What Does Western Piedmont Community College Offer for Welding Students?
Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina offers an associate degree, a diploma and 3 certificates in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $2,650 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 21 welding credentials in 2024–25. Best for earning a welding degree, not just a certificate.
Welding Degree and Certificates at Western Piedmont Community College
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science Degree | Associate | 65 credit hours |
| Welding Diploma | Diploma | 42 credit hours |
| Introduction to Welding Certificate | Certificate | 13 credit hours |
| Welding Certificate Level 1 | Certificate | 18 credit hours |
| Welding Certificate Level 2 | Certificate | 16 credit hours |
As listed on Western Piedmont Community College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
Western Piedmont Community College Welding Tuition: $2,650 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $2,650 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $8,794 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,500 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 19 2024–25
- Welding associate degrees
- 2 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 49% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 1,813 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.
Where you'll Train: Main Campus
- Main campus1001 Burkemont Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Western Piedmont Community College's own site.
Visit wpcc.eduWhat Welders Earn Around Hickory
Welders in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area earn a median $46,080 a year. Across North Carolina, the median welder wage is $50,590 a year, from $38,540 at the 10th percentile to $71,240 at the 90th, with 11,750 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 30 Miles of Morganton
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute15 mi · $2,526/yr
- McDowell Technical Community College16 mi · $2,032/yr
- Catawba Valley Community College22 mi · $2,427/yr
- Mayland Community College24 mi · $2,626/yr
- Isothermal Community College30 mi · $2,030/yr
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in North Carolina
Western Piedmont Community College Welding FAQ
Does Western Piedmont Community College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Western Piedmont Community College offers an associate degree, a diploma and 3 certificates in welding at Main campus.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at Western Piedmont Community College?
Western Piedmont Community College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $2,650 for a full-time year (in-state) and $8,794 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,500. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at Western Piedmont Community College?
Associate in Applied Science Degree: 65 credit hours. Welding Diploma: 42 credit hours. Introduction to Welding Certificate: 13 credit hours.
How Much Do Welders Make in North Carolina?
The median welder wage in North Carolina is $50,590 a year, and the middle half earn between $45,400 and $60,870 (BLS, May 2025).
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