Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science logo

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

Cincinnati, OH Private ยท Suburban www.ccms.edu
Grad Rate
98.7%
Enrollment
101
Median Salary
$55,695
Overall Grade
C
A+
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science offers an intensely focused and intimate academic environment where students quickly become like family through shared purpose. It feels less like a traditional college and more like a specialized training ground, with a quiet, professional atmosphere centered on mastering a unique and respected craft.

Academics & Majors

CCMS provides a rigorous, career-focused curriculum that blends hands-on embalming and funeral service training with essential business and sciences. The teaching is highly practical and mentorship-driven, with small class sizes ensuring direct guidance from experienced faculty. While research opportunities are limited due to the specialized nature of the institution, students gain extensive real-world experience through required clinicals and apprenticeships.

Popular Majors

Culinary & Personal Services
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

98.7%
Graduation Rate
101
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

24.2%
Receive Pell Grants
64.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Cincinnati

Students can explore Cincinnati's vibrant Over-the-Rhine district for its historic architecture, breweries, and diverse restaurant scene. The city offers plenty of recreational activities, from catching a Reds or Bengals game to visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. For those interested in the arts, the city boasts a renowned orchestra and numerous museums.

Local Rent Check

$919 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Cincinnati
Explore Cincinnati

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $0

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,695):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus, located in a quiet suburban area, is generally considered safe with a close-knit community feel. The surrounding Cincinnati area has typical urban safety considerations, but the college's location provides a secure environment for its students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely high job placement rates due to specialized, in-demand training
  • โœ“ Intimate class sizes ensure personalized attention from experienced faculty
  • โœ“ Program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
  • โœ“ Direct pathway to licensure and a stable, recession-resistant career

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely limited campus life and extracurricular activities
  • โœ— Narrow curriculum offers no academic breadth or alternative majors
  • โœ— The nature of the work can be emotionally and psychologically demanding
  • โœ— Very small network compared to a traditional four-year university

Notable Alumni

John C. LaRue
A prominent funeral director and industry leader known for his advancements in funeral service education and ethics.
Dr. James R. Robertson
An influential figure in the field of forensic pathology and mortuary science education, contributing to curriculum development.
Betty J. Stansbury
A celebrated alumna and respected funeral home owner recognized for her community service and dedication to the profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

CCMS is known for being one of the oldest and most respected private colleges dedicated exclusively to the education of funeral directors and embalmers. It is recognized for its rigorous academic standards, comprehensive hands-on training, and a long history of producing highly skilled graduates who consistently pass national board exams.

Admissions at CCMS are selective but focused on finding the right fit for the profession rather than just high stats. With an enrollment of only around 100 students, the process is highly individualized. Applicants need to show a strong commitment to the field, and successful candidates typically have solid grades and a compelling interview, rather than meeting a specific, high GPA threshold.

Campus life is intensely academic and professional. There are no traditional Greek life, large sports teams, or sprawling campus events. Instead, students form strong, supportive bonds through their shared coursework and hands-on labs. The experience is centered on professional development, with student organizations like the funeral service club providing opportunities for networking and community service.

For students committed to a career in funeral service, CCMS represents a strong financial investment. The program's focused nature means students can enter the workforce more quickly than through a traditional four-year degree. The median 10-year earnings of $55,695, combined with the stability of the profession and high job placement rates, generally indicates a positive return on investment for graduates.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local and regional funeral homes Cremation societies Cemetery and memorial parks Forensic and medical examiner offices Casket and funeral supply companies
Smart Start Score
74

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 122
  • Zip Code 45224

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 18.8% โ™€ 81.2%

The Money Talk

With a median 10-year earnings of $55,695, the degree offers a solid return on investment for a specialized field with high demand. Given the college's focused training leading directly to licensure and employment, the cost is often justified by strong job placement rates in a stable industry. The relatively low enrollment and Pell Grant rate suggest a student body that is financially conscious, making the program a practical and valuable choice for a dedicated career path.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Polytechnic University of

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.