Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Ogeechee Technical College
Associate's Degree
ogeecheetech.eduAnalysis
Nationwide, funeral service programs typically place graduates around $45,000 in first-year earnings, and Ogeechee Technical College's estimated outcomes align closely with that national benchmark. What's particularly encouraging here is the estimated debt load of roughly $17,000—notably lower than the $20,000 national median for this specialized field. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning graduates would owe less than four months' worth of their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for entering this profession.
The four-year earnings figure of $49,215 suggests steady early-career progression in mortuary science. However, it's worth noting that Georgia's funeral service landscape appears more competitive than the national average—Gupton Jones College, the only peer program in the state with reported data, shows significantly lower first-year earnings at $23,293. This wide gap underscores how individual programs and regional market conditions can dramatically affect outcomes, and without actual data from Ogeechee Technical's own graduates, there's inherent uncertainty in these projections.
For families considering this path, the estimated figures suggest a reasonable financial investment if your child is committed to funeral service. The lower-than-average debt combined with national-level earning potential creates a foundation for sustainable entry into the profession, though you should verify actual placement rates and local job market conditions directly with the school before committing.
Where Ogeechee Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all funeral service and mortuary science associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogeechee Technical College | — | $49,215 | — |
| American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service | $47,982 | $59,793 | +25% |
| FINE Mortuary College | $52,580 | $56,293 | +7% |
| Tidewater Community College | $39,431 | $55,536 | +41% |
| Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service | $23,293 | $36,490 | +57% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,170 | $44,695* | $49,215 | $17,063* | — | |
| $21,000 | $23,293* | $36,490 | $20,000* | 0.86 | |
| National Median | — | $44,695* | — | $20,000* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with funeral service and mortuary science graduates
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 Ogeechee Technical College, approximately 42% 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.