Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service
a smaller institution with 451 students in Decatur, GA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $23,293 place Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service below the $42,964 national median for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
At 9.6x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI exposure is significant at 17% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
The $15,937 debt-to-$23,293 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #28 out of 28 programs, Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service's financial outcomes for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $23,293 to $44,260 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
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
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Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.