A welding torch can be a small lighthouse for your career—its cost matters more than you might think. You’ll want to know tuition differences for in- and out-of-state students, the $1,995 AWS prep course base fee, semester rates, and extra charges for books, consumables, and PPE. There are aid and scholarship options, but the final bill depends on choices you make, so keep going to get a clear estimate.
Tuition Rates for Welding Programs (In-State Vs Out-Of-State)
While residency doesn’t affect the AWS Welding Preparation course fee — it’s $1,995 for everyone — your semester tuition does: full-time Indiana residents pay $2,577.11 per semester, whereas out-of-state and international students pay $4,967.51.
Part-time students are billed per credit at $178.38 for residents versus $348.97 for nonresidents. You’ll see the residency impact immediately when comparing full-time and part-time scenarios; the per-credit gap makes part-time enrollment much more expensive for nonresidents.
When planning welding program costs, factor both semester tuition and per-credit charges into your budget so you don’t underestimate total expense. You can choose full- or part-time status to manage costs, but residency remains the largest driver of tuition differences.
Also note textbook fees and consumable charges exist separately and can shift your outlay, though they’re not tied to residency the same way tuition is. Make decisions based on the full tuition picture to minimize unexpected fees.
Mandatory Fees and Course-Specific Costs
Understanding mandatory fees helps you budget beyond base tuition. You’ll pay the $1,995 AWS Welding Preparation tuition plus a mandatory fees breakdown that includes textbook charges and course-specific charges. Textbooks run $16.50 per credit hour for 2024–2025 (rising to $18/credit hour in 2025–2026). Course consumables cost varies by class and are mandatory to cover supplies and tests; ask the program for a current estimate. Other mandatory service fees — for exam proctoring or transcript requests — can add to your total and are billed separately. Consider WorkOne or other funding to offset these required costs. Below is a simple snapshot to help you visualize typical mandatory items; confirm exact amounts with Ivy Tech before enrolling.
| Item | Typical Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (course) | $1,995 | AWS Welding Preparation |
| Textbook fee | $16.50/credit hr | $18 in 2025–2026 |
| Consumables & services | Varies | Mandatory consumables cost |
Equipment, Materials, and Protective Gear Expenses
Because tuition doesn’t cover everything, you should plan for personal protective equipment (PPE), basic tools, and course consumables when budgeting for the AWS Welding Preparation course.
You’ll likely spend $200–$500 on gloves, helmets, and jackets depending on quality. Expect course consumables and testing supplies to add variable fees beyond the $1,995 tuition. Textbooks cost $16.50 per credit hour for 2024–2025, so include that in your tally.
You should budget for welding tools and a basic toolkit starting around $100, with higher costs if you pursue specialization. Factor in periodic equipment maintenance for grinders, torches, and helmets to guarantee safety and longevity; maintenance costs vary but are part of ongoing ownership.
Decide whether to buy new or used PPE and tools to balance safety and savings. Track these line items—PPE, consumables, textbooks, welding tools, and maintenance—so you have a realistic total cost for completing the course.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Summer-Flex Options
You’ve budgeted for PPE and tools, but don’t assume you’ll pay the full $1,995 out of pocket for the AWS Welding Preparation course. You can pursue financial assistance, including federal aid, grants, and targeted scholarship opportunities that reduce tuition burden for welding students.
Ivy Tech promotes affordability; many graduates leave without student debt because aid is available and actively used.
If you keep full-time status during fall and spring, the Summer-Flex Tuition Scholarship lets you take extra summer credit hours without added tuition, so you can accelerate completion or add certifications at no extra semester cost.
Eligible students can also tap WorkOne funding for training and certification expenses, which often covers parts of the welding program.
Check program-specific scholarships, departmental awards, and application deadlines. Apply early, document eligibility, and coordinate financial aid with admissions and workforce partners to stack support effectively and minimize what you actually pay for the AWS course.
How to Estimate Your Total Semester Cost
Start by adding the $1,995 AWS Welding Preparation course fee to required ancillary costs so you can see the true semester total.
Then include textbook charges (currently $16.50 per credit hour), estimated consumables fees, and any testing supplies the course requires. Factor in a $30 initial setup fee if you choose a payment plan.
Check WorkOne and other local funding as potential offsets.
Calculate a clear cost breakdown by listing each line item and totaling them before aid or payment arrangements.
Review payment options and deadlines so you won’t incur late fees or miss funding windows.
Use the numeric checklist below to guide your estimate:
- Base course fee: $1,995.
- Textbook fee: $16.50 × credits enrolled.
- Consumables and testing supplies: variable — get course-specific estimates.
- Payment plan setup fee: $30 (if used) and any confirmed funding from WorkOne.
Reconcile totals, subtract confirmed aid, and plan for incidental expenses to finalize your semester budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Part-Time Students Charged Differently for Welding Classes?
Yes — you’ll usually pay part time tuition for welding classes, and Ivy Tech may offer student discounts or reduced fees; check your campus billing office for exact rates, eligibility, and any available financial aid or waivers.
Can Employers Reimburse Welding Program Costs at Ivy Tech?
Yes — you can often get reimbursed. You should check employer incentives and training benefits; coordinate with HR, keep receipts, confirm Ivy Tech’s billing, and get approval beforehand so your employer’ll cover tuition, fees, or related expenses.
Is There a Payment Plan Available for Tuition and Fees?
Yes — you can use an installment plan; about 45% of students use tuition assistance or financial aid and you’ll work with bursar services to set monthly payments, apply aid, or combine employer reimbursement for flexibility.
Do Online Welding Theory Courses Cost Less Than On-Campus Labs?
Yes — online welding theory courses usually cost less than on-campus labs. You’ll get online course benefits like lower fees and no commute; cost comparison shows labs incur facility, equipment, and hands-on instruction expenses you’d avoid.
Are Certification Exam Fees Included in Program Costs?
No, certification costs usually aren’t included; you’ll pay separate exam fees. Check program documents for exam inclusions, confirm which certifications are covered, and budget extra for testing, renewals, or practical assessment charges.
Conclusion
By choosing Ivy Tech’s welding program, you’ll know the numbers up front: a $1,995 base AWS course fee plus semester tuition ($2,577.11 for Indiana residents, $4,967.51 for out-of-state), textbook charges by credit hour, consumables, and $200–$500 for PPE. Financial aid and scholarships can ease the burden, and summer-flex options offer flexibility. Crunch your specific credits and fees to get a reliable total — that way you won’t be left holding the bag when semester bills arrive.
