At $19,772/yr net price, John A Gupton College graduates earn $46,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,902/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,772 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,902/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,610 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,061/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,942/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,966/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,245/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $33,993 | $12,500 |
The Risk Factor
30.8% of students at John A Gupton College 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
John A Gupton College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $46,902 ten years after graduation falling short of what you need to justify the $19,772 annual cost. The 31% graduation rate means nearly 7 out of 10 students leave without completing their program.
The school offers one major program in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, which produces graduates earning $33,993 annually. This salary falls well below the overall median, making it the weakest-performing program at an already financially challenging institution. With typical debt of $12,500 for this field, you face a long payback period relative to earning potential.
Your biggest financial risk centers on completion. If you join the majority who don't graduate, you'll carry debt without the credentials needed for mortuary science work. The specialized nature of funeral service education also limits your transfer options if you change career direction.
This school makes financial sense only if you have strong family connections in funeral service or guaranteed job placement after graduation. The Nashville location provides access to funeral homes and medical facilities, but regional demand for mortuary science graduates remains limited.
With only 36% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear scarce. Your best cost strategy involves completing the program quickly and securing employment immediately upon graduation. If you lack clear career commitment to funeral service or need financial aid to attend, consider community college mortuary science programs with lower costs and similar career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John A Gupton College worth the cost for funeral service degrees?
John A Gupton College graduates earn about $34,000 annually in funeral service, which is modest but reasonable given the low median debt of $12,610. The specialized training provides direct entry into a stable field, though earnings growth may be limited.
What is the graduation rate at John A Gupton College and does it affect ROI?
Only 31% of students graduate from John A Gupton College, which significantly impacts ROI since non-graduates still carry debt without the credential. Students should seriously consider their commitment to completing the program before enrolling.
How much debt do John A Gupton College students typically graduate with?
The median debt at John A Gupton College is $12,610, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. This manageable debt level helps make the specialized funeral service program financially viable despite modest starting salaries.
Are there better alternatives to John A Gupton College for funeral service education?
John A Gupton College offers specialized funeral service training, but the low graduation rate raises concerns about student support and program completion. Students should compare completion rates and job placement statistics with other mortuary science programs before deciding.