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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

Tempe, Arizona · www.sonoran.edu

中文

About

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a distinguished institution located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona. The university is dedicated to the field of health sciences, offering a variety of programs that prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. Its curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The university emphasizes hands-on training, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in their professional lives. With a strong focus on evidence-based practices, Sonoran University fosters an environment of inquiry and innovation, encouraging students to engage critically with their studies.

The university prides itself on its commitment to community health and wellness. This is reflected in its mission statement, which emphasizes the importance of service, education, and research in improving healthcare outcomes. Sonoran University is particularly known for its expert faculty, many of whom are leading practitioners in their respective fields. This access to experienced professionals not only enhances the learning experience but also provides valuable networking opportunities for students. Furthermore, the university actively promotes a vibrant campus culture, hosting various events that encourage student engagement, collaboration, and personal growth. With its state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive academic environment, Sonoran University of Health Sciences stands out as a premier institution for those pursuing a career in health sciences.

Analysis of Key Trends at Sonoran University of Health Sciences

Sonoran University of Health Sciences has demonstrated significant fluctuations in various metrics over the years, particularly in graduate tuition and student demographics. Notably, the tuition for graduate programs has seen a dramatic increase from $25,570 in 2020 to an estimated $45,621 in 2024. This 78% rise over four years raises concerns about the affordability of higher education, especially in a landscape where student debt continues to be a pressing issue across the nation.

Moreover, the student population has shown a positive growth trend, with graduate enrollment increasing from 348 students in 2020 to 591 in 2023. This 70% growth reflects the university's potential appeal and the demand for graduate programs in the health sciences sector. However, the data indicates that the undergraduate population remains at zero, suggesting the university primarily focuses on graduate education, which could impact its long-term sustainability and diversity of student experiences.

The gender distribution among graduate students has also shifted, with the proportion of male students decreasing from approximately 17% in 2020 to about 14% in 2023. This trend indicates an increasing representation of female students in the program, aligning with broader societal trends in higher education where women are often pursuing advanced degrees at higher rates than their male counterparts.

Collectively, these trends suggest that while the university is successfully attracting more graduate students, it faces challenges in managing tuition costs and expanding its undergraduate offerings. As institutions navigate the evolving educational landscape, maintaining affordability and diversity will be critical to their future success and relevance.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Phoenix, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 7 mi
Tempe, Arizona
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Lise Alschuler (President)
Phone
4808589100200
City
Tempe, Arizona
Address
2140 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's660 international (0.0%)
Doctoral461 international (2.2%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist · Master's65 (0% international)
  • Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy · Doctoral46 (2% international)
  • Research and Development Management · Master's1 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Sonoran University of Health Sciences

The graduation data from Sonoran University of Health Sciences highlights several noteworthy trends, particularly in the realm of advanced degrees. Notably, the Master’s program in Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist produced 99 graduates, reflecting a growing interest in this field. This could be attributed to the increasing public awareness of the importance of nutrition for overall health, especially in the wake of global health crises that have underscored the significance of dietary choices.

On the other hand, Naturopathic Medicine has a more complex picture. While it graduated 70 students at the doctoral level, it recorded no graduates at the Master's or Bachelor's levels. This may suggest that the pathway to becoming a licensed naturopathic doctor is increasingly favored among those pursuing this discipline, possibly indicating a trend towards specialization in this alternative health field.

Interestingly, there are no international students graduating from the Bachelor’s or Master’s programs across the board, which raises questions about the university's appeal to international applicants. This lack of diversity in the student body could limit the exchange of global health perspectives, potentially affecting the curriculum and learning environment.

Overall, the data reveals a strong emphasis on advanced degrees, particularly in the health sciences, while also highlighting areas where the university may need to reassess its recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student population. As health professions continue to evolve, institutions must adapt to meet the demands of both the local and global workforce.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 111 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist.$33,110
Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy.$41,971
Businesshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Research and Development Management.-

Students

516 students in 2025

Age distribution

Graduate students

Under 22
1.2%
22–24
18.2%
25–29
36.4%
30–34
19.2%
35 and over
25.0%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in 2023

In 2023, Sonoran University of Health Sciences has reported a total of 591 graduate students, showcasing a significant gender disparity within this group. The data reveals that only 13.5% of graduate students are male, while a striking 86.5% are female. This dramatic imbalance raises questions about the factors contributing to such a pronounced gender difference in graduate-level education, particularly in health sciences.

When examining the ethnic composition of the graduate students, the majority are white, comprising 55.5% of the total graduate population, followed by a notable representation of other ethnic groups. The high percentage of female students in graduate programs may indicate a growing trend in fields traditionally dominated by women, such as nursing and allied health professions.

This demographic trend aligns with national statistics showing an increase in female enrollment in graduate programs across the United States, particularly in health-related fields. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on diversity and inclusion remains critical. It is essential for institutions like Sonoran University to ensure that their programs are accessible and appealing to a broader range of students, including underrepresented groups.

