Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc

75.0%Acceptance

369Students

92%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,524Earnings

Private nonprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc

PIMS trains the next generation of funeral directors and embalmers in Pennsylvania's steel city. The specialized college enrolls 369 students who dive deep into mortuary science, embalming techniques, and funeral service management. Three out of four applicants gain admission to this focused program. The school sits in Pittsburgh's urban landscape, where students learn both the technical and compassionate sides of death care.

Students face relatively modest debt loads, with median borrowing hitting $19,295. Monthly loan payments average $205 after graduation. New graduates earn a median of $42,511 in their first year, climbing to $53,524 by their tenth year in the field. The investment pays off reasonably well given the specialized nature of the profession. About 25% of students receive federal Pell Grants, keeping costs manageable for many families.

Women make up nearly 79% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in funeral service education. The school boasts an impressive 92% six-year graduation rate, much higher than typical for two-year programs. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment in their field, a testament to steady demand for funeral service professionals. Students benefit from small classes with a 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring hands-on learning in this highly technical field.

Academics & Faculty

Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science specializes entirely in funeral service education and mortuary science programs. Students work toward associate degrees in funeral service or mortuary science, preparing for careers as funeral directors and embalmers. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive hands-on training in embalming techniques, funeral service management, and grief counseling. An impressive 92.3% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the program's structured curriculum and strong faculty support. The school maintains close relationships with funeral homes across Pennsylvania and neighboring states for internship placements. Students gain practical experience through the campus preparation room and learn both the technical and compassionate aspects of funeral service through specialized coursework in anatomy, pathology, and funeral law.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 92.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,524

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Associate	$37,208
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Bachelor	$27,449

View all 3 programs →

Campus Life

Pittsburgh's industrial landscape shapes daily life at this specialized mortuary science college. The 369 students work in a city where winter coats are essential from November through March, with snow common and temperatures often below freezing. Three out of four students are women, creating a predominantly female learning environment that reflects the changing demographics of the funeral industry.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means hands-on training dominates the experience rather than large lectures. Students practice embalming techniques, learn restorative arts, and study grief counseling in small groups. The program attracts students from across the country, with 58% coming from out of state to study in Pittsburgh's urban setting. Most students commute rather than live on campus, fitting their studies around internships at local funeral homes. Weekends often involve completing practical requirements at funeral establishments throughout western Pennsylvania. The focused curriculum and professional atmosphere create a serious academic environment where students bond over shared career goals in death care services.

Setting: City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–37°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.6"
Annual Snowfall: 25.0"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly four out of five students at this specialized mortuary science college, reflecting the growing female presence in funeral service careers. The student body draws from across the country, with more than half coming from outside Pennsylvania, showing the school's national reputation in a niche field. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families entering a stable, essential profession. The predominantly white enrollment mirrors the broader funeral industry demographics, though the school attracts students from diverse backgrounds seeking specialized technical training.

Men: 21.1%
Women: 78.9%
White: 84.8%
Black: 9.2%
Hispanic: 2.7%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 42.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.2%

Location

Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science sits in Pennsylvania's second-largest city, home to 300,000 residents in the urban core. The school operates in Pittsburgh's Steel City environment, where former industrial neighborhoods have transformed into healthcare and education centers. Students experience big-city amenities including professional sports teams, cultural districts, and extensive public transit. The campus draws from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states, with 42% of students coming from in-state. Pittsburgh's three rivers and rolling hills create a distinctive urban landscape different from Philadelphia's flat terrain 300 miles east. The city's affordable cost of living helps students manage expenses beyond their median $19,295 debt load. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206-3706

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,524
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,316
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $205/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,295

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc?

The school accepts 75% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for students serious about funeral service careers. This specialized field attracts dedicated students who understand the profession's demands and responsibilities.

How much does Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc cost after financial aid?

Graduates leave with a median debt of just $19,295, which is remarkably low for professional training programs. Only 25.18% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the tuition without extensive borrowing.

What are classes like at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc?

Students work closely with faculty in a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this hands-on field. The curriculum combines scientific knowledge with practical skills needed for embalming, funeral directing, and grief counseling.

What do graduates of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median salary of $53,524 ten years after graduation, reflecting stable career prospects in an essential service industry. The 96.8% employment rate shows strong job security in this recession-proof profession.

Where do students at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc come from?

The student body of 369 draws from across the country, with 42.11% coming from Pennsylvania and others traveling from distant states. Women make up 78.86% of enrollment, reflecting the profession's growing appeal to female students.

Is Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc worth the investment?

The school boasts a 92.30% six-year graduation rate, well above national averages for specialized programs. Graduates enter a stable profession with predictable income and the satisfaction of helping families during difficult times.