Funeral Service & Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College
serving 10,406 students in Ankeny, IA.
Program Analysis
At $49,355 per year, Funeral Service & Mortuary Science graduates from Des Moines Area Community College earn slightly above the $42,964 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 103.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 11% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Funeral Service & Mortuary Science involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #2 of 28 programs, this Funeral Service & Mortuary Science program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The limited growth from $49,355 to $56,635 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
Funeral Service & 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 & 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 Service & Mortuary Science Career Guide
Explore what Funeral Service & Mortuary Science graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 28 programs nationwide.
Read the full Funeral Service & Mortuary Science career guide →
Compare & Explore
Funeral Service & Mortuary Science Overview
Funeral Service & Mortuary Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.