Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

The funeral service profession offers reliable employment, but Dallas Institute graduates start slightly behind the curve. With first-year earnings around $41,000, these graduates earn about 6% less than the Texas state median for this program and fall in just the 40th percentile statewide. Commonwealth Institute, the top performer in Texas, sees graduates earning $46,000—a $5,300 annual advantage that compounds over a career.

The $20,000 in median debt is manageable at face value, matching the national average, though it's notably higher than Texas's typical $15,812. The real concern is the slight earnings dip by year four, dropping to around $39,400. This isn't unusual in careers with stable, lower-volatility salaries, but it means graduates shouldn't expect significant income growth in their early career years.

For families considering this path, the program delivers what matters most: entry into a recession-resistant profession with reasonable debt. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting the school serves working-class families seeking stable employment. However, if your child has options among Texas funeral service programs, the numbers suggest looking at Commonwealth Institute or the state median performer first. The difference between starting at $41,000 versus $44,000 represents roughly $12,000 over four years—meaningful money for young professionals establishing themselves.