Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service: $21,000 Tuition

$21,000Tuition

451Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,636Earnings

#12 in GeorgiaPrivate nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service

Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service specializes in training the next generation of funeral directors, embalmers, and mortuary science professionals. The college enrolls 451 students in its suburban Decatur campus, focusing exclusively on death care education through programs in embalming, funeral directing, and grief counseling. Students learn both the technical and compassionate sides of funeral service, preparing for careers that require scientific knowledge alongside emotional intelligence.

Students pay an average net price of $21,563, which remains consistent regardless of state residency. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,636 ten years after completing their programs, making the typical debt load of $16,417 manageable with monthly payments around $174. The employment rate of 88.9% reflects strong job demand in funeral services, though graduates should expect starting salaries around $27,647 in their first year.

The student body leans heavily female at 68.07%, reflecting broader trends in caregiving professions. Nearly half of students are Black (49.22%), with 37.92% White students creating a diverse learning environment. Only 27.27% of students come from Georgia, suggesting the college draws aspiring funeral service professionals from across the country to this specialized program.

Academics & Faculty

This specialized vocational college focuses exclusively on funeral service and mortuary science education. Students train in embalming techniques, funeral directing, and grief counseling through hands-on programs designed for immediate career entry. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than typical colleges, but the specialized nature keeps classes focused on practical skills. With a 61.80% six-year graduation rate, about two-thirds of students complete their programs. The quarter system allows for intensive, accelerated learning. Students gain direct experience with the technical and emotional aspects of death care. The curriculum emphasizes both the scientific elements of preservation and the interpersonal skills needed to support grieving families during difficult times.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,636

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Associate	$31,809

View all 2 programs →

Campus Life

This specialized funeral service college sits in suburban Decatur, just 10 miles east of downtown Atlanta. With only 451 students, the campus feels intimate and focused on its singular mission of training future funeral directors and embalmers. Georgia's humid subtropical climate means students need light jackets for mild winters but should prepare for hot, sticky summers that stretch into early fall.

The student body is 68% female, reflecting the industry's growing diversity, while 49% of students are Black and 38% are White. Most students commute since this is primarily a commuter campus without traditional dorms. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on learning in embalming labs and grief counseling workshops. Students spend weekends studying anatomy, practicing restorative techniques, or working part-time at local funeral homes to gain experience. Atlanta's proximity offers cultural outlets, but the demanding quarter-system coursework keeps most students focused on mastering the technical and emotional skills needed for funeral service careers. The 89% employment rate speaks to the program's practical focus and industry connections.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–51°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.8"

Student Demographics

Students travel from across the country to train at this specialized funeral service college, with nearly three-quarters coming from outside Georgia. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the growing female presence in funeral service professions. The school draws a diverse mix of students, with Black students comprising nearly half the enrollment and white students about 38 percent. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves students from working-class families who view funeral service as a stable career path requiring specialized training.

Men: 31.9%
Women: 68.1%
White: 37.9%
Black: 49.2%
Hispanic: 12.0%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 27.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.9%

Location

Gupton Jones sits in Decatur, Georgia, just 10 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The suburban setting gives students access to one of the South's major metropolitan areas while maintaining a quieter campus environment. Decatur itself is known for its historic downtown square and active arts scene. The Atlanta metro area offers extensive internship and job opportunities in funeral homes and related businesses across the region. With 27% of students coming from in-state, the college draws many Georgia residents who want specialized training close to home. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service with similar schools in the region.

Address: Decatur, Georgia 30035-4022

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,636
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,374
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $174/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,417

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service?

Gupton Jones operates as a specialized vocational college focused entirely on mortuary science education. With only 451 students enrolled, the college maintains a highly focused learning environment designed for students committed to careers in funeral service.

How much does Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,563 annually, with tuition set at $21,000 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 37% of students receive financial aid, with the typical graduate carrying $16,417 in debt and monthly loan payments of $174.

What academic programs does Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service offer?

The college specializes exclusively in funeral service and mortuary science education through hands-on training programs. Students learn embalming techniques, funeral directing, and grief counseling in a quarter-system calendar that allows for intensive, focused study.

What are job prospects like for Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 88.9% employment rate in their specialized field. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $42,636, reflecting the stable demand for trained funeral service professionals.

What is the student body like at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service?

The student body of 451 is predominantly female at 68%, with a diverse racial composition including 49% Black students and 38% White students. Most students come from out-of-state, with only 27% being Georgia residents, reflecting the college's national reputation in funeral service education.

Does Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service have good graduation rates?

The college maintains a 62% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the demanding nature of mortuary science education. Students work closely with faculty in a 24:1 student-faculty ratio while mastering the technical and emotional skills required for funeral service careers.