Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Ivy Tech Community College
one of the larger campuses at 54,926 students in Indianapolis, IN.
Program Analysis
At $37,506/yr, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates from Ivy Tech Community College land near the $42,964 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 39.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
With only 17% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
The median debt load of $7,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #16 out of 28 programs, Ivy Tech Community College's financial outcomes for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Embalmer (Per Ser) with a median wage of $56,280/yr) connects to Funeral Service and Mortuary Science careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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
Other Majors at Ivy Tech Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.