You serve our country and we’re honored to serve you.

We gladly accept Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) for eligible servicemembers. The TA rate, credit cap, and service-specific eligibility criteria and management controls are determined by each Military Service. Before enrollment, military service members should contact their Installation Education Services Office for details.

Getting Started Checklist Active Duty/National Guard/Reserves

1. Plan
Review SDI Admission Requirements
Review College Scorecard
Review Cost of Attendance
Review College Financing Plans
Review information with Installation Education Services Office.
2. Apply
Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance
Air Force / Space Force apply here
Army apply here
Coast Guard apply here
Marines apply here
Navy apply here
Apply for Financial Aid (optional) SDI School Code is 04244900
3. Submit
Complete SDI Interest Form to obtain application log-in credentials
Submit SDI Enrollment Application
Submit copies of all previously attended college and military transcripts.
Order your official military transcripts online:
Joint Service Transcript request: https://jst.doded.mil/jst/ (Serves Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy: Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans) Air Force: Community College of the Air Force

Official Transcripts can be submitted by mail to:
Sonoran Desert Institute
Attn: Registrar
1555 W. University Dr, Suite 103
Tempe, AZ 85281

Official Transcripts can be sent electronically to transcripts@sdi.edu from the school or by third party (such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment).
4. Check SDI student email for formal communications and further instructions.
5. Attend Orientation.
6. Begin Studies

Tuition Assistance Top-Up

Using Top-Up benefits may be an option if you plan to use the Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) to complete a degree program while on active duty, and do not plan to continue your education after service. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tuition Assistance Top-Up.

Federal Student Aid (FSA)

You may be eligible for Federal Student Aid. SDI’s Financial Services department is here to help you navigate your funding options. They can be reached at financialservices@sdi.edu or 800-336-8939.

Active-Duty Tuition by Program

Active-duty students are charged a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour and an Education Resource Fee of $350 per semester (excluding Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist program). Tools and equipment are provided by the Institute and included in the total program cost. Students may need additional supplies to complete certain projects. Students enrolled in firearm courses need to have access to a firearm.

• Associate of Science in Firearms Technology Degree
Credit Hours: 60
Tuition: $15,000
Education Resource Fee (not to exceed 4 Semesters): $1,400
Total Program Cost: $16,400
• Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology Degree
Credit Hours: 60
Tuition: $15,000
Education Resource Fee (not to exceed 4 Semesters): $1,400
Total Program Cost: $16,400
• Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing
Credit Hours: 32
Tuition: $8,000
Education Resource Fee (not to exceed 2 Semesters): $700
Total Program Cost: $8,700
• Certificate in Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems
Credit Hours: 16
Tuition: $4,000
Education Resource Fee: $350
Total Program Cost: $4,350

Re-enrollment Policy for Service Members

Sonoran Desert Institute recognizes that many of our students serve in the United States Armed Forces on Active Duty, in the National Guard, or Reserves. The SDI Re-enrollment Policy for Service Members can be reviewed here. Please contact your ReEntry Representative at ReEntry@sdi.edu for assistance.