What Does McHenry County College Offer for Welding Students?
McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois offers an associate degree and 4 certificates in welding through its Welding and Fabrication AAS program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $4,162 for a full-time year (in-district). The school awarded 48 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.
Welding Degree and Certificates at McHenry County College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding and Fabrication AAS | Associate | 60 credit hours |
| Advanced Welding Technician Certificate | Certificate | 27 credit hours |
| Basic Welding Technician Certificate | Certificate | 21 credit hours |
| Pre-Apprenticeship Welding Technician Certificate | Certificate | 18 credit hours |
| Production Welding Technician Certificate | Certificate | 15 credit hours |
As listed on McHenry County College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
McHenry County College Welding Tuition: $4,162 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $4,162 in-district, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $14,399 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,400 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 48 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 37% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 9,399 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 McHenry County College's Welding Program
McHenry stacks five welding credentials, including a construction-oriented Pre-Apprenticeship certificate for pipe fitting and ironworking paths, into a 60-credit Welding and Fabrication AAS, and teaches GMAW pulse spray transfer at employers' request.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Flux-cored (FCAW)
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at McHenry County College
Schedule. AAS: 80 weeks to complete; Basic and Advanced certificates: 32 weeks; Production certificate: 16 weeks.
Testing. The welding certificates prepare students for certified welder tests under the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code.
Where you'll Train: McHenry County College
- McHenry County College
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on McHenry County College's own site.
Visit mchenry.eduWhat Welders Earn in Illinois
Across Illinois, the median welder wage is $51,320 a year, from $38,890 at the 10th percentile to $76,730 at the 90th, with 16,260 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 32 Miles of Crystal Lake
- Elgin Community College17 mi · $3,252/yr
- William Rainey Harper College19 mi · $3,894/yr
- College of Lake County19 mi · $4,788/yr
- Rock Valley College32 mi · $4,334/yr
- Waubonsee Community College32 mi · $3,504/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Illinois
McHenry County College Welding FAQ
Does McHenry County College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. McHenry County College offers an associate degree and 4 certificates in welding at McHenry County College. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), flux-cored (FCAW), fabrication and blueprint reading.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at McHenry County College?
McHenry County College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $4,162 for a full-time year (in-district) and $14,399 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,400. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at McHenry County College?
Welding and Fabrication AAS: 60 credit hours. Advanced Welding Technician Certificate: 27 credit hours. Basic Welding Technician Certificate: 21 credit hours.
Does McHenry County College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
AAS: 80 weeks to complete; Basic and Advanced certificates: 32 weeks; Production certificate: 16 weeks.
Can You Get Welding Certified at McHenry County College?
The welding certificates prepare students for certified welder tests under the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code.
How Much Do Welders Make in Illinois?
The median welder wage in Illinois is $51,320 a year, and the middle half earn between $46,500 and $61,520 (BLS, May 2025).
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