- 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 409 students (95% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 31:1 is higher than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 409 students
- In-state tuition: $10,904
- Out-state tuition: $10,904
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 31:1
- Minority enrollment: 54%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 13 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Two-Year: Arts & Design
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
13 staff
262 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service has grown by 43% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 31:1 has increased from 20:1 over five years.
The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service diversity score of 0.65 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
409 students
4,931 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
31:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
390 students
909 students
# Part-Time Students
19 students
4,022 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
409 students
403 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
390 students
890 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
40 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
4,166 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
47 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
252 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
21%
46%
% Black
31%
13%
% White
46%
26%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
n/a
4%
Diversity Score
0.65
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
73%
55%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
34%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,500
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $10,904 is more than the state average of $3,764. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,904 is more than the state average of $6,054. The out-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$10,904
$3,764
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,904
$6,054
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
53%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,765
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
100%
69%
Source: 2024 (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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service cost?
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service's tuition is approximately $10,904 for In-State students and $10,904 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service?
The acceptance rate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 69%.
What is Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service's ranking?
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Highest completion rates.
In what neighborhood is Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service located?
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is located in the Commerce Park North neighborhood of Houston, TX.
Recent Articles
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
Hands Across California: Community College Students Band Together to Save the System
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.
