Admissions

Enrollment Procedures

Prospective students are encouraged to tour the campus and meet with an admissions representative. Those unable to tour the campus may request an information packet. All prospective students must complete a class registration form. A non-refundable $100.00 reservation fee is required and will be applied to the student’s tuition at the time of enrollment.

Start dates are finalized after the registration form and reservation fee have been received. The enrollment agreement shall be explained and signed on the student’s start date.

Prospective students will be contacted by an admissions representative and encouraged to enroll in school in the event the registration form and reservation fee have not been received.

Admission Requirements

Students younger than 18 years of age must sign an enrollment agreement form with a parent, guardian or guarantor. A high school diploma, GED or HiSET is highly recommended but not required. Previous welding experience is not required for most courses.

All tuition and fees are due on or before the start date. Students may contact an admissions representative to make other financial arrangements.

Applicants must have good eyesight or use corrective lenses. Missouri Welding Institute extends training to the disabled and is designed for disabled students.

Students shall be admitted to Missouri Welding Institute, trained and referred to potential employers without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion or national origin.

Students must be 17 years of age or older.

Orientation

Student orientation will take place on the first day of class to acquaint students with school policies, training facilities and safety procedures.

Tuition

A career in welding is a great investment in your future. We strive to provide our students with a valuable education while saving you money and minimizing debt. Our admissions representatives will work with you to help find the best grants and scholarships for your financial situation.

Supplies

The cost of all course books and equipment (listed below) is built into the tuition. The only equipment a student must purchase outside these items is steel-toed safety boots.

Personal equipment consists of: 

  • Welding hood equipped with a filter lens 

  • Heavy welding gloves 

  • Safety glasses 

  • Chipping hammer 

  • Other miscellaneous items

MWI Financial Assistance

Missouri Welding Institute strives to provide students an unmatched welding education and a solid foundation for the future. Our admissions representatives have over twenty years of combined experience and are ready to help you secure funds for tuition and additional living expenses. We’ll guide you through our financial aid program and help you find the best scholarships and grants for your financial situation.

Contact our admissions department to get started. Prospective students must complete the Class Application Form before receiving assistance.

MWI accepts state and local scholarships. Please contact an admissions representative with questions, concerns or for additional help.

American Welding Society (AWS) Scholarships 

​The American Welding Society Foundation awards over $1.5 million in scholarships every year to support programs and ensure the growth and development of the welding industry though research and educational opportunities.

Learn More

​​Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development A+ Scholarship 

The A+ Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools. MWI approves the $1,000 scholarship for the A+ certification.

Learn more – High School Seniors 

Learn More – Postsecondary Students

Gamm Incorporated 

Gamm Incorporated is an adult and youth training, retraining and employment assistance organization serving 15 Missouri counties. Students must qualify according to GAMM standards. Northeast Missouri students only. Visit gamminc.org or call (660) 213-3221.​ 

Jerald Brown Welding Scholarship 

Available to residents of Cass County with a GPA of 2.0 to 4.0 can apply for this $500 scholarship. All application materials must be e-mailed or postmarked by April 1, 2021.​ 

Learn More

Missouri Farm Bureau Vocational Scholarship  

The Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture will award four $500.00 scholarships to those pursuing appropriate certification in fields related to and supportive of agriculture.

Learn More

National FFA Scholarships 

Through the National FFA Foundation, businesses and individuals support scholarships are awarded to students with a wide variety of higher education plans and career goals.

Learn More

Golden Arm Scholarship

The Golden Arm Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Bradley Patterson, a graduate of MWI, who passed away from complications of a brain surgery. Each year this scholarship will be awarded to a post-traditional or adult student who completes their MWI certifications and received their diploma. Scholarship recipients are expected to use their resources wisely and uphold a high standard of work ethic.

Learn More

Grant agencies have individual methods of determining eligibility and must be contacted directly by the applicant. Please contact the MWI admissions department for referrals to the agency office or case worker.

National FFA Scholarships 

The National FFA Foundation provide grants through local engagement programs to help high school students with higher education goals.  

Learn More – Chapter Grants

Learn More – Grants

SER Corporation National Farmworker and Jobs Program (NFJP) 

SER Corporation is the direct grantee for the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) in Kansas. Applicants must be a resident of Kansas and have worked in agriculture within the last two years to apply.  

Learn More – Brochure

Learn More – Flier

Contact Henry Coronado: (620) 682-0008

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Grant through local career centers. Students must qualify according to WIA standards. Call us and we will locate an office near you.

