Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,688 place Southern Illinois University-Carbondale below the $48,870 national median for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 6% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Funeral Service and Mortuary Science involve work that current AI cannot replicate.
At $28,000 against $33,688/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's #6 ranking should be read in that context.
The $33,688-to-$57,664 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.