Programs for aspiring CNC machinists can be found at community and technical colleges. Coursework commonly includes the operation and programming of lathes and milling equipment, as well as other machine tools.
10 Schools with CNC Machinist Programs
CNC machinist programs are offered by these institutions.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clackamas Community College | Oregon City, OR | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $6,021 In-state Undergraduate; $12,414 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Diploma, Associate's | $5,311 In-state Undergraduate; $6,021 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Shoreline Community College | Shoreline, WA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $3,873 In-state Undergraduate; $6,622 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland, OH | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,322 In-state Undergraduate; $8,136 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Asnuntuck Community College | Enfield, CT | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,464 In-state Undergraduate; $13,232 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,963 In-state Undergraduate; $9,876 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Erie Community College | Buffalo, NY | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $5,575 In-state Undergraduate; $10,141 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 2-year, Public | Diploma, Associate's | $4,832 In-state Undergraduate; $6,120 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $5,742 In-state Undergraduate; $9,342 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $3,547 In-state Undergraduate; $8,914 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
There are a number of points to consider when choosing a program in this field.
- Look for programs that have hands-on training opportunities and internships to gain practical experience.
- Aspiring CNC machinists are encouraged to enroll in programs that offer up-to-date, on-campus laboratory facilities that include proper equipment for operation training, such as lathe and milling machines.
- Program outcomes range from a short- or long-term certificate to an associate's degree, and it is important to consider what program is suitable for your personal goals.
- Check the employment records of graduates from each schools' programs to ensure that they have a high rate of graduates successfully employed in their field.
Certificate for CNC Machinists
CNC machinist certificate programs may be completed in two or three semesters.
Diploma for CNC Machinists
Diploma programs for CNC machinists can take up to two years to complete, typically without general education courses.
Associate Degree for Machinists
Associate degree programs for machinists commonly include courses in CNC programming and operation, blueprint reading, machine tool operation and computer-aided design. These programs can typically be completed in two years and include general education courses.
Choosing a program begins with determining what type of credentials you need to pursue your own career goals. Factors such as internship opportunities, location and tuition costs may also influence program choice.
