Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Tidewater Community College
serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
Tidewater Community College's Funeral Service and 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 and 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 and Mortuary Science graduates.
At #10 of 28 Funeral Service and 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 and Mortuary Science careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
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
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Overview
Funeral Service and 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.