Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College's mortuary science program commands a premium price for middling results. At $25,000 in debt, graduates pay more than 95% of similar programs nationwide, yet earn right at the national median. Within Iowa, there's no other program for comparison, which means students seeking this specialized career path have limited in-state alternatives—but that monopoly hasn't translated into better value.

The real concern isn't the starting salary of $49,355, which is respectable for a certificate program. It's that earnings completely flatline over the next three years. Most funeral service graduates see some income progression as they gain experience and potentially move into management roles, but this program's graduates show zero growth from year one to year four. Combined with above-average debt, that creates a tighter financial picture than the solid starting salary might suggest.

For families considering this career path, the calculation is straightforward: your child will likely earn about what funeral service professionals earn nationally, but will carry more debt doing so. If mortuary science is truly the calling, this program will get them there—the credential appears solid. But families should be prepared for debt payments that will feel more burdensome than they would at programs charging half as much for similar career outcomes.