Welding school and future planning

I'm looking at going to welding school and I am wondering what are the best options? Should I go to a welding specific school like Missouri welding institute or Western welder academy? Should I stay local like a community college? Mine has a strong welding program but not many opprotunitys locally for work. Would being an apprentice under a welder be a option for a local shop? My goal is to get a college degree in engineering and then get certified as a welder. That way when in ready to start working I can get experience and work towards becoming a CWI. Is this a reasonable education path for a carrier? Is it stupid and I need to rethink how I plan my future? Im smart enough for engineering and am pasonate about it but I also love welding and don't want to not be able to do it. This feels like the best of both worlds. I'm located in central Illinois and my local community college is lake land. Rules said I need to include location