Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Sonoran Desert Institute
Set in the Sonoran Desert, this Tempe-based institute is known for skill-centered education that prizes precision, safety, and real workmanship. Courses run online, with practical projects that bring concepts to life at your workbench. Instruction leans hands-on and experience-based, with clear expectations and steady feedback. Students can tap advising, tutoring, tech help, virtual classrooms, and a digital resource hub that keeps materials close at hand.
Community shows up in online forums, project showcases, and friendly problem solving that feels like shop talk. Career prep focuses on portfolio building and resume coaching, with chances to connect with professional communities. And in Tempe, you've got a lively desert city with trailheads, maker-minded shops, and easy spots to refuel. The culture is practical, no-nonsense, and proud of craft. Not flashy. Just focused work that carries into a career.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) offers 2 degree programs across 2 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,369 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Mechanics (1 programs, 2,121 graduates) and Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 248 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Mechanics (1 programs, 2,121 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunsmithing | 2,121 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0402 |
Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 248 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Technology | 248 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0407 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)
How much does it cost to attend Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)?
The annual tuition at Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) is $12,280 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $12,280 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,328 (off-campus) .
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Sonoran Desert Institute offer?
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) offers 2 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (1 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Sonoran Desert Institute?
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,788 and average loans of $7,364.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,754
- State/Local grants: $5,900
- Federal loans: $7,364
The university supports 244 students with grants and 210 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
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