N/A

Acceptance Rate

$4,989

Avg.Financial Aid

042449

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ Sonoran Desert Institute Report Card

Academics
B-
69% graduation rate
Class Size
—
50:1 student-faculty ratio
Value
A
$12,200 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: Sonoran Desert Institute

Institution
Sonoran Desert Institute
Type
Private for-profit

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

Sonoran Desert Institute

  • Type Control of Institution - Public/Private

    Private, For-Profit

  • Acceptance Rate:

    N/A

  • Level

    2 Years

  • Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.

    Not applicable

  • Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.

    DEAC

  • Website

    sdi.edu

  • Student Population Number of Students attending College

    5,435

  • On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?

    No

Sonoran Desert Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializes in firearms technology and gunsmithing education preparing students for careers in weapons manufacturing, customization, and technical specialization. The institution offers intensive practical training in firearm mechanics, manufacturing techniques, and technical problem-solving. Experienced gunsmiths and firearms technicians bring specialized expertise enriching instruction with current industry practices. The curriculum emphasizes precision work, technical drawing interpretation, and quality control essential to firearms manufacturing and customization careers.

The institute's specialized focus attracts motivated students pursuing technical careers in firearms industries. State-of-the-art workshop facilities provide authentic equipment and manufacturing environments mirroring professional gunsmiths' workspaces. Hands-on training develops precision skills and technical competencies essential to successful career entry. Career services professionals connect students with firearms manufacturers, custom gunsmith shops, and related employers offering career opportunities in this specialized industry sector.

Firearms technology careers offer technical challenge, quality craftsmanship, and specialization opportunities in growing industries. Skilled gunsmiths experience demand from military, law enforcement, civilian hunting enthusiasts, and firearms manufacturers. Phoenix area proximity to defense contractors and firearms manufacturers creates career opportunities supporting graduate placement. Sonoran Desert Institute positions dedicated students for fulfilling technical careers requiring precision, expertise, and professional craftsmanship in specialized firearms industries.

Location & Contact

Address

8767 East Via De Ventura, Tempe, Arizona

Contact

Phone: (330) 307-4437
Find Your School

Rankings

The rankings provided by Forbes and US News are trusted everywhere, as long as US universities are concerned. The two popular publications, US News and Forbes, are among the most trusted publications when it comes to the rankings of an educational institution. The ranking of a college plays an important role in helping a prospective candidate choosing the right college. It helps them assess the college's performance based on several factors, which include research excellence, the performance of the students after they complete their education, student experience, and most importantly academic success. However, it is to be noted that Sonoran Desert Institute does not feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest rankings by these two publications.

Admissions

  • Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.

    FALSE

  • Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.

    N/A

  • SAT Range

    N/A

  • SAT/ACT

    FALSE

  • ACT Range

    N/A

  • High School GPA

    N/A

  • Application Fee

    FALSE$

  • Accept Common App

    FALSE

Admission to the university is fairly easy and the students are recommeded to make the most out of it. The students are required to submit a fee along with the admission form, in order to be considered for admission at Sonoran Desert Institute. It is a non-refundable amount. As a general rule, securing a good score in a standardised test like SAT or ACT improves an applicant’s chances of securing admission. However, at Sonoran Desert Institute, the average SAT or ACT scores of students securing admission is not available. The application process can be completed online. However, if needed, one can also visit the office at All programs offered completely via Distance education, or call (480) 314-2012.

Full Admission InfoFind College ScholarshipsRequest Info

Annual Cost to Attend

  • Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.

    $20,678

  • Average Annual Cost

    $12,200

Additional Costs:

  • Books And Supplies

    N/A

  • Other Fees

    $1,190

  • Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.

    N/A

  • Budget For Other Expenses

    N/A

Total One Year Cost

N/A

Tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure are the next two things that a student should keep in mind before applying to SDI. The full-time cost of attendance is approximately $20,135 per year. Also, this cost comprises the average annual cost ($9,440) and budget for other expenses ($992) as well. If it sounds unaffordable to the applicant, there are numerous financial aid options available that they can explore.

