Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at John A Gupton College
John A Gupton College has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 160 students in Nashville, TN.
Program Analysis
At $46,141 per year, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates from John A Gupton College earn slightly above the $42,964 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 20.3x 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 1% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
The median debt load of $12,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #18 of 28 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs, John A Gupton College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $48,547 are relatively flat compared to the $46,141 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
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
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.