Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,695
Est. from national median (23 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,063
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

Comparable funeral service programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $44,695, which would give Amarillo College graduates a manageable debt burden at an estimated $17,063—about four months of salary. For students entering a field where credentials and licensing matter more than institutional prestige, this represents a straightforward path to a stable, if specialized, career.

The estimated figures align closely with what similar programs across Texas produce. Commonwealth Institute's graduates earn slightly more at $46,268, but Amarillo's estimated debt sits below both the state and national medians. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the program appears accessible to students who might not have other affordable entry points into this profession. Funeral service careers typically offer consistent demand and well-defined advancement paths, making the sub-0.40 debt ratio particularly relevant for students seeking predictable employment.

The caveat here is that all these numbers come from peer programs, not Amarillo's actual outcomes. Before enrolling, contact the program directly and ask about their graduates' licensing exam pass rates, job placement, and connections with Texas funeral homes. In a field this specialized, those practical details matter as much as the estimated financials—and they'll give you a clearer picture of what this specific program delivers.

Where Amarillo College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all funeral service and mortuary science associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Funeral Service and Mortuary Science associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Amarillo CollegeAmarillo$2,136$44,695*$17,063*
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral ServiceHouston$15,313$46,268*$39,036$11,625*0.25
Dallas Institute of Funeral ServiceDallas$13,496$40,962*$39,428$20,000*0.49
National Median$44,695*$20,000*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with funeral service and mortuary science graduates

Funeral Home Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes. Includes activities such as determining prices for services or merchandise and managing the facilities of funeral homes.

$59,420/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers

Perform various tasks to arrange and direct individual funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.

$59,420/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Embalmers

Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.

Crematory Operators

Operate crematory equipment to reduce human or animal remains to bone fragments in accordance with state and local regulations. Duties may include preparing the body for cremation and performing general maintenance on crematory equipment. May use traditional flame-based cremation, calcination, or alkaline hydrolysis.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Amarillo College, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 23 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.