Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Brightpoint Community College

Chester, VA · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 5,548 students in Chester, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $49,205/yr, edging above the $42,964 national average for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 57.1x 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 9%. Career paths for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #7 out of 28 programs, Brightpoint Community College's Funeral Service and Mortuary Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $49,205 to $55,507 over five years (13% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
58
Score
59
High End
Earnings $49,205/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (83% shielded)
Job Market Small (7,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$566K
3.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
57.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,876
Out-of-state: $21,882
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,507
13% growth from Year 1

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%
Funeral home managers
$76,830
+4.1% growth 57% AI-proof
Embalmers
$56,280
+1.3% growth 96% AI-proof
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers
$49,800
+3.1% growth 84% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

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 Brightpoint Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Brightpoint Community College?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates.
Will AI replace Funeral Service and Mortuary Science jobs?
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 17% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Is Brightpoint Community College one of the best schools for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science?
The #7 ranking out of 28 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →