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Welding Schools in Ames, Iowa

Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Welding programs near Ames, Iowa.

  • Use the school listing to compare providers and locations.
  • Review common formats, timelines, and requirements below.
  • Availability, pricing, and requirements can vary by school.

Welding Schools Near Ames, Iowa

#1

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA 22 miles away BOC Score 50.0

Des Moines Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Ankeny, IA serving about 10,446 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,790
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,690
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 39%
  • Programs offered: 49
  • Annual completions: 3,544
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA 36.8 miles away BOC Score 59.9

Marshalltown Community College is a Public, 2-year in Marshalltown, IA serving about 788 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,496
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,504
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 42%
  • Programs offered: 18
  • Annual completions: 190
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, IA 39.3 miles away BOC Score 50.6

Ellsworth Community College is a Public, 2-year in Iowa Falls, IA serving about 499 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,496
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,504
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 38%
  • Programs offered: 8
  • Annual completions: 31
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 43.5 miles away BOC Score 54.0

Iowa Central Community College is a Public, 2-year in Fort Dodge, IA serving about 3,103 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,496
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,788
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 42%
  • Programs offered: 33
  • Annual completions: 510
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA 71.8 miles away BOC Score 54.6

Hawkeye Community College is a Public, 2-year in Waterloo, IA serving about 2,626 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $6,525
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,612
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 43%
  • Programs offered: 27
  • Annual completions: 472
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Southwestern Community College

Creston, IA 76.4 miles away BOC Score 57.2

Southwestern Community College is a Public, 2-year in Creston, IA serving about 729 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $8,064
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,316
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 59%
  • Programs offered: 14
  • Annual completions: 261
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA 82.5 miles away BOC Score 57.1

North Iowa Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Mason City, IA serving about 1,320 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $6,653
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,551
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 61%
  • Programs offered: 29
  • Annual completions: 333
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA 93.2 miles away BOC Score 56.1

Indian Hills Community College is a Public, 2-year in Ottumwa, IA serving about 1,495 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,040
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,120
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 40%
  • Programs offered: 37
  • Annual completions: 335
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA 101.5 miles away BOC Score 56.3

Kirkwood Community College is a Public, 2-year in Cedar Rapids, IA serving about 7,591 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $6,176
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,220
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 43%
  • Programs offered: 46
  • Annual completions: 1,180
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, IA 113.1 miles away BOC Score 59.8

Iowa Lakes Community College is a Public, 2-year in Estherville, IA serving about 941 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $7,392
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,872
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 50%
  • Programs offered: 26
  • Annual completions: 102
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Training formats

  • Campus: in-person instruction with labs (when applicable)
  • Hybrid: a mix of online coursework and required in-person sessions
  • Online: some programs offer online coursework; hands-on components may still be required

Typical timelines

CredentialCommon RangeNotes
Certificate / DiplomaMonthsOften the fastest route; availability varies by school
Associate Degree~2 yearsMay include general education and broader coursework

What to compare

  • Program outcomes: what the curriculum covers and what it does not cover
  • Hands-on training: labs, externships, clinicals, or shop time (when applicable)
  • Schedule: start dates, evening/weekend options, part-time availability
  • Total cost: tuition, fees, books, tools, and uniforms (confirm with the school)
  • Requirements: prerequisites, background checks, immunizations, or driving record rules (if applicable)
  • Accreditation and approvals: what matters for your credential or licensing path
  • Exam/licensing prep: preparation and required hours (varies by state)

Questions to ask schools

  • Which credential do students earn, and what are the graduation requirements?
  • What is the weekly schedule and the expected time commitment?
  • What equipment, tools, or uniforms are required, and what do they cost?
  • Does the program prepare students for required exams or supervised hours (if applicable)?
  • Are transfer credits accepted, and are there prerequisites?

Labor market snapshot

Nearby cities in Iowa

About this page

GoTradeSchools.com is a comparison and discovery directory. Program availability depends on location, and details may vary by school. Always verify accreditation, admissions requirements, and licensing rules with the provider and your state.

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