Fort SmithFort Smith | $7,334 | 47 certificates | 38% |
| 24 | Southeast Arkansas CollegePine Bluff | $5,200 | 47 certificates | 28% |
Welding programs in Arkansas, ranked by the method below. Tuition is the 2024–25 full-time resident rate and graduation rate is college-wide (NCES College Navigator). Welding awards are credentials conferred in welding (IPEDS). Blank cells mean no federal figure for that college.
How We Ranked Arkansas Welding Schools
Each Arkansas college with a verified, current welding program page gets a percentile score among its in-state peers: program size (35%, welding awards conferred), cost (25%, lowest resident tuition and fees for 2024–25), completion (25%, college-wide graduation rate) and credential ladder (15%, both certificates and associate degrees awarded). Federal data can't measure instructors or equipment, so visit the shop before you enroll.
Best Welding Schools in Arkansas by Goal: Top Ranked, Lowest Tuition, Most Welding Awards and Highest Completion
Welding Programs in Arkansas Near North Little Rock, Forrest City and Melbourne
Welding classes in Arkansas are easiest to keep up with at a campus you can reach on lab days, so start with the city you can commute from. Each program is grouped with the nearest city guide within 45 miles.
- North Little RockArkansas Welding Academy, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, Southeast Arkansas College and Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- Forrest CityPhillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University Mid-South and East Arkansas Community College
- MelbourneOzarka College and University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
- MenaCossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
- Mountain HomeNorth Arkansas College and Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- RussellvilleArkansas Tech University and University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
- BeebeArkansas State University-Beebe
- BlythevilleArkansas Northeastern College
Welding Schools in Arkansas, College by College
1Arkansas State University Mid-South, West Memphis, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 5 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,216 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 152 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
2Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, Mountain Home, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,312 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 67 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Fabrication
3Black River Technical College, Pocahontas, Arkansas
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,776 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 215 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
4Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas, De Queen, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 9 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $4,200 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 141 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
5Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, DeWitt, Arkansas
Offers 4 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,380 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 64 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
6Arkansas Northeastern College, Blytheville, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $2,570 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 58 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
7South Arkansas College, El Dorado, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 7 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,324 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 137 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
8University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, Morrilton, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,648 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 51 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Fabrication
9North Arkansas College, Harrison, Arkansas
Offers 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,504 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 75 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
10Arkansas Welding Academy, Jacksonville, Arkansas
Offers one other award in welding
- Welding awards offered
- 1 certificates and degrees
- Welding awards
- 67 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Fabrication
11Arkansas State University Three Rivers, Malvern, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 5 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,788 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 101 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
12University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain, Mena, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,696 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 48 conferred 2024–25
Teaches MIG · TIG · Cutting · Fabrication
13Ozarka College, Melbourne, Arkansas
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,820 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 67 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
14University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville, Batesville, Arkansas
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,630 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 27 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Cutting · Fabrication
15University of Arkansas at Monticello, Crossett, Arkansas
Offers 3 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $9,292 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 94 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Cutting · Fabrication
16Arkansas State University-Newport, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Offers 4 certificates and one other award in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,312 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 37 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Cutting
17East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,300 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 15 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG
18National Park College, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Offers a certificate in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,600 in-district, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 121 conferred 2024–25
Teaches MIG · TIG · Fabrication
19Arkansas Tech University, Ozark, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $8,674 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 36 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication
20Northwest Technical Institute, Springdale, Arkansas
Offers a diploma in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,277 all students, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 27 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Cutting
21Arkansas State University-Beebe, Searcy, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $3,336 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 23 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Flux-cored · Pipe · Fabrication
22University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Offers 2 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $6,300 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 58 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · TIG · Flux-cored · Cutting · Fabrication · Inspection
23University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 5 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $7,334 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 47 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Fabrication
24Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Offers an associate degree and 4 certificates in welding
- Tuition / year
- $5,200 in-state, 2024–25
- Welding awards
- 47 conferred 2024–25
Teaches Stick · MIG · TIG · Pipe · Fabrication
Tuition and welding awards: NCES College Navigator, 2024–25. Programs and processes: each school's own welding page, reviewed September 2026.
Welding Classes in Arkansas: When Programs Meet
Schedules as each college publishes them. Ask about evening sections and start dates before you apply.
- Cossatot Community College of the University of ArkansasCertificates of Proficiency are one semester in duration.
- Black River Technical CollegeOne-year technical certificate (two semesters).
- National Park CollegeCourses are offered on-campus.
- University of Arkansas at MonticelloFull-time program length is two semesters and one summer term; classes scheduled to accommodate concurrent high school students.
- Arkansas Welding Academy26 weeks, 910 clock hours; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical CollegeTechnical certificate is two semesters; certificate of proficiency requires one semester.
- Southeast Arkansas CollegeTC is 32 credit hours or 2 semesters; MIG CP is 1 semester.
