Fund your passion at SDI
TUITION AND FEES
SDI makes going back to school affordable and we’re here to help you navigate your funding process.
SDI’s programs are approved for use of most VA and TA military education benefits, and Federal Student Aid (FSA) is available to eligible students.
We work with each student to make sure that his or her enrollment process and funding plans go as smoothly as possible.
Tuition
Tuition is charged by credit hour each semester. The rate of tuition for new enrollments beginning at midnight AZ time, July 23, 2024, is $360 per credit hour. The tuition rate in effect at the time a student signed their enrollment agreement won’t change if the student is continuously enrolled. Students electing to take individual or additional courses beyond their program of study will be charged at the current tuition rate. Tuition for the Certificate of Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist is not eligible for the active-duty rate. For all other programs, the tuition rate for active-duty military remains $250 per credit hour. The Active Duty Tuition Rate applies to uniformed members of the US Armed Forces who are serving on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard. Tuition rates are subject to change.
Educational Resource Fee
An Educational Resource Fee is a mandatory, non-refundable fee assessed to students each semester. Once the student has started the semester, the Educational Resource Fee is not refundable. The current Educational Resource Fee is $700 per semester. The Educational Resource fee for active-duty military is $350 except for the Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist program.
This resource fee is intended to defray costs associated with delivery of distance education courses including the learning management system, proctoring and other identity validation efforts, library resources, tutoring, the student portal (extension of the student information system) and other associated items to provide students with a robust online learning experience and services throughout their program of study and beyond. Students are not charged for official SDI transcripts, or for evaluation services or application of transfer credit toward SDI programs.
Optional Materials Fee for Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist
When you enroll in SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist program, you’ll need specialized tools, firearms, and course materials. SDI offers two options to help you get what you need for the program:
- SDI-Managed Materials – You can pay the $1,200 non-refundable materials fee, and SDI will send you all required tools, firearms, and materials directly to you.
- Source It Yourself – If you prefer, you can source the required materials yourself. A detailed list is available on the materials fee page linked below, and it’s your responsibility to ensure everything meets SDI’s specifications.
For more details on the materials included in the optional materials fee and the process, please click here.
Tuition, Fees, and Completion Time by Program
Below is a listing of the current program offerings. SDI reserves the right to cancel or postpone courses or programs as necessary. Completion times may differ from agency or other funding eligibility.
Tuition By Program
Associate of science in firearms technology degree
Expected Completion Time*
2 Years
Maximum Completion Time
3 Years
Credit Hours
60
Tuition
$21,600
This amount reflects rates for new enrollments submitted beginning at midnight AZ time, July 23, 2024.
Educational Resource Fee ($700 per semester, not to exceed 4 semesters)
$2,800
Total Program Cost
$24,400
*Students may complete the program in less time based on year-round enrollment opportunities. Part-time enrollees may take longer to complete.
Associate of science in uncrewed technology degree
Expected Completion Time*
80 weeks
Maximum Completion Time
120 weeks
Credit Hours
60
Tuition
$21,600
Educational Resource Fee ($700 per semester, not to exceed 4 semesters)
$2,800
Total Program Cost
$24,400
*Students may complete the program in less time based on year-round enrollment opportunities. Part-time enrollees may take longer to complete.
Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing
Expected Completion Time*
8 months
Maximum Completion Time
1 year
Credit Hours
32
Tuition
$11,520
This amount reflects rates for new enrollments submitted beginning at midnight AZ time, July 23, 2024.
Educational Resource Fee ($700 per semester, not to exceed 2 semesters)
$1,400
Total Program Cost
$12,920
*Students may complete the program in less time based on year-round enrollment opportunities. Part-time enrollees may take longer to complete.
Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist
Expected Completion Time
20 weeks
Maximum Completion Time
30 weeks
Credit Hours
16
Tuition
$7,280
This amount reflects rates for new enrollments submitted beginning at midnight AZ time, June 17, 2025.
Educational Resource Fee ($700 per semester)
$700
Optional Materials Fee
$1,200
Total Program Cost
$7,980
Total Program Cost with Optional Materials Fee
$9,180
For more details on the materials included in the optional materials fee and the process, please click here.
Certificate in Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems
Expected Completion Time*
20 weeks
Maximum Completion Time
30 weeks
Credit Hours
16
Tuition
$5,760
Educational Resource Fee ($700 per semester)
$700
Total Program Cost
$6,460
*Students may complete the program in less time based on year-round enrollment opportunities. Part-time enrollees may take longer to complete.
ACTIVE DUTY & VETERAN STUDENTS
SDI offers a special tuition rate of $250/credit hour to active duty students for all SDI programs. The Educational Resource fee for active duty military is $350. Active duty tuition rate and Educational Resource Fee rate are not available for the Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist program.
Additionally, SDI’s programs are approved for use of most military benefits, including the GI Bill® and military tuition assistance. Our Financial Services staff can help you navigate these financial programs.
Click below to learn more about the financial support available to you.
Active Duty Students
LEARN MORE
Veteran Students
LEARN MOREFunding Options
SDI offers low-interest extended payment plans that help you graduate with less student loan debt than if you would have taken out federal loans.
Payment OptionsStudents enrolling in SDI’s programs may be eligible for Federal Student Aid (FSA).
OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
SDI offers students the option to make recurring payments with no interest charge during their program of study when other funding options are not available. Students should contact the Financial Services department to establish suitable payment options. In most circumstances, a credit or debit card is required for monthly payment plans. Contact SDI Financial Services to learn more.
Financial Services: financialservices@sdi.edu
Several employers offer tuition assistance to their employees. Specific details vary by employer. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with the human resources department of their employer to determine eligibility and requirements to receive such assistance. SDI will work with students and employers to accommodate the methodology and arrangements accordingly.