Explore ProgramsExplore Student LoansExplore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Associate degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

50:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

63%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

41%

Academic Calendar

Other academic year

Research Funding per Student

N/A

Faculty Overview

94%

Male Professors

6%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Most Popular Majors:

  • Precision Systems Maintenance and R...

    560 Graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    1,755

    Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

    22%

    Full-time / Part-time

    75% / 25%

    Students Gender

    Male

    99%

    US National: 44%

    Female

    1%

    US National: 56%

    Race/Ethnicity

    White

    78%

    Unknown

    5%

    Black

    3%

    Hispanic

    8%

    Two or more races

    4%

    Non Resident alien

    0%

    Asian

    1%

    American Indian/Alaska native

    0%

    Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

    1%

    Geographic Density

    Geographic Density

    High

    2%

    Unknown Location

    91%

    Out Of State

    6%

    In State

    1%

    Foreign

    Economic Diversity

    36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

    Median Household Income

    N/A

    Campus Life

    Housing

    The institution does not provide on-campus housing facilities for students.

    On Campus Housing Available

    No

    Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

    No

    Freshmen Live on Campus

    N/A

    Undergrads in College Housing

    N/A

    Averege Housing Cost

    N/A

    Campus Food

    The institution does not provide any meal plan options.

    Meal Plan Available

    No

    Average Meal Plan Available

    N/A

    Athletes

    Division Sports Nickname

    N/A

    School Colors

    N/A

    Varsity Athletics Association

    N/A

    Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

    N/A

    Total Male Athletes

    N/A

    Total Female Athletes

    N/A

    Intramural Sports

    N/A

    Sports Club

    N/A

    Campus Security

    Since the campus life of the students assumes an imperative part of their development and advancement, students at SDI invest a lot of their time learning from the faculty members. Additionally, the students have an incredible breadth to learn and turn into a change-maker. The number of female and male students at the college are 99% and 1%, respectively.

    24-Hour Security Patrol

    24-Hour Escort Safety rides

    After Graduation

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

    N/A

    Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

    N/A

    Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

    $14,167 - $14,167

    Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

    $147 - $147

    Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

    Show data for students who

    and started their studies

    Out of 7,811 students

    30% Graduated

    10% Still Enrolled

    15% Transfer

    1% Withdraw

    Financial Aid

    Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

    30%

    Average Aid Per Year

    $4,989

    Students Receiving Federal Grants

    30%

    Average Aid Per Year

    $4,989

    Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

    Income

    Average Amount

    < $30K

    $5,008

    $30K - $48K

    $3,953

    $48K - $75K

    $5,903

    $75K - $110K

    $1,570

    In case the students at Sonoran Desert Institute face any financial issues concerning the fees and cost of living, and find the same to be high, they can seek help from the financial aid department of the varsity. It focuses on settling the issues that students face, and candidates can be assisted with scholarships, grants, and student loans. The students at Sonoran Desert Institute also receive a federal grant amount of around $4,357 on average.

    Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Frequently Asked Questions About Sonoran Desert Institute

    How much does Sonoran Desert Institute cost?

    Tuition at Sonoran Desert Institute is approximately $12,200 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

    How many students attend Sonoran Desert Institute?

    Sonoran Desert Institute enrolls approximately 5,435 students across its programs.

    What is the graduation rate at Sonoran Desert Institute?

    The graduation rate at Sonoran Desert Institute is 69%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

    What is the student-faculty ratio at Sonoran Desert Institute?

    The student-faculty ratio at Sonoran Desert Institute is 50:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

    Is Sonoran Desert Institute a public or private university?

    Sonoran Desert Institute is a private for-profit institution.

    When is the application deadline for Sonoran Desert Institute?

    Application deadlines at Sonoran Desert Institute vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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