What Does TSTC Offer for Welding Students?
Texas State Technical College in Abilene, Texas offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $7,212 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 588 welding credentials in 2024–25. It runs evening classes. Best for working adults who need evening classes.
Evening Welding Classes at TSTC
Schedule. In person or hybrid, with day and night options.
The TSTC Job-Offer Guarantee
TSTC advertises a Money-Back Guarantee: a job offer within six months of graduation or a tuition refund, under its stated conditions. Its welding AAS runs at six campuses, and program-level welding locations stretch from Harlingen to Marshall.
TSTC Welding Tuition: $7,212 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $7,212 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $11,812 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,508 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 487 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 101 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 46% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 12,077 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.
Welding Degree and Certificates at TSTC
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology AAS | Associate | about 16 months |
| Structural Welding Certificate | Certificate | about 12 months |
| Advanced Pipe Certificate | Certificate | about 16 months |
| Advanced Processes Certificate | Certificate | about 16 months |
As listed on TSTC's welding program page, reviewed September 24, 2026.
Plate, Pipe and Process Training at TSTC
TSTC teaches welding at about a dozen locations, finishes its AAS in about 16 months, and advertises a job-offer-or-tuition-refund Money-Back Guarantee.
- Pipe welding
6 Campuses Teach Welding at TSTC
- TSTC Abilene
- TSTC Fort Bend County
- TSTC Harlingen
- TSTC North Texas
- TSTC Waco
- TSTC Williamson County
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on TSTC's own site.
Visit tstc.eduWhat Welders Earn Around Abilene
Welders in the Abilene, TX metro area earn a median $48,160 a year. Across Texas, the median welder wage is $53,340 a year, from $38,380 at the 10th percentile to $80,240 at the 90th, with 52,000 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 75 Miles of Abilene
- Hill College26 mi · $3,570/yr
- Navarro College46 mi · $3,008/yr
- Central Texas College56 mi · $3,750/yr
- Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie73 mi
- M T Training Center75 mi
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Texas
TSTC Welding FAQ
Does TSTC Have a Welding Program?
Yes. TSTC offers an associate degree and 3 certificates in welding at TSTC Abilene, TSTC Fort Bend County, TSTC Harlingen. Training covers pipe welding.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at TSTC?
TSTC's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $7,212 for a full-time year (in-state) and $11,812 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,508. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at TSTC?
Welding Technology AAS: about 16 months. Structural Welding Certificate: about 12 months. Advanced Pipe Certificate: about 16 months.
Does TSTC Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
In person or hybrid, with day and night options.
How Much Do Welders Make in Texas?
The median welder wage in Texas is $53,340 a year, and the middle half earn between $45,750 and $64,770 (BLS, May 2025).
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