Median Earnings (1yr)Reported
$45,261
53rd percentile
Median DebtReported
$29,243
46% above national median

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).

Analysis

Goodwin's mortuary science program stands out for keeping debt remarkably low—graduates borrow just $29,243, placing them in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). That's significant, particularly given that 48% of students receive Pell grants. First-year earnings of $45,261 exceed the national median and rank in the 60th percentile statewide, delivering a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65.

The earnings picture is solid but not exceptional—you're looking at roughly middle-of-the-pack outcomes compared to funeral service programs nationwide. However, in an industry with stable demand and relatively predictable career paths, that moderate earning potential matters less than the low debt load. Graduates can realistically pay down their loans within a few years rather than carrying that burden for a decade or more.

For families concerned about manageable debt in a stable profession, this program delivers. The combination of below-average borrowing and slightly above-average earnings creates a financial foundation that gives graduates breathing room early in their careers. Just understand that mortuary science isn't a high-earning field—you're investing in stability and reasonable debt, not dramatic income growth.

Where Goodwin University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Goodwin University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Funeral Service and Mortuary Science associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Goodwin UniversityEast Hartford$21,198$45,261—$29,2430.65
FINE Mortuary CollegeNorwood$19,325$52,580$56,293$34,6770.66
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton$4,308$50,953$39,709$22,6750.45
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science IncPittsburgh—$50,340$46,147$21,8120.43
Worsham College of Mortuary ScienceWheeling$24,800$50,043$53,137$15,3330.31
Jefferson State Community CollegeBirmingham$5,040$49,566$44,675——
National Median—$44,695—$20,0000.45

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.

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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 Goodwin University, approximately 48% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.