What Does Southwestern Michigan College Offer for Welding Students?
Southwestern Michigan College in Niles, Michigan offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $6,417 for a full-time year (in-district). The school awarded 33 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.
Welding Degree and Certificates at Southwestern Michigan College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology | Associate | |
| Certificate in Welding Technology | Certificate |
As listed on Southwestern Michigan College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Southwestern Michigan College Welding Tuition: $6,417 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $6,417 in-district, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $8,394 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,659 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 28 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 5 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 38% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 2,000 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 Southwestern Michigan College Teaches
SMC's welding is taught by Certified Welding Inspectors at the Niles Campus and includes a FANUC robotics certification opportunity.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Flux-cored (FCAW)
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cuttingthermal cutting
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
- Robotic and automated weldingrobotics
- Inspection and testing
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at Southwestern Michigan College
Schedule. Certificate is one year; degree is two years.
Testing. Graduates of the welding degree or certificate can test for certification in several welding methods.
Where you'll Train: Niles Campus (Harry T. Gast Building)
- Niles Campus (Harry T. Gast Building)
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Southwestern Michigan College's own site.
Visit swmich.eduWhat Welders Earn Around Niles
Welders in the Niles, MI metro area earn a median $49,040 a year. Across Michigan, the median welder wage is $49,990 a year, from $39,090 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th, with 13,330 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 92 Miles of Niles
- Grand Rapids Community College72 mi · $4,179/yr
- Morton College87 mi · $5,502/yr
- Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park90 mi
- Triton College90 mi · $5,070/yr
- Moraine Valley Community College92 mi · $3,822/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Michigan
Southwestern Michigan College Welding FAQ
Does Southwestern Michigan College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Southwestern Michigan College offers an associate degree and a certificate in welding at Niles Campus (Harry T. Gast Building). Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), flux-cored (FCAW), oxy-fuel and plasma cutting.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at Southwestern Michigan College?
Southwestern Michigan College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $6,417 for a full-time year (in-district) and $8,394 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,659. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
Does Southwestern Michigan College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
Certificate is one year; degree is two years.
Can You Get Welding Certified at Southwestern Michigan College?
Graduates of the welding degree or certificate can test for certification in several welding methods.
How Much Do Welders Make in Michigan?
The median welder wage in Michigan is $49,990 a year, and the middle half earn between $46,520 and $59,190 (BLS, May 2025).
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