RSI welding class cost depends on tuition, lab and gear fees, living costs and how you pay. RSI is The Refrigeration School, Inc., a trade school in Phoenix, Arizona, that added a welding program. RSI lists a total program cost of $24,175 for the Welding Specialist program, including $19,200 in tuition. Confirm the current figures with RSI before you apply.
Quick Answer
- Total program cost: $24,175 standard, or $22,255 with military pricing, per RSI’s costs page. Tuition alone is $19,200.
- Beyond the program price: RSI estimates monthly living costs of about $2,064 living with parents or $3,076 off campus in Phoenix.
- Aid: ask whether the program qualifies for federal aid, scholarships, veterans benefits or workforce funding.
- Compare: check at least one community college and one other private school using the same cost categories.
RSI Welding Class Cost: What to Expect
RSI’s Welding Specialist program in Phoenix, Arizona runs about 7 months of full-time training and includes a gear package. RSI prices it as one program cost made up of several line items, shown below.
| RSI Welding Specialist (Phoenix) cost item | Standard | Military pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $19,200 | $17,280 |
| Course materials | $350 | $350 |
| Lab fees | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Gear package | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Accident insurance | $300 | $300 |
| Technology fee | $500 | $500 |
| Registration fee | $25 | Deferred, paid later |
| Total program cost | $24,175 | $22,255 |
Source: RSI tuition and costs page, checked October 2026. Prices can change, so confirm them with RSI before enrolling.
Not included in the program price: housing, food, transportation and personal expenses while you train.
Tuition and Fees You Should Confirm
RSI prices can change by enrollment date. Ask the admissions or financial aid office to confirm the following in writing:
- Total program cost and what it includes
- Each mandatory fee and when it is due
- What the gear package contains and which tools you must still buy
- Program length, class schedule and start dates
- Refund and withdrawal policy
- Whether any certification tests are included
Keep copies of every cost sheet and enrollment document. Written records protect you if figures change later.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Tuition is only part of the budget. Plan for replacement safety gear and consumables, commuting costs and lost income if you reduce work hours. Never skip required protective equipment to save money; sparks, heat, fumes and bright arcs cause serious injuries.
Cost of Living in Arizona
RSI’s published monthly cost-of-attendance estimates for Phoenix (2025-26 and 2026-27) are $2,063.92 living with parents (room and board $1,079.64, travel $338.35, personal $645.94) and $3,075.89 off campus (room and board $1,660.98, travel $338.35, personal $1,076.56). They apply to all programs at the campus and are budgeting estimates, not charges billed by RSI.
If you relocate to the Phoenix area, housing is likely to be your largest non-tuition cost. Compare current rents in the neighborhoods near campus, add utilities, food and transportation, and track your actual spending for a month before classes start. Compare current rents near campus before you sign a lease, and add deposits and utility set-up charges to your first-month costs.
Room and Board Options for Students
Living with family is usually the cheapest option. Renting a room or sharing an apartment lowers rent per person, while a solo lease costs more and may require deposits, application fees and utility set-up charges. Choose housing that lets you reach class on time and rest enough to work safely in the shop.
Financial Aid and Budgeting Tips
- File the FAFSA if RSI confirms the program is eligible for federal student aid.
- Ask Student Financial Services about scholarships, grants and payment plans. RSI lists military pricing at 90% of standard tuition. Also ask about Arizona workforce funding such as WIOA programs.
- Compare grants and scholarships first; loans must be repaid with interest.
- Build a monthly budget that includes tuition payments, rent, food, transport and an emergency fund.
Use the U.S. Department of Education College Navigator to compare costs, graduation rates and net price across schools.
How to Compare RSI With Other Welding Schools
Use the same checklist for every school: total cost, program length, weekly shop hours, tools included, certification testing, job-placement support and refund terms. For reference, see our guides to Tulsa Welding School costs, UTI welding program costs and welding school costs in general.
Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
- What is the current total program cost, and what does it include?
- Which fees are mandatory, and which are optional?
- What tools and safety gear come with tuition?
- Does the program qualify for federal financial aid?
- What happens if I withdraw before finishing?
- What job-placement support does the school offer, and what data supports it?
- Which certifications or tests cost extra?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RSI welding class cost?
RSI lists a total program cost of $24,175 for its Welding Specialist program in Phoenix, including $19,200 tuition, $2,000 lab fees, a $1,800 gear package, $350 course materials, $300 accident insurance, a $500 technology fee and a $25 registration fee. Confirm the current figures with RSI before you enroll.
Is there a military discount on RSI welding tuition?
RSI lists military pricing of $22,255 total, based on tuition at 90% of the standard rate ($17,280), with the registration fee deferred rather than waived. Ask Student Financial Services whether you qualify.
How long is the RSI welding program?
RSI describes the Welding Specialist program as about 7 months of full-time training at its Phoenix campus. Confirm the schedule and start dates with admissions, because start dates change.
Are there scholarships or financial aid for RSI welding students?
RSI says federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and payment plans may be available to those who qualify. Contact Student Financial Services to build a tuition plan.
How much should I budget per month to live while attending?
RSI publishes monthly cost-of-attendance estimates for Phoenix for 2025-26 and 2026-27: $2,063.92 living with parents and $3,075.89 living off campus. These are budgeting estimates for all programs at the campus, not charges billed by the school.
Financial disclaimer: this article is for general information and is not financial advice. Review current school documents and talk to a qualified financial aid advisor before making enrollment or borrowing decisions.
Conclusion
RSI welding class cost is more than the tuition line: the program total is $24,175 before living expenses. Request a current written cost breakdown, add housing, tools, travel, food and personal costs, and compare the total with financial aid and other welding programs. A clear budget helps you start training with fewer surprises.
