At $42,938/yr net price, Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service graduates earn $37,786/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,786/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $42,938 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $171,752 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,786/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,786/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 45.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $42,862/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $43,890/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $33,138 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
54.5% of students at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median 10-year earnings of $37,786 against a net price of $42,938 per year, you're paying more annually than you'll likely earn a decade after graduation.
The school's sole focus on funeral service and mortuary science creates significant financial risk through lack of diversification. Your career earnings will cap out around $33,138 in this field, making the high tuition particularly problematic. The 54.5% graduation rate means nearly half of students pay without completing their program.
The debt load of $9,500 is relatively manageable compared to the tuition costs, suggesting many students either pay cash or don't complete the program to accumulate typical debt levels. However, this low debt figure doesn't offset the fundamental problem of paying premium prices for below-average earning potential.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to funeral service as a calling and have substantial family financial support. The Houston location provides access to a large metropolitan job market, but funeral service wages remain constrained regardless of location.
You should look elsewhere if you need education that pays for itself or if you're considering funeral service primarily for financial stability. Community colleges offer mortuary science programs at much lower costs, delivering similar career outcomes without the premium price tag. Consider this school only if you can afford the full cost without borrowing and understand you're paying extra for specialized training in a field with limited earning growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service worth the cost?
With graduates earning $37,786 annually against a net price of $42,938 per year, the financial return is challenging. The low median debt of $9,500 helps, but you'll likely earn less than what you pay annually for school.
What is the job outlook for Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service graduates?
Funeral service programs lead to stable employment in a recession-proof field, but pay is modest. Graduates typically earn around $33,138 in mortuary science roles, which limits how quickly you can pay off educational costs.
How much debt do Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service students graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which makes this school less risky than many alternatives. However, with starting salaries under $40,000, even this smaller debt load takes time to manage.
What is the graduation rate at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service?
Only 54.5% of students graduate, which is concerning for such a specialized program. This suggests many students struggle to complete their studies or find the program isn't the right fit.