Sonoran Desert Institute: An Overview of Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is a private, for-profit institution located in Tempe, Arizona. It offers a range of programs, with a particular focus on firearms technology and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). This article provides a detailed overview of the tuition fees, costs, and financial aid options available at SDI, aiming to offer prospective students a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of attending this institution.

General Information

Sonoran Desert Institute is situated in a city environment and has a total enrollment of 2,709 students. The academic calendar is based on an other academic year system. The student-faculty ratio is 46-to-1, and the highest degree offered is an associate degree. The school operates with an open admissions policy.

Tuition and Fees

2020-2021 Academic Year

In the 2020-2021 academic year, the tuition and fees for both in-state and out-of-state students were $10,950. This figure represents the sticker price and does not include any financial aid or scholarships students may have qualified for. The breakdown of this cost includes $9,760 for tuition and $1,190 for fees. There is no application fee.

Current Tuition Rate

As of the latest information, the current tuition rate is $360 per credit hour for all programs except the Certificate in Firearms Technology - Handgun Specialist, which is $455 per credit hour. Active-duty military students receive a discounted rate of $250 per credit hour for all programs except the Certificate in Firearms Technology - Handgun Specialist.

Educational Resource Fee

A mandatory, non-refundable Educational Resource Fee is assessed to students each semester. The current fee is $700 per semester. This fee covers the costs associated with delivering distance education courses, including the learning management system, proctoring and identity validation, library resources, tutoring, and the student portal.

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Projected Tuition and Fees

It's important to factor in potential cost increases when budgeting for college. Projecting forward, if tuition and fees continue to grow at the same rate, students can estimate paying $12,507 this school year. Over two years, the estimated cost for out-of-state tuition and fees would be $25,874, and for four years, $55,427. These projections do not include other costs such as room and board, transportation, or books.

Financial Aid

Availability and Average Award

At Sonoran Desert Institute, 27 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid through grants or loans. In 2023, 27% of undergraduate students attending Sonoran Desert Institute received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 23% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. The average scholarship or grant award is $4,515.

Net Price

In 2023 Sonoran Desert Institute had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $19,141. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Sonoran Desert Institute grew by 13.4%. The average net price, which factors in grants and loans, was $19,141 per year. This net price is specific to individual circumstances and financial aid policies.

Financial Aid for Military Personnel

SDI accepts Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) for eligible servicemembers. The TA rate, credit cap, and service-specific eligibility criteria are determined by each Military Service. Active-duty students are charged a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour and an Education Resource Fee of $350 per semester (excluding the Certificate in Firearms Technology - Handgun Specialist program).

Application and Key Dates

While specific application due dates and notification dates are not available, it is advisable to contact SDI's Financial Services department for the most current information and to navigate funding options effectively.

Additional Costs

Room and Board

The average yearly cost of room and board at Sonoran Desert Institute was $12,152 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 14.2% between 2022 and 2023.

Other Expenses

It's important to budget for additional expenses such as books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation, which are not included in the tuition and fees. In 2023, the cost of tuition at Sonoran Desert Institute was $10,880. The cost of tuition at Sonoran Desert Institute is $−2,933 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for ($13,813).

Academic Programs and Specializations

Sonoran Desert Institute offers specialized programs with a focus on hands-on training and practical skills. Here are some key aspects of their offerings:

Gunsmithing Programs

The most popular Associates Degree concentration at Sonoran Desert Institute is Gunsmithing (804 degrees awarded).

Firearm Fundamentals: Covers the basics of firearm operation and mechanics.
Gunsmithing Hand Tools and Techniques: Focuses on essential hand tools and maintenance.
Custom Holsters: Teaches holster design and thermoforming techniques.
Metal Finishing: Covers metal preparation, polishing, and finishing processes.
Stock Work: Focuses on stock selection, shaping, and custom fitting.
Hand Checkering: Covers the process of hand checkering wood stocks and pistol grips.
Rifle Accuracy: Teaches rifle accuracy fundamentals, sight installation, and optic mounting.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Programs

UAS 101: Covers the history, design, and operation of uncrewed aerial systems.
UAS 102: Focuses on safety, operations, maintenance, and organizational culture in UAS aviation.
UAS 201: Covers UAV-based GIS data collection, post-processing, and analysis.
UAS 202: Teaches the assembly and configuration of small uncrewed aircraft systems.
UAS 210: Covers the science and application of aerial infrared imaging.
UAS 220: Focuses on flight operations, airspace regulations, navigation, and risk management, preparing students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam.

Business and Entrepreneurship Programs

Firearms Business Plan: Covers the steps to research, outline, and present a professional business plan for a firearms-related venture.
Firearms Business Management: Covers the foundations of launching and managing a firearms-related business.

Student Demographics and Outcomes

Enrollment

Sonoran Desert Institute had a total enrollment of 4,763 students in 2023. The full-time enrollment at Sonoran Desert Institute is 2,852 students and the part-time enrollment is 1,911. This means that 59.9% of students enrolled at Sonoran Desert Institute are enrolled full-time.

The enrolled student population at Sonoran Desert Institute, both undergraduate and graduate, is 72.3% White, 13.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.27% Black or African American, 4.64% Two or More Races, 1.07% Asian, 1.03% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.441% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

Graduation and Retention

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Sonoran Desert Institute was 73%. In 2023, 22% of students graduating from Sonoran Desert Institute completed their program within 100% "normal time". Comparatively, 53% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 56% within 200%.

Graduates

In 2023, 1,533 fewer women than men received degrees from Sonoran Desert Institute. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Sonoran Desert Institute is white (1,232 degrees awarded).

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