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Private nonprofit, 2-year

Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

Dallas, Texas · www.dallasinstitute.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$17,640

$30,253 with room and board

Peer median $19,450

Undergraduates

454

Student-faculty ratio 25:1

Peer median 14 : 1

Graduation rate

26.0%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 26.0%

Peer median 57.4%

“Peers” are all 26 private two-year art and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service (DIFU) is a premier educational institution dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the funeral industry. Established in Dallas, Texas, the institute offers specialized programs designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for the various aspects of funeral service. The curriculum includes courses in embalming, funeral directing, grief counseling, and business management, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded professionals who can meet the needs of families during sensitive times. DIFU emphasizes the importance of compassionate care and ethical practices in funeral service, aligning with its mission to foster a deep understanding of the significance of honoring life.

In addition to its robust academic offerings, the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support hands-on learning experiences. The campus features modern labs for embalming and restorative art, allowing students to gain practical skills in a controlled environment. Moreover, the institute prides itself on having a dedicated faculty composed of experienced professionals in the field who provide mentorship and guidance to students. The supportive learning environment encourages collaboration and fosters a sense of community among students, promoting a culture of respect and empathy. With a focus on career readiness, DIFU also offers job placement assistance, helping graduates transition smoothly into the workforce and contribute to the ever-growing funeral industry.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, a private institution, has shown significant changes in its tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates over recent years. Notably, the tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $10,500 in 2014 to $13,494 in 2023, reflecting a substantial rise of approximately 28.4%. This trend aligns with the broader pattern observed across many higher education institutions, where rising operational costs are often passed on to students.

In conjunction with the rising tuition, student enrollment has experienced a remarkable surge. The number of undergraduate students has escalated from just 114 in 2014 to 776 in 2023, marking an impressive growth of over 580%. This increase could be attributed to various factors, including heightened interest in funeral service careers and perhaps improved marketing or program offerings by the institution.

Graduation rates have displayed variability, with the on-time graduation rate peaking at 83.9% in 2022 before dropping to 51.9% in 2023. Such fluctuations can be alarming as they may indicate challenges in student retention or program effectiveness. The retention rate, although relatively stable, showed a concerning dip to 51.6% in 2019, suggesting that there may be periods where students struggle to persist in their studies.

In summary, while the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service has successfully attracted more students amid rising tuition costs, it must address the declining graduation rates to ensure long-term success and student satisfaction. These trends are critical for prospective students and stakeholders to consider when evaluating the institution's viability and educational quality.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Dallas, about 5 mi
Nearest international airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), about 20 mi
Dallas, Texas
Also known as
Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc.
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Joseph Finocchiaro (President)
Phone
2143885466
City
Dallas, Texas
Address
3909 S Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75227-4314

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1210 international (0.0%)
Top 1 Associate majors by graduates
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General
121

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

The graduation data from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service for the year 2023 reveals a significant emphasis on the associate degree program in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Notably, the institution reported a total of 104 graduates with an associate degree, while there were no graduates in the bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs, nor were there any international students graduating in these categories. This indicates a clear trend towards vocational training in the field, as the associate degree typically caters to those seeking to enter the workforce more quickly.

The absence of graduates in the higher degree categories could suggest several underlying factors. It may reflect the industry's needs, where practical skills and immediate employability are prioritized over advanced academic qualifications. Additionally, it could indicate a potential gap in interest for further studies among students in this field, possibly due to the hands-on nature of funeral services that may not require advanced degrees.

This data aligns with a broader trend in vocational education, where many students are increasingly opting for programs that provide direct pathways to employment. As the funeral service industry continues to evolve, particularly with the integration of technology and changing consumer preferences, there may be a growing demand for specialized training that an associate degree can provide. Overall, this year's statistics suggest a robust interest in foundational training in funeral services, which could lead to a well-prepared workforce ready to meet the needs of the community.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Culinary has 121 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General.$42,987

Students

454 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 18:82 · Freshman retention 68.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (454)

White
219 · 48.2%
Black
102 · 22.5%
Hispanic
91 · 20.0%
Two or more races
17 · 3.7%
Unknown
12 · 2.6%
Asian
4 · 0.9%
International
1 · 0.2%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service 2023

The 2023 enrollment data from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service reveals important insights into the demographics and gender distribution of its students. The total number of students across various categories highlights a diverse student body, with a notable number of undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students, as well as graduate students.

Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 174 students, with a significant 73.6% identifying as female, indicating a strong female presence in the new cohort. In contrast, the sophomore group consists of 222 students, with a slightly lower female representation at 68.9%. Interestingly, the transfer student category has the highest total of 380 students, with an impressive 80.5% being female, suggesting that the program is particularly appealing to women seeking to transition into the funeral service field.

