At $21,563/yr net price, Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service graduates earn $42,636/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,636/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,563 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,636/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,636/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,417 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,046/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,216/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,214/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $31,809 | $15,937 |
The Risk Factor
61.8% of students at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median 10-year earnings of $42,636 and an annual net price of $21,563, you're looking at a career path that barely covers the cost of attendance even a decade after graduation.
The single program here,Funeral Service and Mortuary Science,produces graduates earning just $31,809 annually while carrying $15,937 in debt. This creates an immediate financial strain that will persist for years. The 61% graduation rate adds another layer of risk, meaning two out of five students never complete their program despite accumulating costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you're deeply committed to funeral service as a career and understand the income limitations upfront. The industry offers stable employment in recession-resistant work, but compensation remains modest throughout most careers. You'll need to view this as vocational training for meaningful work rather than a path to financial prosperity.
The relatively low debt load compared to four-year programs provides some protection, and only 37% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out of pocket. If your family can cover costs without borrowing, the financial risk drops significantly. However, if you need loans to attend, seriously consider whether the debt payments align with funeral service salaries in your target market.
Look elsewhere if maximizing earnings is your priority. This program serves students who prioritize career calling over financial optimization and can afford the modest return on their education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service worth the cost?
With graduates earning $42,636 annually and median debt of $16,417, the return on investment is reasonable for this specialized field. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable, though earnings are modest compared to other college programs.
What is the job outlook for Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service graduates?
The funeral service industry provides steady employment since it's recession-proof, but growth is limited and salaries typically remain in the $40,000-50,000 range. Job security is high, but significant income growth is unlikely.
How much debt do students graduate with from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service?
The median debt is $16,417, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries around $42,636, graduates should expect to spend several years paying off loans.
What is the graduation rate at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service?
The graduation rate is 61.80%, which means nearly 4 out of 10 students don't complete their program. This completion rate is concerning given the specialized nature of the training and should factor into your decision.