Really, you need both as a torch and a welder go hand in hand...
Perhaps you can pinch pennies and buy used equipment to save some money.
Good Luck!
Tim

Wnc,
Let me be first to wellcome you here! [I tried but Tim beat me to it]

I believe your observation is a valid one about the versitilty of the oxyfuel as a shop tool. It's the route I would be inclined to suggest. I'd point out another advantage... that little oxyfuel will probably be a sure-thing... it's pretty easy to calculate a torch's capacity... but there are more subtle issues with an arc welder that won't become clear until after you develop some arc experience. It'd be unfortunate to buy a rig before you start and wind up saving for a new one sometime before you graduate.
If you pick up a decent torch used the investment should be modest if you have regulators and tanks already. Go ahead and buy it.

My opinion is that controll of the effects of heat is perhaps the lion's share of welding- even if you never, ever in your life lay down a serviceable weld with a torch you will still be exposed to those phenomenon.

By the time you are done your course you may decide on a different process that requires a constant current, rather than constant voltage as does flux core... a truism I've discovered is that the time and care applied to a decision should be inversely proportional to it's impact on one's budget.

Good luck with whatever course you take in selecting equipment for the course you want.

Regards,
d

If it's a whole certificate program, they might just start you out w/ oxy-acetylene welding or stick welding, then pipe welding w/ stick, then MIG or Flux-core, then TIG welding. But that might all depend on their criteria and what you actually want to do.

An oxy-fuel setup is a necessity for cutting and heating steel, but for welding it's not very practical these days. MIG welding has basically taken the place of oxy-fuel when it comes to welding sheetmetal up to 1/8" thick. it's good to learn the process and techniques of oxy-fuel welding because you'll use those skills in TIG welding.

I'm with those above choosing between having an oxy-fuel and an electric machine is almost like asking should I get food or water, sooner or later you'll want both. Have you considered a stick machine? I like the versatility and an entry level machine doesn't cost too much.
Bill