Top Mortuary Science Programs in the U.S.: How to Choose the Right School


Choosing to enter the funeral service profession is a commitment to serving others during their most difficult moments. To turn this calling into a career, selecting the right educational foundation is the most critical step. With numerous institutions offering degrees in funeral service and mortuary science, finding the program that aligns with your professional goals, budget, and lifestyle requires careful consideration.

This guide explores the top-rated mortuary science programs in the United States, the essential criteria for evaluating schools, and the steps you need to take to ensure your education leads to successful licensure and a fulfilling career.

Why Accreditation is Your Number One Priority

Before looking at rankings or tuition costs, you must verify a school’s accreditation. In the funeral service industry, the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the gold standard.

Most state licensing boards require graduates to have a degree from an ABFSE-accredited institution to sit for the National Board Examination (NBE). Attending a non-accredited school could prevent you from becoming a licensed mortician, regardless of how much you studied. Always check the ABFSE directory to confirm a program's current standing.

Top Mortuary Science Programs in the United States

Several institutions consistently rank at the top for their academic rigor, clinical facilities, and graduate success rates. Here are some of the most respected programs in the country:

1. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

As one of the few programs housed within a major research university, the University of Minnesota offers a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science. It is renowned for its high post-graduation earnings and extensive clinical opportunities through the university’s medical school connections.

2. Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (Cincinnati, OH)

Widely considered the oldest and one of the most prestigious private funeral service colleges in the nation, CCMS offers both Associate and Bachelor’s degrees. Their "clinical-heavy" approach and on-campus embalming labs provide students with unparalleled hands-on experience.

3. Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)

Wayne State offers a comprehensive mortuary science program with a strong emphasis on the sciences. Its location in a major metropolitan area provides students with diverse internship opportunities and exposure to a wide range of cultural and religious funeral traditions.

4. Worsham College of Mortuary Science (Wheeling, IL)

Worsham is a top choice for students looking for an accelerated path. They offer an intensive program that can be completed in as little as one year, focusing heavily on the practical skills needed to enter the workforce quickly.

5. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service (Dallas, TX)

A member of the Pierce Mortuary Colleges, this institute is famous for its history and dedicated focus on funeral service. It offers flexible learning options, including online components for those who need to balance work and school.

How to Evaluate and Choose the Right School

Beyond prestige, the "best" school is the one that fits your specific needs. Use these four criteria to narrow down your list:

1. National Board Exam (NBE) Pass Rates

A school’s primary job is to prepare you for licensure. Every accredited school is required to publish their NBE pass rates. Look for programs that consistently meet or exceed the national average. If a school’s pass rates are low, it may indicate that their curriculum isn't aligning well with the industry standards.

2. Clinical and Hands-On Training

Mortuary science is not just a desk job. You need a program that offers robust lab time for embalming, restorative art, and cosmetology. Ask if the school has on-campus facilities or if they partner with local funeral homes for clinical rotations.

3. Degree Level: Associate vs. Bachelor’s

  • Associate Degree: The most common path and the minimum requirement for licensure in most states. It is faster and often more affordable.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Ideal for those who want to eventually move into funeral home management, corporate leadership, or forensic pathology. Some states, like Ohio and Minnesota, have higher educational requirements that may make a four-year degree more advantageous.

4. Learning Format: In-Person, Online, or Hybrid

Many modern programs offer hybrid models. You complete your "Funeral Arts" (law, psychology, business) online and attend "Funeral Sciences" (labs and clinicals) in person.

  • Pro-tip: Ensure that even an "online" program has a clear plan for your practical requirements and that your state board accepts distance learning credits.

Financial Considerations and Tuition

The cost of mortuary school varies significantly. Community college-based programs (like Arapahoe Community College or Fayetteville Technical Community College) offer the most affordable tuition, especially for in-state residents. Private colleges like CCMS or Gupton-Jones often have higher tuition but may offer more specialized networking and job placement services.

Don’t forget to research scholarships. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and various state associations offer thousands of dollars in financial aid specifically for mortuary science students.

The Path After Graduation: Licensure and Beyond

Earning your degree is only the beginning. To become a fully licensed mortician or funeral director, you will typically need to:

  1. Pass the NBE: This exam covers both the "Arts" (directing, law, counseling) and "Sciences" (embalming, anatomy, pathology).

  2. Complete an Apprenticeship: Most states require 1 to 2 years of supervised work in a licensed funeral home.

  3. Pass State-Specific Exams: These often focus on local laws and regulations.

Program FeatureImportance LevelWhy it Matters
ABFSE AccreditationCriticalRequired for NBE eligibility and state licensure.
NBE Pass RatesHighIndicates the quality of the academic instruction.
Internship PlacementHighHelps you secure the required apprenticeship after graduation.
Lab FacilitiesMedium-HighEnsures you have the technical skills for embalming.

Making Your Decision

The funeral service industry is a rewarding field that offers job security and the chance to make a real difference in your community. By choosing an accredited program with a strong track record of success, you are setting yourself up for a stable and prosperous career.

Take the time to visit campuses, talk to current students, and review the curriculum. Your education is the foundation upon which your professional reputation will be built.


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