Funeral Service & Mortuary Scienceat University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Graduates earn $60,367/yr in their first year — about 24.0% above the national Funeral Service & Mortuary Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $603K; scenarios range from $567K to $605K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Minnesota
The numbers look strong, but they don't capture the true nature of this career path. As one of only a handful of university-based programs in the nation, the UMN Mortuary Science degree carries significant weight, particularly across the Upper Midwest. You aren't just earning a technical certification; you're joining a powerful, tight-knit professional network. The program's reputation means graduates are prime candidates for leadership roles in established, multi-location funeral homes in the Twin Cities and beyond, which explains the higher earning potential compared to smaller, independent operations.
This isn't just a science degree; it's a demanding, public-facing service role requiring high emotional intelligence. Your key to success is getting hands-on experience early. Actively seek apprenticeships during your studies to build relationships with local funeral directors—these connections are often what turn your degree into a direct path to a management track.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Minnesota's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Funeral Service & Mortuary Science
How University of Minnesota stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Minnesota
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Minnesota, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Funeral Service & Mortuary Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Funeral Service & Mortuary Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Funeral Service & Mortuary Science at University of Minnesota
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Funeral Service & Mortuary Science at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Funeral Service & Mortuary Science field.
What makes University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's Funeral Service & Mortuary Science program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 6 programs nationally, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.