Hello Frontier2k1, if you can dream it you can do it. Don't count yourself out just right off the bat. Some of the expense might have to do with where you are geographically located. If you truly have an interest in pursuing this sort of career do some research to determine where the closest facilities are located, then varify that they have the sorts of things you are interested in. Various schools may have different offerings, not all are welding specific, some include salvage and repair work and likely also other things. Check on the reputation of the institution, if possible talk to some of their graduates and possibly some of the employers who have hired their graduates. Take a trip to inspect and question their staff about their offerings, job placement assistance and other things. Prices are likely to vary from one place to another, do your homework and pre-planning. Look at the total package, if the school is relatively inexpensive but you have to relocate to go there and the cost of living is outrageous, would it be worth it? Having said that is the reason that I say to look at the total deal from whichever schools you have an interest in. Money to go to school can come from a variety of places, there are student loans, possibly certain grant opportunities, scholarships(this option could be somewhat limited, but there are opportunities out there, if you're an AWS member you might be in line to receive a scholarship through them to help out). There will likely be others who will chime in here to answer and give you food for thought. Best regards, aevald