Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Arapahoe Community College
enrolling 5,392 students in Littleton, CO.
Program Analysis
Arapahoe Community College's Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates start at $50,953/yr — above the $42,964 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The 61.9x 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.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,485 in median debt clears fast against $50,953 in annual earnings.
Ranked #5 out of 28 programs, Arapahoe Community College's Funeral Service and Mortuary Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
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
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 Arapahoe Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.