SkillUP

SkillUP is a free program that helps Food Stamp (SNAP) recipients get help with skills, training and employer connections. Grants are distributed through local career centers. Find a provider near you to learn more.

UMOS

UMOS is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides programs and services which improve the employment, educational, health and housing opportunities of under-served population. Students must have recent farm work experience to qualify.  

Contact Mary Kay Merling to learn more. 

Office: 660-259-3432  Cell: 816-714-4333 

Email: [email protected]

Contact Lea Ann Huffman

Office 417-313-8052 Cell 417-356-0147

Email: [email protected]

Vocational Rehabilitation  

The Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation program assists eligible persons with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining quality employment. Contact a district office near you to determine if you are eligible. 

Learn More

Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a program designed to provide adults with the education and skills needed to enter the workforce in fields that are in high demand.

Learn More

Sallie Mae Student Loan

Sallie Mae offers private student loans and other financial products that offer students and families free tools and information to help them plan and pay for school and build good credit. Students must have a start and completion date at MWI before applying.

  • ​Learn More

  • Call: (877) 279-7172 

  • ​When to apply: Students can apply up to 300 days prior to the student’s start date. 

  • Borrower and Co-Borrower Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students residing in and attending school in the U.S. Interest rates vary depending on Borrowers and Co-Borrowers credit score.  

  • Latest Rates: www.salliemae.com/ratesheet 

  • ​Loan Limits: Minimum: $1,000. Maximum up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance, unless other aid received. No aggregate limit. Pay expenses such as tuition, fees, books, housing, meals and travel. 

  • ​Repayment Terms: Repayment terms vary based on repayment option, cumulative Sallie Mae Loan balance, and year in school. A standard term is 10 years with no penalty for early payoff. 

  • ​Grace Period: Full principal and interest repayments begin 6 months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Sallie Mae Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) 

Learn More

US Department of Labor Veteran & Military Transition Center (GI BILL®

Learn More

US Department of Labor Vocational Scholarship  

Learn More

Veterans

It’s our duty!

At MWI, we believe veterans should be honored and rewarded for their dedication and service. We’re here to make the transition to your civilian career as smooth as possible. 

If eligible, our admission representatives will assist you with your applications for military educational benefits to help you to pay for your welding education.

Working together to benefit you

You may be eligible for military education benefits in addition to scholarships and state tuition assistance. 

  • GI Bill® programs are available for eligible veterans, active duty and dependents. 

  • Tuition can be paid through the Post 9/11 GI Bill® for eligible military members including active duty, reserves active-duty spouses and dependent children of active duty service members, military retirees and honorably discharged veterans.   

Visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Important Dates

2024 Start and Graduation Schedule

Start Day10 wk Graduation Date11 wk Graduation Date18 wk Graduation Date
1/15/2024 3/1/20245/22/2024
1/29/20244/4/20244/15/20246/5/2024
2/12/2024 4/29/20246/19/2024
2/26/2024 5/13/20247/3/2024
3/11/2024 5/29/20247/19/2024
3/25/2024 6/12/20248/2/2024
4/15/20246/25/20247/2/20248/16/2024
4/29/2024 7/18/20249/3/2024
5/13/2024 8/1/20249/17/2024
5/28/2024 8/14/202410/4/2024
6/10/2024 8/27/202410/17/2024
6/24/20249/3/20249/12/202410/31/2024
7/8/2024 9/24/202411/12/2024
7/22/2024 10/8/202411/26/2024
8/5/2024 10/22/202412/13/2024
8/19/2024 11/5/20241/9/2025
9/9/202411/14/202411/22/20241/28/2025
9/23/2024 12/11/20242/13/2025
10/7/2024 1/7/20252/27/2025
10/21/2024 1/21/20253/13/2025
11/4/2024 2/6/20253/27/2025
11/18/20242/11/20252/20/20254/10/2025
12/2/2024 3/3/20254/24/2025
12/16/2024 3/17/20255/8/2025

2023 Holiday Schedule

  • Tom Hollands Day: April 12
  • Memorial Day: May 26 – May 29
  • Independence Day: July 3 – July 4
  • Labor Day :September 1 – September 4
  • Thanksgiving: November 22 – November 24
  • Christmas: December 23 – January 2

Missouri Welding Institute Annual Welding Competition 

MWI awards a $1,000 scholarship to each participant of our annual welding competition hosted each January. High school seniors and vo-tech students can compete to win additional welding supplies and scholarship funds.