Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Worsham College of Mortuary Science
With 73% of applicants admitted, Worsham College of Mortuary Science prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 187 students in Wheeling, IL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $44,194 track close to the $42,964 national median for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 25.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 26% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Funeral Service and Mortuary Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $15,333 in median debt against $44,194 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #19 ranking among 28 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs places Worsham College of Mortuary Science in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 34% earnings increase from $44,194 to $59,188 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
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
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Overview
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