What Does River Parishes Community College Offer for Welding Students?
River Parishes Community College in Gonzales, Louisiana offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding through its Welding Technical Diploma (TD) program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $4,079 for a full-time year (all students), the lowest of the 12 Louisiana schools we list with federal figures. The school awarded 26 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for keeping tuition low in Louisiana.
River Parishes Community College Welding Tuition: $4,079 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $4,079 all students, 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,353 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 26 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 30% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 2,597 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.
2 Welding Certificates at River Parishes Community College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technical Diploma | Diploma | 48 credit hours |
| Entry Welder, Certificate of Technical Studies | Certificate | 23 credit hours |
| Welder Helper, Career and Technical Certificate | Certificate | 8 credit hours |
As listed on River Parishes Community College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Plate, Pipe and Process Training at River Parishes Community College
Curriculum is aligned to both NCCER Levels 1-2 and the AWS SENSE Entry Welder guidelines, finishing with GTAW on low-alloy and stainless pipe.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Flux-cored (FCAW)
- Pipe welding
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at River Parishes Community College
Schedule. Four semesters of 12 credit hours each.
Testing. Students earn certificate-level awards with progression in the program, are eligible to take NCCER Core and Welding Level 1 and Level 2 exams and earn these industry-based credentials, and qualify for AWS certification exams.
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on River Parishes Community College's own site.
Visit rpcc.eduWhat Welders Earn in Louisiana
Across Louisiana, the median welder wage is $62,250 a year, from $42,810 at the 10th percentile to $81,750 at the 90th, with 13,690 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 63 Miles of Gonzales
- Baton Rouge Community College22 mi · $4,321/yr
- Fletcher Technical Community College35 mi · $4,219/yr
- Delgado Community College51 mi · $4,279/yr
- Nunez Community College60 mi · $4,255/yr
- Northshore Technical Community College63 mi · $4,299/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Louisiana
River Parishes Community College Welding FAQ
Does River Parishes Community College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. River Parishes Community College offers a diploma and 2 certificates in welding. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), flux-cored (FCAW), pipe welding.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at River Parishes Community College?
River Parishes Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $4,079 for a full-time year (all students), with books and supplies estimated at $1,353. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at River Parishes Community College?
Welding Technical Diploma: 48 credit hours. Entry Welder, Certificate of Technical Studies: 23 credit hours. Welder Helper, Career and Technical Certificate: 8 credit hours.
Does River Parishes Community College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
Four semesters of 12 credit hours each.
Can You Get Welding Certified at River Parishes Community College?
Students earn certificate-level awards with progression in the program, are eligible to take NCCER Core and Welding Level 1 and Level 2 exams and earn these industry-based credentials, and qualify for AWS certification exams.
How Much Do Welders Make in Louisiana?
The median welder wage in Louisiana is $62,250 a year, and the middle half earn between $50,680 and $77,310 (BLS, May 2025).
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