Best Welding Schools in Texarkana, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• Texarkana offers strong welding training through accredited public colleges with industry-aligned facilities.
• Top programs include Texarkana College and UA Hope-Texarkana, both offering certificates and associate degree pathways.
• Most programs can be completed in 9–24 months and prepare students for AWS certification.
• Tuition is significantly lower at public institutions, especially for Arkansas residents with financial aid.
• Graduates are prepared for careers in pipe welding, structural welding, fabrication, and industrial maintenance across Arkansas, Texas, and nearby Louisiana.

Why Choose a Welding School in Texarkana, Arkansas?

Texarkana sits at the crossroads of Arkansas and Texas, giving welding students access to a multi-state job market. Regional demand is driven by manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation, and industrial maintenance employers. Skilled welders in Arkansas typically earn between $40,000 and $65,000 annually, with pipe welders and specialized TIG welders earning more.

Training locally provides three advantages:

• Lower in-district tuition costs
• Direct access to regional employers
• Programs aligned with Arkansas workforce standards and AWS certification requirements

Below is a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the best welding schools in the Texarkana area.

Comparison of the Best Welding Schools in Texarkana, Arkansas

SchoolProgram TypeDurationAccreditationEst. Tuition (In-District)Certifications Prepared ForLocationTexarkana CollegeCertificate, AAS Degree9–24 monthsHLC AccreditedLow public tuitionAWS, MIG, TIG, SMAWTexarkana, TXUA Hope-TexarkanaCertificate, Technical Degree9–18 monthsHLC AccreditedLow public tuitionAWS Structural & PipeHope, AR (30 mins)

Both institutions serve Texarkana-area students and maintain strong ties with regional employers.

1. Texarkana College Welding Program

Overview

Texarkana College offers one of the most established welding technology programs in the region. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as structural welders, pipe welders, and fabricators. Students can pursue either a short-term certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Training and Facilities

Students train in modern welding labs equipped with industry-standard equipment, including:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding
• Pipe welding booths

Hands-on lab time is a major focus, ensuring graduates are job-ready. Coursework also includes blueprint reading, welding safety, and metallurgy basics.

Career Outcomes

Graduates pursue roles in:

• Oil and gas support industries
• Manufacturing plants
• Commercial construction
• Shipyards and fabrication shops

Because Texarkana spans two states, students benefit from expanded employment opportunities in both Arkansas and Texas.

Who It Is Best For

This program is ideal for students seeking a well-rounded education and those interested in advancing into supervisory or inspection roles later in their career.

2. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Overview

UA Hope-Texarkana offers a Welding Technology program focused on workforce readiness. Located about 30 minutes from Texarkana, it serves many students from Miller County and surrounding areas.

Program Structure

The program provides certificate and technical degree options. Core skills include:

• Structural welding
• Pipe welding techniques
• Welding inspection fundamentals
• Blueprint interpretation
• Industry safety standards

Students receive practical training aligned with American Welding Society standards.

Industry Partnerships

UAHT maintains partnerships with regional manufacturers and industrial employers. These relationships often lead to internships and employment pipelines following graduation.

Who It Is Best For

This option is well-suited for Arkansas residents seeking affordable tuition and strong local employer connections.

How to Choose the Right Welding Program

1. Verify Accreditation

Both featured schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation ensures employers recognize your credential and allows access to federal financial aid.

2. Confirm Certification Preparation

Look for programs that prepare you for AWS certification exams. Certification significantly increases employability and earning potential.

3. Evaluate Lab Time

Welding is a hands-on trade. Programs should prioritize in-shop training over classroom lecture time.

4. Assess Specialization Options

If your goal is pipeline welding, shipbuilding, or refinery work, ensure the program offers pipe welding and advanced TIG training.

5. Compare Total Cost

Public colleges in Arkansas offer reduced tuition for in-district residents. Financial aid, state grants, and workforce scholarships can lower out-of-pocket costs.

Tuition and Financial Aid in Texarkana

Public institutions offer competitive tuition rates compared to private trade schools. Students may qualify for:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarships
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding
• Veterans education benefits

Many welding students complete programs with minimal debt due to relatively short program durations and grant availability.

Career Outlook for Welders in Texarkana and Southwest Arkansas

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for welders nationwide, driven by infrastructure repair, manufacturing growth, and energy sector needs. In the Texarkana region, demand is supported by:

• Industrial fabrication companies
• Commercial construction projects
• Manufacturing facilities
• Transportation equipment repair

Entry-level welders typically start at competitive hourly wages, with experienced professionals earning significantly more through certifications and specialized skills.

Admission Requirements

Most welding programs in the Texarkana area require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Placement testing or basic skills assessment
• Completion of safety orientation

No prior welding experience is usually required for certificate programs.

Which Welding School Is Best in Texarkana?

The best welding school depends on your career goals:

• Best overall program depth: Texarkana College
• Best affordable Arkansas option: UA Hope-Texarkana
• Best for quick workforce entry: Certificate pathways at either institution
• Best for long-term advancement: Associate degree programs

Both institutions offer respected, accredited training that prepares students for high-demand careers in welding across Arkansas and neighboring states.

Frequently Asked Questions about Welding Schools in Texarkana, Arkansas

How long does it take to complete a welding program in Texarkana?

Most welding programs at Texarkana College and UA Hope-Texarkana take about 9 to 24 months to finish, depending on whether you choose a short certificate or a degree path and whether you study full time or part time.

What welding certifications can you prepare for in Texarkana?

You can prepare for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications, including structural and pipe welding, as well as specific processes like MIG, TIG, and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).

How much does welding school cost in the Texarkana area?

Public colleges in the Texarkana area offer lower in-district tuition, especially for Arkansas residents. Your total cost depends on the program length, but many students lower out-of-pocket costs with grants, scholarships, and workforce funding.

Do you need welding experience to enroll in these programs?

You usually do not need prior welding experience. Most certificate programs start with basics and require only a high school diploma or GED, placement testing, and a safety orientation.

What welding careers can you pursue after training in Texarkana?

You can work as a structural welder, pipe welder, fabricator, or industrial maintenance welder in settings like manufacturing plants, construction sites, fabrication shops, and energy or transportation companies across Arkansas, Texas, and nearby Louisiana.

Why choose a welding school in Texarkana instead of another city?

You gain access to a two-state job market, lower public tuition, and programs aligned with Arkansas workforce and AWS standards, which helps you move into regional welding jobs more quickly.