- North Arkansas CollegeTC is 1 year; certificates of proficiency are 1 semester. Offered on campus, not online.
- Ozarka CollegeProgram length 12 months.
- Phillips Community College of the University of ArkansasIn person.
- Arkansas State University-Mountain HomeOffered in-person; AAS 4 semesters, TC 2 semesters, CP 1 semester.
- University of Arkansas Community College-MorriltonAAS completion plan spans four semesters (15, 15, 14, 16 credit hours).
More Welding Programs in Arkansas: Colleges That Award Welding Credentials
Welding credentials each college conferred in 2022–23 (IPEDS). Confirm current program details with each college.
- University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, Hope45
- Southern Arkansas University Tech, Camden30
What Welding School Costs in Arkansas: $2,570 to $9,292 a Year
Among the 23 Arkansas welding schools with federal figures, 2024–25 tuition and fees for a full-time year range from $2,570 at Arkansas Northeastern College to $9,292 at University of Arkansas at Monticello. Community colleges publish their in-district rate; students from outside the district or state pay more.
| School | City | Tuition and fees, 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Northeastern College | Blytheville | $2,570 (in-district) |
| Arkansas State University Mid-South | West Memphis | $3,216 (in-district) |
| East Arkansas Community College | Forrest City | $3,300 (in-district) |
| Arkansas State University-Mountain Home | Mountain Home | $3,312 (in-state) |
| Arkansas State University-Newport | Jonesboro | $3,312 (in-state) |
| South Arkansas College | El Dorado | $3,324 (in-district) |
The six lowest rates. Source: NCES College Navigator.
Welder Salary in Arkansas: The Jonesboro Area Pays the Most
| Metro area | Median pay | Top 10% earn more than | Welding jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro | $51,900 | $59,800 | 340 |
| Memphis | $48,600 | $65,280 | 1,590 |
| Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers | $47,740 | $61,920 | 570 |
| Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway | $47,440 | $60,250 | 1,190 |
| Fort Smith | $46,630 | $58,140 | 400 |
| Hot Springs | $46,400 | $57,950 | 110 |
| Texarkana | $41,920 | $61,990 | 590 |
Welder salary: annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Arkansas (6,150 jobs); U.S. median $53,750. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Welding Schools by City in Arkansas
Welding Schools in Arkansas: FAQ
How Much Do Welding Schools in Arkansas Cost?
Full-time tuition and fees for 2024–25 at the Arkansas colleges on this page run from $2,570 to $9,292 for residents, before books, tools and protective gear.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in Arkansas?
Arkansas programs publish awards from short certificates to associate degrees. For example, Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas lists Associate of Applied Science in General Technology - General and Pipe Welding Pathway (72 credit hours) and Technical Certificate of Welding Technology (30 credit hours); Black River Technical College lists Technical Certificate - Welding (30 credit hours) and Certificate of Proficiency - Welding (12 credit hours); University of Arkansas-Fort Smith lists Technical Certificate in Welding (32 credit hours) and Certificate of Proficiency - Arc Welding (12 credit hours).
How Much Do Welders Make in Arkansas?
BLS estimates a median of $47,970 a year for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Arkansas (May 2025), across 6,150 jobs. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37,380 and the top 10% earn more than $62,830.
What Is the Best Welding School in Arkansas?
On federal data for program size, cost and completion, Arkansas State University Mid-South ranks first among Arkansas colleges with verified welding programs, followed by Arkansas State University-Mountain Home. The best fit depends on the credential you want and the campus you can reach.
How Many Welding Schools Are in Arkansas?
24 schools have a current welding program in Arkansas, each checked against the school's own program page, and 13 offer an associate degree.
What Is the Most Affordable Welding School in Arkansas?
Arkansas Northeastern College had the lowest 2024–25 tuition and fees among Arkansas welding schools with federal figures: $2,570 for a full-time year (in-district). Arkansas State University Mid-South ($3,216) and East Arkansas Community College ($3,300) follow.
Which Arkansas Welding Schools Offer an Associate Degree?
Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University Mid-South and Arkansas State University Three Rivers and 10 more offer a welding associate degree, usually alongside shorter certificates.
Where Can You Test for AWS Certification in Arkansas?
Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University-Beebe and Black River Technical College and 6 other schools describe American Welding Society (AWS) testing or certification on their program pages. Each profile shows what the school offers.
Do I Need a Certification to Work as a Welder?
Many employers test welders on their own procedure before hiring. The American Welding Society's Certified Welder program is a performance test with no education or experience prerequisites, taken at an AWS Accredited Test Facility.
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More on Welding in Arkansas
Sources
- Official welding program pages of the 24 Arkansas colleges above (each college name links to its page), reviewed September 2026.
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS completions 2022–23 and College Navigator.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- American Welding Society, Certified Welder program.