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 is a single-purpose school, and the numbers hang almost entirely on one credential. Your associate degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science leads to about $34,000 a year early on, while median earnings for all graduates ten years out sit higher at roughly $46,000. That gap tells you the field pays more once you're licensed and established, but the starting point is modest against a net price near $20,000 per year.
The debt side is the one clear strength here. You'd carry about $12,820 in median debt, low enough that repayment stays manageable even on a mortician's early salary. That's the difference between a program that pins you down and one you can climb out from.
The real risk is the graduation rate: only 26 percent of students finish. If you drop out, you keep the debt and lose the credential that makes the wages work. Funeral service is a licensed trade, and a partial degree earns you little in it. Before enrolling, be honest about whether you'll complete the program, because the ROI collapses if you don't.
This is a narrow bet. It fits you if you already know you want to work in a funeral home or run one, and you're committed to finishing and getting licensed. It's a poor fit if you're exploring careers or want flexibility to switch fields, since the training transfers to almost nothing else.
The net price barely moves across income levels, hovering around $19,000 to $21,000 whether your family earns under $30,000 or over $75,000. Lower-income families get no meaningful break here, so plan on borrowing near the full amount regardless of what you make.
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.