Overall, the data highlights both the successes and challenges faced by Sonoran University in fostering a diverse and balanced academic environment. As the university looks to the future, it will be important to address these disparities while continuing to support the academic success of all students.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Sonoran University of Health Sciences

The age composition of students at Sonoran University of Health Sciences reveals interesting trends regarding the demographic makeup, particularly in the graduate programs. The data indicates that the majority of graduate female students fall within the 25-29 age range, comprising 56.41% of the total female graduate population. This aligns with the increasing trend of older individuals pursuing higher education as they seek career advancement or a change in profession.

In contrast, the younger age groups, specifically those aged 20-21 and 22-24, have minimal representation in undergraduate male students, with no enrollments noted. However, there is a significant influx of female students aged 22-24, who make up a substantial portion of the undergraduate female student population, reflecting a societal shift towards higher education among younger women.

The data also shows that the number of graduate male students aged 25-29 is considerable, further suggesting that this age group is attracting more mature students who may possess prior professional experience or educational background, emphasizing a positive trend in lifelong learning and skill enhancement.

Overall, the data presents a landscape of an increasingly diverse student body, especially among female students in graduate programs. This trend may be influenced by various socio-economic factors, including the rising importance of advanced degrees in the job market and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in education. As educational institutions continue to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor these demographic shifts to better serve the needs of all students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Graduate students1.9%

10 in 2025 · 7.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 7.5%2017: 6.4%2018: 3.6%2019: 3.1%2020: 2.9%2021: 0.0%2022: 1.7%2023: 1.9%2024: 2.5%2025: 1.9%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Sonoran University of Health Sciences

The data on international students at Sonoran University of Health Sciences reveals a significant trend in graduate enrollment over the years. Starting from 2011, the number of international graduate students has shown a gradual increase, peaking in 2014 with 34 international students, which represented 7.96% of the total graduate population. This upward trend indicates the university's growing appeal to international students, likely due to its specialized programs in health sciences.

However, a worrying decline in the percentage of international graduate students is observed from 2016 onwards. By 2023, the percentage had decreased to just 1.86%, despite having a total of 591 graduate students. This sharp decline could potentially reflect broader challenges faced by international students, such as visa restrictions, global health crises, or increased competition from other institutions offering similar programs.

Interestingly, the total number of graduate students has fluctuated, suggesting that while the university may be attracting a consistent number of students overall, the proportion of international students is diminishing. This trend could impact the diversity of the student body and the university's global reputation.

As the world becomes more interconnected, institutions like Sonoran University must strategize to attract and retain international talent. Understanding the factors influencing these enrollment numbers is crucial for fostering a more diverse educational environment that benefits all students.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$20.6M

Tuition and fees
$16.0M77.6%
Sales and services of educational activities
$2.8M13.8%
Gifts and private grants
$1.4M6.7%
Investment return
$382K1.9%

Expenses$20.6M

Instruction
$10.7M51.8%
Academic support
$6.4M30.9%
Institutional support
$2.2M10.8%
Research
$1.3M6.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$63,892peers $67,788
Professor
$74,168peers $85,183
Associate professor
$59,306peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$50,494peers $67,938

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Sonoran University of Health Sciences:

  1. Arizona State University Campus Immersion - Ranked 105th in the 2024 US News rankings, ASU is a comprehensive university known for its diverse programs and research opportunities.

  2. University of Arizona - With a rank of 115, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.

  3. University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th, UC San Diego is a prestigious research university known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering, as well as its vibrant campus life.

  4. Pomona College - This liberal arts college is ranked 4th and is renowned for its small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

  5. Harvey Mudd College - Known for its rigorous engineering and science programs, Harvey Mudd is ranked 16th and offers a unique liberal arts education blended with STEM disciplines.

These institutions offer a mix of comprehensive and liberal arts education, providing various options for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Sonoran University of Health Sciences

The crime statistics for Sonoran University of Health Sciences reveal a generally safe campus environment over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, the data indicates very low crime occurrences, with only four reported incidents during the years assessed. Notably, there were no reported crimes from 2014 to 2016, as well as from 2019 to 2023.

In 2015, the university experienced its peak crime rate with 3 incidents, leading to an average of 7.46 incidents per 1000 students. This figure, while higher than other years, still represents a very low overall crime rate, especially when considering that the average crime rate across U.S. universities tends to be higher. The only incidents reported in subsequent years were attributed to drug-related arrests and alcohol arrests in 2017 and 2018, respectively, indicating that the most prevalent issues were substance-related rather than violent crimes.

The absence of serious offenses such as assault, robbery, or sexual violence over the years is a positive sign for both the university community and prospective students. It suggests that the institution may have effective safety measures and campus policies in place to deter serious crimes.

With crime rates being an important factor for students and families when choosing a university, Sonoran University stands out as a secure option in the current educational landscape. This data emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe environment to support academic success and overall well-being.

For further reading on how crime rates are calculated, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.