Sonoran Desert Institute is Proud to Support Our Veterans.
We understand the unique needs of our military-connected students, and it is our mission to help you reach your goals. SDI provides a number of support systems to help veterans succeed, both in coursework and daily life. Learn more about the support available through Veterans Affairs and individual state benefits offered to military veterans.
SDI Military and Veteran Services
The SDI Military & Veterans Services Department assists students in achieving academic, personal and professional success. We encourage you to get involved in SDI’s military-connected student community.
VA Benefits
The benefits you receive from the VA can vary throughout your program of study for a number of reasons including eligibility requirements, the type of education you are pursuing, and enrollment status. You can find the most up-to-date VA benefit rates below.
Education Benefits
Many education benefits are available to advance the education and skills of veterans and service members. Spouses and family members may also be eligible for education and training assistance. To learn more about education benefits and eligibility requirements click the links below:
Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
Montgomery GI Bill® Active – MGIB-AD (Chapter 30)
Montgomery GI Bill® Active – MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606)
Isakson Roe College Financing Plans
For a program estimate of costs and potential financial aid availability based on the recent Isakson Roe regulations, please click on the following links:
Isakson Roe College Financing Plans
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.
VA Student Work-Study Program
For our local military-connected students we offer an opportunity to participate in the VA Student Work-Study Program.
State Benefits for Veterans
In addition to financial support offered by the VA, each state offers their own support opportunities. Use the links below to locate your State Department of Veteran Affairs.
List of State and Nationwide Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
Veteran Student Expectations
Students must be pursuing an Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree or Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing to be eligible for benefits. Veterans must notify their Student Advisor when any of the following occurs:
- Dropping or adding course(s)
- Withdrawing from course(s)
- Interruption of regular class attendance
VA education benefits are payable for courses that are completed as part of the veteran’s program. VA educational benefits are not payable for:
- Courses not attended regularly
- Repeating a course for which a passing grade was received
- Courses taken on an audit basis
- Courses for which transfer credit is awarded
Additional VA Resources
VA Benefits Booklet
Federal benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors
Directory of Veteran Service Organizations
Comprehensive list of Veteran Service Organizations
National Resource Directory
Searchable database of resources
VA Caregiver Program
This program offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help you succeed.
Veterans’ Employment Toolkit
This program educates employers and veterans about how to support and help address common challenges in the workplace.
Stand Downs
These are one- to three-day events where homeless veterans can receive supplies and services. Veterans can also receive referrals to other types of assistance at these events, including healthcare, housing, and employment.
Contact the VA
SDI falls under the jurisdiction of the VA Regional Processing Office located in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
VA Regional Processing Office
P.O. Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
Phone: (888) 442-4551, Fax: (918) 781-7863
Call between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday.
Automated Verification: (877) 823-2378
Detailed education program descriptions are available on the VA’s Education Benefits page. If you feel you may be eligible for education benefits, please submit an application.
SDI helped me in so many ways. Even with having a very successful second career after retiring from the U.S. Army, SDI helped me to launch yet another chapter in my life that I wake up excited about every day.
Dennis Winegar2020 SDI Associate of Science in Firearms Technology Degree Graduate