Central Lakes College-Brainerd Welding Program: Cost, Certificates and Degrees

What Does Central Lakes College-Brainerd Offer for Welding Students?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd in Brainerd, Minnesota offers an associate degree and a diploma in welding through its Welding and Fabrication program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $6,249 for a full-time year (all students). The school awarded 28 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.

Welding Degree and Certificates at Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Award	Type	Length
Welding and Fabrication A.A.S. Degree	Associate	60 credit hours
Welding and Fabrication Diploma	Diploma	42 credit hours

As listed on Central Lakes College-Brainerd's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.

Central Lakes College-Brainerd Welding Tuition: $6,249 a Year

Tuition and fees: $6,249
Books and supplies: $1,000
Welding certificates awarded: 25
Welding associate degrees: 3
Graduation rate: 53%
Students enrolled: 4,981

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.

What you'll Learn in Central Lakes College-Brainerd's Welding Program

Central Lakes stresses lab time (90% of class time in the lab) and its AAS is framed around lead-welder and fabrication team-leader skills beyond entry level.

Stick (SMAW)
MIG (GMAW)
TIG (GTAW)
Fabrication and blueprint reading

Welding Certification Testing at Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Testing. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized welding certifications, successfully complete employer qualification testing.

Where you'll Train: Brainerd Campus

Brainerd Campus501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401

Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Central Lakes College-Brainerd's own site.

Visit clcmn.edu

What Welders Earn in Minnesota

Across Minnesota, the median welder wage is $60,280 a year, from $45,690 at the 10th percentile to $75,710 at the 90th, with 9,270 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.

5 More Welding Schools Within 96 Miles of Brainerd

Alexandria Technical & Community College64 mi · $6,236/yr
Anoka Technical College87 mi · $6,267/yr
Ridgewater College93 mi · $6,121/yr
Hennepin Technical College95 mi · $5,940/yr
Minnesota North College96 mi · $6,022/yr

Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Minnesota

Central Lakes College-Brainerd Welding FAQ

Does Central Lakes College-Brainerd Have a Welding Program?

Yes. Central Lakes College-Brainerd offers an associate degree and a diploma in welding at Brainerd Campus. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), fabrication and blueprint reading.

How Much Does Welding School Cost at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?

Central Lakes College-Brainerd's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $6,249 for a full-time year (all students), with books and supplies estimated at $1,000. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.

How Long Is the Welding Program at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?

Welding and Fabrication A.A.S. Degree: 60 credit hours. Welding and Fabrication Diploma: 42 credit hours.

Can You Get Welding Certified at Central Lakes College-Brainerd?

Upon completion, graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized welding certifications, successfully complete employer qualification testing.

How Much Do Welders Make in Minnesota?

The median welder wage in Minnesota is $60,280 a year, and the middle half earn between $50,960 and $65,410 (BLS, May 2025).

Latest Posts From the Blog

All posts

Close-up of a welder's helmet and gloves as sparks light the joint

National · Cost

Sources

clcmn.edu: Welding and Fabrication program page, reviewed September 25, 2026
NCES College Navigator, IPEDS unit 173203
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025

Central Lakes College-Brainerd Welding Program