Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College's funeral service program produces graduates who earn nearly $49,000 in their first year—placing them at the 74th percentile nationally and matching the Florida median for mortuary programs. With just three schools offering this degree in Florida, the state comparison has limited utility, but the national picture is clear: this program outperforms roughly three-quarters of similar programs across the country while keeping debt well below the typical burden.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 is particularly favorable for an associate degree in a specialized field. Graduates borrow about $23,000, which they could theoretically pay off in half a year's salary—a manageable load for entering a stable profession with predictable career paths. The relatively low debt (24th percentile nationally means lower than most) matters significantly in funeral service, where career advancement often means business ownership rather than dramatic salary increases.

For students certain about this career path, the economics work well. The funeral service industry offers job security and decent starting pay, and SPC provides training at a reasonable price point. Just understand you're paying for vocational training with clear but modest earning potential, not a credential that typically leads to substantial income growth over time.