The data also reflects a diversity of backgrounds within the student body. For example, the breakdown of students by ethnicity shows that among the freshmen, there are 61 white students, while the transfer category has 186 white students, making up a significant portion of the demographic. This highlights the ongoing trend of diversity in educational institutions, especially in specialized fields such as funeral service.

Overall, the gender distribution and ethnic diversity within the student body at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2023 suggest a progressive shift towards inclusivity and representation in the funeral profession. As societal norms continue to evolve, it is essential for educational institutions to adapt and embrace this diversity, which ultimately enriches the learning environment and prepares students for a multifaceted workforce.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

The age distribution of students at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service reveals several intriguing trends. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 22-29 age range, indicating that the program attracts individuals who are likely seeking a career change or pursuing further education later in life. This trend is consistent with broader patterns observed in various educational fields, where adult learners often return to school for specialized training.

Specifically, the data shows a significant number of students aged 25-29 and 30-34, with 135 females enrolled compared to a modest 60 males. This disparity highlights a growing interest among women in the funeral service profession. In recent years, the industry has seen an increase in female leaders and practitioners, reflecting a societal shift towards inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Furthermore, the data indicates that there are only a few students over the age of 65, suggesting that the profession may not be as appealing to older individuals, possibly due to the demanding nature of the work or the emotional toll it may take. The absence of graduate male students also suggests that the program may need to consider strategies to enhance male enrollment, especially at the graduate level.

Overall, the age composition of students at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service not only reflects the evolving demographics of the workforce but also underscores the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet the needs of a diverse student body in this vital field.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 26 private two-year art and design schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.2%

1 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.3%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.2%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

The data from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service reveals interesting trends in international student enrollment over the years 2021 and 2022. In 2021, the total number of undergraduate students was 364, with only 1 international student, making up a mere 0.27% of the undergraduate population. This reflects a relatively low level of international diversity within the student body.

The following year, 2022, saw a significant increase in the total number of undergraduate students to 595, yet the number of international students remained at 1, resulting in a decreased percentage of international representation, dropping to 0.17%. This decline raises questions about the institution's appeal to international students or potential barriers that may hinder their enrollment.

Unfortunately, there is no available data on graduate enrollment for these years, which limits the ability to analyze trends in that segment of the student body. The lack of international students at the graduate level may indicate a missed opportunity for the institution to broaden its academic offerings and global outreach, particularly in a field such as funeral service, which could benefit from diverse perspectives and practices.

In today's increasingly globalized world, institutions that attract international students often enhance their academic environment and cultural exchange. The data suggests that the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service may need to explore strategies to attract more international students to foster a more inclusive educational atmosphere and strengthen its global presence in the field.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$30,253

Undergraduate tuition
$17,640
Room and board
$12,613
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $29,491 · all 26 private two-year art and design schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 58% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 67%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$6.7M

Tuition and fees
$6.6M99.0%
Other
$68K1.0%

Expenses$6.7M

Instruction
$2.5M36.9%
Institutional support
$1.9M28.6%
Academic support
$1.6M24.0%
Student services
$706K10.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 26 private two-year art and design schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$46,968peers $46,064
Instructor
$46,968peers $45,270

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service:

  1. Southern Methodist University - Ranked 89th in the 2024 US News rankings, this private research university is known for its strong programs in business, law, and the arts.

  2. The University of Texas at Dallas - This public research university is ranked 115th and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in engineering and business.

  3. Texas Christian University - With a ranking of 98, TCU is a private university recognized for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life.

  4. Baylor University - Ranked 93rd, Baylor is a private Christian university that combines academic excellence with a commitment to service and faith.

  5. Texas A & M University-College Station - This well-respected public university is ranked 47th and is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs.

  6. Rice University - Ranked 17th, Rice is a prestigious private research university in Houston, renowned for its rigorous academics and small student-to-faculty ratio.

These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and are a significant part of the educational landscape in the Dallas area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 26 private two-year art and design schools in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service

The crime statistics from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service reveal a relatively low incidence of crime over the years. Notably, in 2014, the institution recorded a crime rate of 8.77 incidents per 1,000 students, which can be attributed to a single incident involving a gun-related arrest. This spike, however, was followed by several years of zero recorded incidents, indicating a significant decline in criminal activity on campus.

In 2021, there was another isolated incident, which resulted in a decreased average crime rate of 2.75 per 1,000 students. This suggests that while there may have been sporadic incidents, the overall safety on campus remains a priority and is largely maintained. The absence of recorded crimes in the years surrounding these incidents further emphasizes the effectiveness of safety measures in place at the institution.

It is essential for educational institutions to keep monitoring their crime statistics, not only to ensure the safety of their students but also to foster a secure environment conducive to learning. Comparatively, many universities across the United States face challenges with higher rates of various crimes, including drug-related offenses and assaults. The Dallas Institute's low crime rate is commendable and suggests a well-managed campus environment.

For anyone interested in understanding how to calculate crime rates per 1,000 students, more information can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.