At $21,682/yr net price, American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service graduates earn $54,695/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,695/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,682 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,695/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,695/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,150 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,630/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,735/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $46,217 | $22,300 |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
American Academy McAllister Institute trains you for one job: funeral service. That focus is the whole ROI story here. The associate degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates earn about $46,000 to start, and median earnings ten years out reach roughly $55,000. Against a net price of about $22,000 a year and median debt of $21,150, that return is workable but tight for a two-year credential.
The debt-to-earnings math is the concern. You borrow close to a full year's earnings to finish, and the associate program itself carries slightly more debt ($22,300) than the school-wide median. Funeral service pay tends to grow slowly, so the jump from starting salary to the ten-year figure is modest. You should expect a decade of steady, not fast, income gains.
The bigger risk is the 28.6% graduation rate. Fewer than three in ten finish. If you borrow, enroll, and leave without the degree, you carry the debt with none of the licensed-embalmer earnings that justify it. Before committing, be honest about whether you can complete a program most students don't.
This school makes financial sense if you already know you want to work in funeral service and are near the New York City market, where demand for licensed professionals is steady. The single-field focus means there is no fallback major if the career doesn't fit.
On price, the net cost actually rises for families earning $30k-48k (about $24,700) compared to those under $30k (about $18,600), so a modest income bump can cost you more here. If you're weighing this against a general community college, the premium only pays off if you finish and enter the funeral profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service worth the cost?
The ROI is poor with graduates earning $54,695 ten years later while paying $21,682 annually. The 28.6% graduation rate is extremely low, meaning most students don't finish.
How much debt do American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service graduates have?
Median debt is $21,150, which is manageable compared to other schools. However, the low earnings of $54,695 make repayment challenging relative to income.
What programs at American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service have the best job prospects?
The school only offers Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs, with graduates earning around $46,217. Job security in funeral services is steady, but pay growth is limited.
Should I attend American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service or go elsewhere?
Consider community college mortuary programs first, as they cost less and lead to similar careers. The 28.6% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete this program.