Quick Facts

• Location: Williston, North Dakota
• Address: 1414 University Ave, Williston, ND 58801
• School Type: Public College Career & Technical Education Facility
• Programs Offered: Welding Technology, Petroleum-related technical training, business/technology instruction and additional workforce education; Williston State College also offers Diesel Technology and Electronics & Industrial Controls elsewhere on campus
• Training Style: Hands-on labs, certificates, AAS degrees and workforce-focused instruction
• Tuition Range: For 2026–27, Welding and Diesel courses fall in WSC’s CTE band at $286.06/credit including standard fees
• Program Length: Short certificates through approximately 2-year AAS programs
• Online Programs Available: Yes college-wide
• Hybrid Learning: Selected courses; core welding instruction is face-to-face
• Financial Aid: FAFSA, federal/state aid, scholarships and other assistance for qualifying students/programs
• FAFSA School Code: 003007
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Average Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (1 Review)
• Website: Official Williston State College website

Overview

Western Star Career & Technology Center is a dedicated CTE facility on the Williston State College campus. The building houses welding, petroleum, business and technology classrooms and laboratories, along with adult learning, continuing education and testing functions. WSC’s main campus address is 1410 University Avenue, while your Google listing identifies the Career & Technology Center itself at 1414 University Avenue.

For TradeSchoolScout, Welding Technology is the strongest reason to create a separate Western Star listing. WSC currently offers Welding as an AAS, program certificate and shorter process-specific certificates.

Programs Offered

Welding Technology

WSC’s Welding Technology AAS requires a minimum of 62 credits. Students can also select a shorter Program Certificate or certificates of completion in areas such as Metal Inert Gas and Shielded Metal Arc welding.

Training covers:

• SMAW / Stick
• FCAW / Flux-Core
• GMAW / MIG
• Oxyfuel cutting and welding
• Blueprint reading
• Metal fabrication
• Layout and pattern making
• Welding safety
• Metallurgy
• Specialty welding processes

The current Fall 2026 schedule confirms welding lab courses are conducted face-to-face in the Career Tech Center, reinforcing that this is a genuinely hands-on trade program.

Other Technical Programs

Williston State College currently lists additional career programs including:

• Diesel Technology
• Electronics & Industrial Controls
• Petroleum-related technology
• Information Technology
• Agriculture
• Massage Therapy
• Nursing

Not every one of those programs is physically housed in Western Star. For example, WSC identifies the Crighton Building as the primary Diesel Technology facility.

Tuition & Financial Aid

For 2026–27, WSC uses different tuition bands. Welding and Diesel fall into the CTE band:

• Tuition — $225.48/credit
• Standard fees — $60.58/credit
• Total — $286.06/credit

Online and hybrid classes carry an additional $33.68-per-credit distance-education fee.

Students may apply for federal and state financial aid. WSC participates in federal Title IV programs, and its FAFSA code is 003007.

Accreditation

Williston State College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Why Students Choose This School

• Dedicated Career & Technology Center
• Welding AAS and shorter credentials
• Multiple welding processes
• Hands-on fabrication training
• Public-college environment
• Diesel and industrial-control options elsewhere at WSC
• Federal financial aid for qualifying students
• Strong relevance to western North Dakota industries

Career Opportunities

Welding graduates may pursue entry-level positions such as:

• Welder/Fabricator
• Structural Welder
• MIG Welder
• Stick Welder
• Flux-Core Welder
• Manufacturing Welder
• Repair Welder

Additional employer qualification testing or certifications may be required.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google listing:

⭐ Average Rating: 5.0 (1 Review)

The rating should be treated cautiously because it is based on only one review.

Enrollment Tips

Students should distinguish the Western Star CTE building from the broader Williston State College campus. Welding is clearly based in Western Star, while Diesel training is housed elsewhere.

Students interested in welding should also compare the AAS with the shorter certificate pathways. Someone focused on rapid workforce entry may not need the full 62-credit degree.

Bottom Line

Western Star Career & Technology Center is a strong North Dakota trade-school listing because it is the dedicated home of Williston State College’s Welding Technology program. The combination of AAS, program-certificate and process-specific credentials gives students several entry points, while the Western Star facility provides the hands-on labs expected from a true CTE center.