Best Online Mortuary Schools in 2026: Accredited Programs for Funeral Service Careers

If you are drawn to a career in funeral service, earning a degree from one of today’s online mortuary schools is a meaningful first step. The field requires both technical knowledge and genuine compassion, and accredited programs are designed to prepare you for both. GetEducated helps you compare accredited healthcare programs side by side so you can find the right match for your goals and budget.

Top Accredited Online Mortuary Schools for 2026

Whether you are starting fresh or building on an existing degree, these programs cover the core competencies required for licensure and career success in funeral service.

1. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service: AAS in Funeral Service

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service, making it one of the most accessible programs in the country for students outside of Texas. The curriculum covers embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, and the business and legal aspects of funeral service.

• Estimated Cost: $18,189
• Credits: 97
• Format: 100% Online
• Accreditation: American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE); Higher Learning Commission

Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Board Examination administered by ABFSE and pursue state licensure. For current tuition details, visit Commonwealth’s program page.

2. Southern Illinois University Carbondale: BS in Mortuary Science

SIU Carbondale offers one of the few fully online bachelor’s completion programs in mortuary science in the United States. This Bachelor Completion program is designed for students who already hold an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science and want to advance their credentials.

• Estimated Cost: $23,643
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

The program builds on foundational funeral service skills with coursework in management, law, and the broader context of death care. It is a strong option for working professionals looking to move into leadership roles. Visit SIU’s tuition page for the latest rates.

3. Arapahoe Community College: AAS in Mortuary Science

Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado offers a 100% online Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science that is accredited by the ABFSE, the specialized national accreditor for funeral service education programs. The curriculum covers the science, ethics, and business fundamentals needed to enter the profession.

• Estimated Cost: $24,277 (in state) / $27,185 (out of state)
• Credits: 66
• Format: 100% Online
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; ABFSE

In-state students benefit from a meaningful tuition discount compared to out-of-state rates. Check Arapahoe’s tuition page for current pricing.

4. American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service: Associate in Funeral Service

The American Academy McAllister Institute (AAMI) in New York City has been training funeral service professionals for over 75 years. Their online Associate in Funeral Service program offers a mostly online format for students across the country.

• Estimated Cost: $37,275
• Credits: 69
• Format: Mostly Online
• Accreditation: ABFSE; New York State Board of Regents

AAMI is one of the most recognized names in funeral service education, and graduates are well prepared for the National Board Exam and state licensing. For detailed cost information, visit the AAMI tuition page.

5. Des Moines Area Community College: Advanced Diploma in Mortuary Science

DMACC’s Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science is designed for students who have already earned an associate degree and want to become licensed funeral directors in Iowa. The program is offered online with some campus requirements for proctored exams and hands-on components.

• Credits: 46
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Minimum of an associate degree required
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; ABFSE

This is a focused, advanced-entry path into funeral service rather than a general associate program. For current fees, visit the DMACC tuition page.

Online Mortuary Schools FAQ

Choosing a funeral service program involves more than picking a school. Here are some of the most common questions prospective students ask about online mortuary schools.

What should I look for in online mortuary schools?

Start with ABFSE accreditation. The American Board of Funeral Service Education is the specialized accreditor for this field, and most states require graduation from an ABFSE-accredited program for licensure.

You should also verify that the program is regionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Beyond that, review the clinical or practicum requirements carefully, since most programs require hands-on training at a licensed funeral home even when the coursework is delivered online.

GetEducated helps you look beyond price to compare accreditation status, format, and program details. If you want to understand what accreditation (the process by which an independent body evaluates a school’s quality standards) means for your degree, the GetEducated accreditation guide breaks it down clearly.

Can I complete a mortuary science degree fully online?

Some programs, like Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service and Arapahoe Community College, offer coursework that is 100% online. However, most states require a hands-on internship or apprenticeship before you can sit for a licensing exam. This is separate from coursework and typically takes place at a licensed funeral home in your area. Always check your state’s licensing requirements before enrolling.

What are the career and salary prospects for online mortuary school graduates?

The field offers stable employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers was $49,800 in May 2024, while funeral home managers earned a median of $76,830. Employment of funeral service workers is projected to grow about 4 percent through 2034, roughly in line with the national average.

Is an associate’s degree enough to become a funeral director?

In most states, yes. An associate degree from an ABFSE-accredited program is the standard entry point for funeral service licensure. After completing your degree, you typically need to pass the National Board Examination and complete a supervised apprenticeship. Some states have additional requirements, so check the licensing board in your state before you enroll.

Ready to Find the Best Online Mortuary School for You?

Online mortuary schools give you a flexible path into one of the most meaningful careers in the healthcare and personal services field. Comparing costs and accreditation details across programs can feel like a lot to navigate, but you do not have to do it alone. Browse GetEducated’s accredited online degree database to explore more programs and find the one that fits your goals.