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Sonoran Desert Institute

Tempe, Arizona

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
B-Academics
C-Admissions
C-Student Life
B-Overall

About

Sonoran Desert Institute is located in Tempe, Arizona. The university enrolls approximately 4,763 students.

sdi.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$12,280
Out-of-state tuition$12,280
Avg aid package$4,788
Students receiving aid27%
Pell grant recipients27%

Sonoran Desert Institute's full-time cost of attendance is approximately $20,135 per year, including tuition and other expenses. Financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, to help students manage costs. The institute also works directly with active duty and veteran assistance programs to simplify enrollment and funding for military students.

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Admissions

Application info

Student–faculty ratio31:1
Application fee$0

Sonoran Desert Institute has an open admissions policy. The application process can be completed online, and the institute subscribes to the Statement of Principles of Good Practice in College Admission and Recruitment. SDI welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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Academics

Student–faculty ratio31:1
Full-time faculty4%

Sonoran Desert Institute offers specialized programs in firearms technology and uncrewed technology, delivered through online distance education. The curriculum includes certificates and associate degrees, focusing on industry-driven, quality education. SDI prides itself on a comprehensive approach to easily understood curriculum and the flexibility of its instructional model.

Outcomes

Avg starting salary$53,303
Job placement rate86%
Loan default (3 yr)13%

SDI's student-focused model is evidenced by high satisfaction rates reported by program completers, with over 12,000 credentials earned by graduates. The institute equips students with the skills needed for careers in firearms technology and uncrewed aircraft systems. Graduates are prepared to be outstanding employees, skilled hobbyists, and responsible workplace leaders.

Student life

Demographics

Medium School
4,763Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More maleGender ratio
Female 2%Male 98%
72% WhiteRacial diversity
White 72%Hispanic 14%Black 5%Asian 1%Other 8%
Campus housingYes

As an online institution, Sonoran Desert Institute focuses on providing a supportive virtual environment for its students. SDI welcomes students from all stages of life, including recent high school graduates and military veterans. The institute is recognized as an Arizona Veterans Supportive Campus and has earned the Gold Medallion Award for veteran employment.

Student reviews

Professors

Student

This College does not disappoint if you are looking into starting to Gunsmith or opening your own FFL. They have a ton of information available and grade A teachers ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Their entry process is smooth and the staff is very attentive.

Student

This college is great and I love that the courses are online and I can take them at my own pace. I do wish there was more of a hands on option, but I do understand that it is an online course. Some things I do find I need more help with, and the instructors are quick to reply with help.

Student

The teachers are extremely knowledgeable & the student services staff are VERY helpful. The whole experience so far has been so easy & the classes are VERY informative.

Campus and vibes

Student

They are a great bunch of people I had no issues getting enrolled they respond very quickly to emails everyone has a great attitude really appreciate all the support

Student

While I am a new enrollee, my experience has been limited to admissions, the post 9/11 Bill education assistance, along with VR&E. Everything has gone wonderful and according to plan. I cannot wait to start next month. Thank you to everyone who has and will help in the future.

Student

Extremely helpful staff when it comes to getting your classes and paperwork figured. Explained the different programs very clearly and made sure I was aware of the different requirements.

Student

Very nice school able to do it all online labs sent with all tools and right to your door. Funding is a bit hard not many funding places work with them

Cost and value

Student

Only taught me things I already knew prior to taking this school, and now im $12,000 in debt and no company recognizes the degree that I received.

Student

We were able to determine when the best start date would be for me based on the financial aid I was planning to use.

About Sonoran Desert Institute

As a fully online institution, Sonoran Desert Institute does not have a traditional campus safety environment. However, the institute upholds standards of multiple regulatory bodies to ensure academic quality and superior service to students. SDI is committed to providing a safe and supportive online learning environment.

Information about specific honors programs at Sonoran Desert Institute is not readily available in the provided documents. However, the institute is committed to continuous improvement in instructional processes and the overall student experience. SDI aims to foster a spirit of innovation and teamwork that produces academic quality and superior service for all students.

While specific details on international student support are limited, Sonoran Desert Institute is authorized by various state agencies to enroll students nationwide. The institute focuses on providing quality education and superior service to all students, regardless of location.

Avg faculty salary$55,272

Sonoran Desert Institute FAQ

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