What Does Big Sandy Community and Technical College Offer for Welding Students?
Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky offers an associate degree, a diploma and 9 certificates in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $4,728 for a full-time year (in-state), the lowest of the 16 Kentucky schools we list with federal figures. The school awarded 89 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for keeping tuition low in Kentucky.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College Welding Tuition: $4,728 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $4,728 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $6,432 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,268 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 84 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 5 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 38% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 2,618 school-wide, Fall 2024
Tuition and fees are for a full-time year. Awards count welding credentials conferred. Graduation rate and enrollment cover the whole school. Source: NCES College Navigator.
Welding Degree and Certificates at Big Sandy Community and Technical College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology AAS | Associate | 60-68 credit hours |
| Combination Welder Diploma | Diploma | 48-55 credit hours |
| ARC Cutter Certificate | Certificate | |
| AWS National Skills Standards Level 1 Certificate | Certificate | |
| Gas Metal ARC Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Gas Tungsten ARC Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Gas Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Pipeline Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Production Line Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Shielded Metal ARC Welder Certificate | Certificate | |
| Welder Helper Certificate | Certificate |
As listed on Big Sandy Community and Technical College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Plate, Pipe and Process Training at Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Pipe welding
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
Where you'll Train: Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College1 Bert T. Combs Drive
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Big Sandy Community and Technical College's own site.
Visit bigsandy.kctcs.eduWhat Welders Earn in Kentucky
Across Kentucky, the median welder wage is $51,470 a year, from $39,300 at the 10th percentile to $69,010 at the 90th, with 6,630 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 54 Miles of Prestonsburg
- Hazard Community and Technical College38 mi · $4,728/yr
- Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College43 mi · $5,136/yr
- Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College51 mi · $4,728/yr
- Mountwest Community and Technical College52 mi · $4,938/yr
- Ashland Community and Technical College54 mi · $4,728/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Kentucky
Big Sandy Community and Technical College Welding FAQ
Does Big Sandy Community and Technical College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers an associate degree, a diploma and 9 certificates in welding at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), pipe welding, fabrication and blueprint reading.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at Big Sandy Community and Technical College?
Big Sandy Community and Technical College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $4,728 for a full-time year (in-state) and $6,432 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,268. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College?
Welding Technology AAS: 60-68 credit hours. Combination Welder Diploma: 48-55 credit hours.
How Much Do Welders Make in Kentucky?
The median welder wage in Kentucky is $51,470 a year, and the middle half earn between $46,380 and $59,900 (BLS, May 2025).
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