Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at St Petersburg College
enrolling 18,759 students in St. Petersburg, FL.
Program Analysis
At $48,929 per year, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates from St Petersburg College earn slightly above the $42,964 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 95.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
The median debt load of $14,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
St Petersburg College ranks #3 among 28 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
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
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 St Petersburg College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.