At $19,845/yr net price, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service graduates earn $45,866/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,866/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,845 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,380 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,866/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,866/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,820 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,905/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,756/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,978/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,593/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $33,993 | $12,586 |
The Risk Factor
26.0% of students at Dallas 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
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service offers narrow financial returns tied to a specialized career path. With median 10-year earnings of $45,866 and a net price of $19,845 annually, your investment takes roughly four years to pay back in salary gains over high school earnings alone.
The single program focus on Funeral Service and Mortuary Science limits your options but provides clear career direction. Graduates earn $33,993 median salary with manageable debt loads of $12,586. This creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for entry-level funeral directors, though earnings growth potential remains constrained by industry standards.
The 26% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face significant odds of leaving without credentials while still carrying debt. This completion challenge likely reflects the demanding nature of mortuary science coursework combined with the emotional intensity of funeral service training.
You should consider this school if you have strong conviction about working in funeral services and can handle the academic demands. The Dallas location provides access to a large metropolitan funeral service market with multiple employment opportunities. The relatively low debt burden makes career entry feasible even at modest starting salaries.
Skip this option if you want flexibility to change majors or need higher earning potential to justify education costs. The specialized nature means limited transferability if you decide funeral service is not your path. With less than half of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited, making this primarily a full-pay proposition for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas Institute of Funeral Service worth the cost?
With 10-year earnings of $45,866 and a net price of $19,845 per year, graduates earn about 2.3 times their annual costs. However, the 26% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly increases the financial risk.
What is the job outlook for Dallas Institute of Funeral Service graduates?
Funeral service graduates typically earn around $33,993 annually, which is below the overall school average. The field offers stable employment but limited salary growth, making it important to minimize debt during school.
How much debt do Dallas Institute of Funeral Service students graduate with?
The median debt is $12,820, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. Given typical starting salaries around $34,000, this debt level represents less than half a year's income for graduates who find work.
Should I attend Dallas Institute of Funeral Service if I want to be a funeral director?
The school provides the required education for funeral service licensing, but the low graduation rate is concerning. Consider your ability to complete the program and whether you can handle the modest earning potential in this field.