What Does McDowell Technical Community College Offer for Welding Students?
McDowell Technical Community College in Marion, North Carolina offers an associate degree, a diploma and 2 certificates in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $2,032 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 25 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.
Welding Degree and Certificates at McDowell Technical Community College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology Associate Degree (A50420) | Associate | |
| Welding Technology Diploma (D50420) | Diploma | |
| Welding Technology Certificate - Level I (C50420A) | Certificate | |
| Welding Technology Certificate - Level II (C50420B) | Certificate |
As listed on McDowell Technical Community College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
McDowell Technical Community College Welding Tuition: $2,032 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $2,032 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $6,640 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,750 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 24 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 1 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 48% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 1,249 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.
What you'll Learn in McDowell Technical Community College's Welding Program
A small Marion program offering four stacked awards, from two short certificates up to an associate degree, with welding inspection and testing named as a core skill area.
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
- Inspection and testingdestructive and non-destructive testing
Where you'll Train: Main Campus
- Main campus54 College Drive, Marion, NC 28752
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on McDowell Technical Community College's own site.
Visit mcdowelltech.eduWhat Welders Earn in North Carolina
Across North Carolina, the median welder wage is $50,590 a year, from $38,540 at the 10th percentile to $71,240 at the 90th, with 11,750 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 34 Miles of Marion
- Western Piedmont Community College16 mi · $2,650/yr
- Mayland Community College19 mi · $2,626/yr
- Isothermal Community College22 mi · $2,030/yr
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute30 mi · $2,526/yr
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College34 mi · $2,882/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in North Carolina
McDowell Technical Community College Welding FAQ
Does McDowell Technical Community College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. McDowell Technical Community College offers an associate degree, a diploma and 2 certificates in welding at Main campus. Training covers oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, fabrication and blueprint reading, inspection and testing.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at McDowell Technical Community College?
McDowell Technical Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $2,032 for a full-time year (in-state) and $6,640 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,750. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Much Do Welders Make in North Carolina?
The median welder wage in North Carolina is $50,590 a year, and the middle half earn between $45,400 and $60,870 (BLS, May 2025).
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