Worsham College of Mortuary Science: 76.5% Acceptance Rate

76.5%Acceptance

$24,800Tuition

187Students

69%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$61,574Earnings

#20 in IllinoisPrivate forprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24

About Worsham College of Mortuary Science

Worsham College has trained funeral directors and embalmers for over a century, making it one of the most respected mortuary science schools in the country. The specialized two-year program serves 187 students in suburban Wheeling, just outside Chicago. Three out of four applicants gain admission to this focused institution that prepares graduates for careers in funeral service and embalming.

Students pay an average of $23,925 after financial aid, regardless of whether they're from Illinois or another state. Graduates earn a median of $61,574 ten years after finishing the program, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The typical graduate leaves with $15,024 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $159. These numbers reflect the strong earning potential in mortuary science careers.

The student body is predominantly female, with women making up 77% of enrollment. Nearly all graduates find employment immediately after completing the program, with a 99% employment rate that speaks to the high demand for trained funeral service professionals. The quarter system allows students to complete their education efficiently, while the 14-to-1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in hands-on training.

Academics & Faculty

This specialized mortuary science college trains the next generation of funeral directors and embalmers through its focused two-year program. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive hands-on training in embalming techniques, funeral service management, and grief counseling. The curriculum covers anatomy, pathology, restorative art, and business practices essential to the funeral industry. A 69.20% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of the coursework, which includes both classroom instruction and practical laboratory work with human remains. Students learn everything from chemical preservation methods to ceremony planning. The quarter system allows for accelerated learning, with most graduates entering a field that maintains a 99.0% employment rate upon completion.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,574

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Associate	$39,860
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Certificate	$37,424

View all 3 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits in suburban Wheeling, about 30 minutes northwest of Chicago, where winters demand heavy coats and snow boots through March. With just 187 students, everyone knows each other in this tight-knit community focused on mortuary science. The student body is 77% women, reflecting the profession's changing demographics over recent decades.

Most students commute from nearby areas since 85% come from Illinois. The quarter system keeps coursework intense, with hands-on embalming labs and funeral service practicums filling much of the day. Students spend weekends studying anatomy or completing internships at local funeral homes rather than typical college parties. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often become mentors for entering the death care industry.

The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers, but many students drive into Chicago for entertainment. Campus life revolves around professional development rather than traditional college social scenes. Study groups often form around challenging coursework in pathology and restorative art, creating bonds that extend into professional networks after graduation.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–30°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 33.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students come from across Illinois and neighboring states to pursue this specialized career path. About three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the growing female presence in funeral service. The student body draws heavily from working-class backgrounds, with many using federal loans to finance their education. Most students are white, though the school attracts a more diverse group than many rural mortuary programs. The tight-knit cohort of 187 students creates strong professional networks that last throughout their careers in funeral service.

Men: 23.0%
Women: 77.0%
White: 74.9%
Black: 12.8%
Hispanic: 11.2%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 84.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.1%

Location

Worsham College sits in Wheeling, a suburb about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The school draws 84.62% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting its strong regional ties to the Midwest funeral industry. Wheeling offers a quiet suburban setting while maintaining easy access to Chicago's extensive funeral home network and internship opportunities. The area provides a professional environment ideal for mortuary science education, with numerous funeral establishments nearby for hands-on learning experiences. The location serves students well in a field where local connections matter for career placement. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Worsham College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wheeling, Illinois 60090-2646

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $61,574
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,958
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Worsham College of Mortuary Science?

The college accepts 76% of applicants who apply to its specialized mortuary science program. This relatively high acceptance rate reflects the niche nature of funeral service education and the college's role as one of the few institutions training future funeral directors and embalmers.

How much does Worsham College of Mortuary Science cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,925 annually, with tuition set at $24,800 regardless of residency status. Only 38% of students receive financial aid, and the typical graduate leaves with $15,024 in debt, which is relatively low for a specialized professional program.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Worsham College of Mortuary Science?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 187 total students enrolled. This intimate learning environment allows for hands-on training in embalming techniques and funeral service practices that are essential to the profession.

What are the career outcomes for Worsham College of Mortuary Science graduates?

Graduates achieve a remarkable 99% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for licensed funeral service professionals. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $61,574, demonstrating the stable career prospects in this essential industry.

Where do most students at Worsham College of Mortuary Science come from?

About 85% of students are Illinois residents, drawn to this suburban Chicago location for its specialized training. Women make up 77% of the student body, reflecting the changing demographics of the funeral service industry.

Does Worsham College of Mortuary Science have a good graduation rate?

The college reports a 69% six-year graduation rate for its two-year mortuary science program. This completion rate is reasonable given the intensive technical and scientific coursework required to prepare students for state licensing examinations.