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 trains you for one thing: funeral service. That focus defines its entire financial picture. You pay $19,772 a year in net price, and the median graduate earns $46,902 a decade out. That gap between what you pay and what you earn later is workable, but it hangs on one program and a 30.8% graduation rate that means most people who start don't finish.
The only program with earnings data here is the Funeral Service and Mortuary Science associate degree. Graduates from that program show $33,993 a year with $12,500 in debt. The higher $46,902 median across all graduates suggests earnings climb well past the entry-level figure once you're established in the field, which matters because Nashville and the broader Tennessee market need licensed funeral directors and embalmers steadily. This is a career-training school, not a place to explore.
The biggest risk is the completion rate. Fewer than one in three students graduates, and if you leave with debt and no credential, you get the cost without the license that makes the earnings possible. The narrow program lineup also means if funeral service isn't your plan, there's nothing else here for you.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $17,000. But if you earn $48,000 to $75,000, the price jumps to nearly $23,000, and above $110,000 it hits $26,245. Middle-income families pay more than lower-income ones and don't get much of a break.
Go here if you're committed to becoming a funeral director and you're confident you'll finish. The debt load is low and the career pays. If you're undecided about your field or shaky on completing a program, this school's single-track design gives you no fallback.
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.