Funeral Service & Mortuary Science at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA · Public · Associate Degree · Funeral Service and Mortuary Science

serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

Tidewater Community College's Funeral Service & Mortuary Science program produces graduates earning $39,431/yr — within striking distance of the $42,964 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 59.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Funeral Service & Mortuary Science programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 17% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Funeral Service & Mortuary Science graduates.

At #10 of 28 Funeral Service & Mortuary Science programs, Tidewater Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $66,050 show a 68% jump from the $39,431 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

One registered apprenticeship pathway (Embalmer (Per Ser) with a median wage of $56,280/yr) connects to Funeral Service & Mortuary Science careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
49
Low End
55
Score
55
High End
Earnings $39,431/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (83% shielded)
Job Market Small (7,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$692K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
60.5x
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)
$11,428
Out-of-state: $23,434
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,050
68% growth from Year 1

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 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 →

Funeral Service & Mortuary Science Career Guide

What can you do with a Funeral Service & Mortuary Science credential from Tidewater Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

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 Tidewater Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Funeral Service & Mortuary Science at Tidewater Community College?
This program scores 55/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Funeral Service & Mortuary Science graduates.
Is Funeral Service & Mortuary Science from Tidewater Community College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Funeral Service & Mortuary Science work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Tidewater Community College's score of 55/100 reflects this durability.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →