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 gives you one path and one financial outcome to weigh. The net price runs above $21,000 a year for a two-year program, and the associate degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science reports median earnings of about $31,800 shortly after graduation. That is the only program on the table, so your ROI here is entirely tied to whether funeral service work fits your career plan and your regional job market.
The gap between what you pay and what you earn early is the problem. Two years at this net price puts your total cost well past $40,000, while the program's own early earnings sit under $32,000. The school-wide median 10-year earnings of $42,636 show that pay climbs with time in the field, but you carry the full cost up front. Median debt of about $16,400 is manageable against that later figure, and the 61.8% graduation rate means most people who enroll finish.
This school pays off if you already know you want to be a funeral director or embalmer and you have a licensing path or employer in mind. Funeral service is a licensed, credential-specific field, so the degree has direct value only inside that industry. If you are undecided or want flexibility across careers, a single vocational associate degree at this price gives you little room to pivot.
On cost by income, the net price barely moves across brackets. Families earning under $30,000 pay about $19,000, and those earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay roughly $22,000. Lower income buys you little discount here, so plan for a near-full sticker price regardless of what you make. Borrow only what the mortuary science career can realistically repay, and confirm the licensing requirements in your state before you enroll.
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.