Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Saint Louis Community College

Bridgeton, MO · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 11,174 students in Bridgeton, MO.

Program Analysis

At $32,964 per year, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates from Saint Louis Community College earn below the $42,964 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 47.1x 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 0%. Career paths for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

At #17 out of 28 programs, Saint Louis Community College's financial outcomes for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $32,964/yr (-23% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (83% shielded)
Job Market Small (7,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$345K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.1x
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)
$7,320
Out-of-state: $13,980

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 Saint Louis Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Saint Louis Community College?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How safe is Funeral Service and Mortuary Science from automation?
Highly resilient. Funeral Service and Mortuary Science careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 4 of 4 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can you still earn well with Funeral Service and Mortuary Science from Saint Louis Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Saint Louis Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →