Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
- The mission of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is to prepare students for entry level positions in the funeral service profession. The Institute accomplishes this mission through offering the Associate of Applied Science Degree and the Certificate in Funeral Directing. The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service has fulfilled this mission since 1936 and will continue to do so in the future.
School Highlights
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service serves 286 students (85% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 71%.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Enrollment: 286 students
- Private-state tuition: $10,904
- Student:teacher ratio: 22:1
- Minority enrollment: 48%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 13 teachers has grown by 225% over five years.
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Two-Year: Arts & Design
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
13 staff
262 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service has grown by 25% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 has decreased from 38:1 over five years.
The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service diversity score of 0.62 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
286 students
4,831 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
# Full-Time Students
243 students
1,371 students
# Part-Time Students
43 students
3,460 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
251 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
5%
% Hispanic
20%
47%
% Black
26%
12%
% White
52%
29%
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
n/a
2%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.68
College Completion Rate
67%
24%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,500
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $10,904 is less than the state average of $13,663. The private state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$10,904
$13,663
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
88%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
100%
69%
Source: 2020 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is a vocational, post secondary teaching institution with its primary purpose being to educate individuals interested in the subjects comprising the mortuary arts and sciences curriculum as set out by the American Board of Funeral Service Education for licensure and a career in funeral service, embalming, or both. In 1936 Mr. R. Victor Landig accepted this challenge and opened the Landig College of Mortuary Science in Houston , Texas . The Landig College of Mortuary Science immediately became recognized as one of the leading and most respected colleges of Mortuary Science in the United States. In 1955 Mr. Landig had plans to move his college to Commonwealth Street located in downtown Houston, however personal health problems stopped Mr. Landig's plan of a new school on Commonwealth Street, however the new name was retained, the Commonwealth College of Science. Commonwealth Institute begins with a state-of-the-art learning facility, which includes preparation facilities for practical technical training. Our unique affiliation with Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas Medical School, and Harris County Department of Social Services allow students participation in over 1000 annual “real-life” funeral service experiences. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service offers the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service, General Education Courses and Certificate in Funeral Directing. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Council of Recognition of Post Secondary Accreditation and the U.S. Office of Education.
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