What Does Riverland Community College Offer for Welding Students?
Riverland Community College in Albert Lea, Minnesota offers a diploma and a certificate in welding. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $6,298 for a full-time year (all students). The school awarded 29 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for a fast start in welding with a certificate.
The Riverland Community College Welding Certificate
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Diploma | Diploma | 32 credit hours |
| Welding Certificate | Certificate | 16 credit hours |
As listed on Riverland Community College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Riverland Community College Welding Tuition: $6,298 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $6,298 all students, 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,600 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 29 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 52% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 3,959 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 Riverland Community College's Welding Program
Riverland's welding diploma bundles MSSC Safety and Quality coursework so students can test for the MSSC Certified Production Technician credential, and it is pitched to working adults.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at Riverland Community College
Schedule. Certificate: one semester, Fall and Spring offerings; diploma two semesters.
Testing. Eligible to test for MSSC Certified Production Tech.
Where you'll Train: Albert Lea Campus
- Albert Lea campus2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Riverland Community College's own site.
Visit riverland.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 91 Miles of Albert Lea
- North Iowa Area Community College37 mi · $6,653/yr
- South Central College63 mi · $6,146/yr
- Dakota County Technical College73 mi · $6,679/yr
- Western Technical College88 mi · $4,820/yr
- Dunwoody College of Technology91 mi · $27,836/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Minnesota
Riverland Community College Welding FAQ
Does Riverland Community College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Riverland Community College offers a diploma and a certificate in welding at Albert Lea 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 Riverland Community College?
Riverland Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $6,298 for a full-time year (all students), with books and supplies estimated at $1,600. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at Riverland Community College?
Welding Diploma: 32 credit hours. Welding Certificate: 16 credit hours.
Does Riverland Community College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
Certificate: one semester, Fall and Spring offerings; diploma two semesters.
Can You Get Welding Certified at Riverland Community College?
Eligible to test for MSSC Certified Production Tech.
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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