Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College offers an associate's degree in funeral service at what peer programs suggest is a relatively affordable price point. With estimated debt around $17,000—below both the national median of $20,000 and reflecting City Colleges' community college pricing—students appear to be getting into this profession without the heavy loan burdens that often accompany specialized training programs.

The catch is earnings: based on national comparisons, first-year income of roughly $45,000 trails the Illinois median of $50,000 by a meaningful margin. Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago's specialized funeral service school, reports graduates earning that higher figure. That $5,000 gap compounds over time and might reflect differences in local industry connections, internship placements, or employer preferences. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 is workable—you'd be borrowing less than five months of income—but the lower starting salary means less breathing room than Illinois funeral service graduates typically enjoy.

For families prioritizing affordability and a clear career path, this program delivers vocational training at community college prices. But given that comparable programs in Illinois appear to produce stronger earnings outcomes, parents should investigate what drives that difference. Does Worsham's specialization translate to better job placement, or is the gap narrower once graduates gain licensure and experience? The lower upfront cost matters, but not if it means playing catch-up in salary for years afterward.