What Is It Known For?
Sonoran Desert Institute operates as a private for-profit institution based in Tempe, Arizona, since its founding in 2000. The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education approved the school for training operations in 2001, giving it official authorization to serve students. The school enrolled nearly 5,000 students in 2023, with similar numbers expected each year moving forward.
The school focuses specifically on preparing students for careers in firearms and uncrewed technology industries through online education. Students get access to modern learning methods combined with hands-on training opportunities, all while maintaining the flexibility that online education provides. This approach helps students build the skills and techniques needed for success in these specialized fields.
Degrees & Certifications
Students can pursue either associate degrees or certificate programs depending on their career goals. The available programs include:
- Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree
- Associate of science in uncrewed technology degree
- Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing
- Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist
- Certificate in Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems
Class Schedules
The school offers flexibility since courses operate entirely online rather than following traditional classroom schedules. Programs allow students to learn at their own pace and fit education around existing commitments.
Students can access coursework whenever it works best for their schedule, whether that’s early morning, afternoon, or late evening. The school does not require externships as part of program completion.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Sonoran Desert Institute is a legitimate institution. The school holds accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Acceptance Rate
The school maintains a 100% acceptance rate, making education accessible to anyone interested in these specialized career paths.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs depend on which program students select:
- Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree $21,600
- Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology degree $21,600
- Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing $11,520
- Certificate in Firearms Technology – Handgun Specialist $8,480
- Certificate in Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems $5,760
The school provides a net price calculator to help students get better cost estimates and determine financial aid eligibility.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Gunsmith
Campus Locations
Tempe 1555 W. University Dr., Ste. 103, Tempe, AZ 85281
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the Sonoran Desert Institute has a poor reputation, particularly regarding the value of its programs, the quality of instruction, and the subsequent lack of practical skills gained. The school maintains a low overall score, with numerous reviewers warning others to save their time and money.
Overall Score: 2.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive Advisor/Faculty Interaction (Inconsistent): A few reviewers and a former instructor express positive feelings about their student advisors and the faculty. A few mention “great communication” with advisors. One reviewer specifically noted being satisfied with the support from the student advisor.
Potential for Further Education (Specific Request): One recent positive review expresses love for the school experience but wishes the institute would expand its offerings to include a Bachelor’s degree program in firearms technology, suggesting satisfaction with the existing curriculum’s concept.
Common Criticisms
Poor Value and Readily Available Content: The most frequent and severe criticism is that the majority of the curriculum is easily accessible for free on sources like Google or YouTube. Reviewers claim they are essentially “paying for something someone else googled,” stating that nearly everything learned in a semester was found online, save for the lab work.
Lack of Practical Skills for Graduates: Despite being a “firearms technology” or “gunsmith” program, multiple students graduating or near graduation report having “absolutely no idea what I am doing,” describing the hands-on program as “an absolute joke.” Reviewers feel they do not gain the practical, hands-on skills necessary to start a career.
Unengaging and Generic Instruction: Instructors are frequently accused of providing “very generic details,” simply linking to magazine articles instead of teaching, and using “copy and paste feedback” for assignments. The coursework is described as tedious, consisting largely of essays, quizzes, and discussion board posts, with minimal genuine instruction.
Administrative and Communication Failures: Many serious complaints cite a lack of care once tuition is paid, leading to unanswered emails, unreturned phone calls, and graduates never receiving their degree credentials. One former student claimed to have reached out repeatedly after graduation over a period of years without success.
Low-Quality and Missing Lab Materials: Students report that the physical parts and tools included in the course, when they are sent, are the “cheapest available.” In some cases, students report that the school fails to send the necessary materials altogether.
Unfair Grading/Strict Policies: Some reviewers complain that instructors give zero grades for missing a small part of an assignment, even when there is photo evidence of the rest of the work being completed.
Momentum
The negative momentum is significant and sustained, with highly critical reviews appearing recently (5 and 8 months ago, and 1 year ago) that reiterate the core, long-standing complaints about poor value, lack of practical skills, and generic instruction. While one recent review (one month ago) is positive and requests program expansion, it is an outlier. The school owner does respond to the most severe complaints, offering personalized outreach (via email) to resolve issues like missing degrees or lack of faculty interaction, which indicates a proactive approach to damage control, although it does not appear to have resolved the underlying issues driving the high volume of negative feedback.