Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
a compact campus enrolling 382 students in Houston, TX.
Program Analysis
At $46,268 per year, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service earn slightly above the $42,964 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 15.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #22 of 28 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs, Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science has a registered apprenticeship option through Embalmer (Per Ser) with a median wage of $56,280/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.
Earnings Overview
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral home managers | $76,830 | +4.1% | 57% |
| Embalmers | $56,280 | +1.3% | 96% |
| Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers | $49,800 | +3.1% | 84% |
About Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Careers
Your career often begins with an apprenticeship, where you learn the funeral service business from the ground up. You’ll assist with everything from setting up for services to the technical, hands-on work of embalming, using specialized tools and chemicals for preservation and restorative art. Once licensed, you’ll work as a Funeral Director or Mortician, guiding families through difficult decisions, coordinating services with cemeteries and clergy, and managing all the necessary legal paperwork. This deeply personal work of caring for the deceased and their families is a craft that cannot be automated or done from a distance.
Read the full Funeral Service and Mortuary Science career guide →
Compare & Explore
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Overview
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Other Schools
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.