What Does Ridgewater College Offer for Welding Students?
Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota offers an associate degree, 3 diplomas and a certificate in welding. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $6,121 for a full-time year (all students). The school awarded 34 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.
Welding Degree and Certificates at Ridgewater College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Welding AAS | Associate | 72 credit hours |
| Industrial Welding Diploma | Diploma | |
| Welding Diploma | Diploma | |
| Entry Level Welder Certificate | Certificate | 16 credit hours |
| Welding and Nondestructive Testing Methods Diploma | Diploma |
As listed on Ridgewater College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Ridgewater College Welding Tuition: $6,121 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $6,121 all students, 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,236 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 32 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 2 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 50% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 3,148 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.
From Stick Welding to Robotics: What Ridgewater College Teaches
Ridgewater pairs welding with nondestructive testing, offering a combined Welding and NDT Methods diploma, and runs a four-day (Monday-Thursday) daytime schedule.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
- Robotic and automated weldingrobotic welding
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at Ridgewater College
Schedule. In person, M–Th (8 am–4:30 pm); fall start only.
Testing. Certified American Welding Society Testing Facility.
2 Campuses Teach Welding at Ridgewater College
- Willmar Campus2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201
- Hutchinson Campus2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Ridgewater College's own site.
Visit ridgewater.eduWhat 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 84 Miles of Willmar
- Minnesota West Community and Technical College33 mi · $6,491/yr
- Alexandria Technical & Community College53 mi · $6,236/yr
- Anoka Technical College81 mi · $6,267/yr
- Hennepin Technical College82 mi · $5,940/yr
- South Central College84 mi · $6,146/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Minnesota
Ridgewater College Welding FAQ
Does Ridgewater College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Ridgewater College offers an associate degree, 3 diplomas and a certificate in welding at Willmar Campus, Hutchinson Campus. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, fabrication and blueprint reading.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at Ridgewater College?
Ridgewater College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $6,121 for a full-time year (all students), with books and supplies estimated at $1,236. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at Ridgewater College?
Industrial Welding AAS: 72 credit hours. Entry Level Welder Certificate: 16 credit hours.
Does Ridgewater College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
In person, M–Th (8 am–4:30 pm); fall start only.
Can You Get Welding Certified at Ridgewater College?
Certified American Welding Society Testing Facility.
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).
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