- 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 254 students (93% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is lower than the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 75%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 254 students
- Private-state tuition: $10,904
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
- Minority enrollment: 58%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 30% over five years.
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & 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
Year Founded
1936
Total Faculty
9 staff
73 staff
School Calendar
School Motto
A reputation for Excellence Since 1936 – Where Funeral Service is Our Only Major.
Student Body
The student population of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 has increased from 22:1 over five years.
The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service diversity score of 0.67 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 21% over five years.
Total Enrollment
254 students
4,254 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
34:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
236 students
902 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
18 students
3,352 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
254 students
1,360 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
236 students
869 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
18 students
3,370 students
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
24%
47%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
31%
13%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
42%
25%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
2%
2%
Diversity Score
0.67
0.69
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
73%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,500
$33,900
Tuition & Financial Aid
The private state tuition of $10,904 is less than the state average of $13,749. The private state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$10,904
$13,749
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
33%
88%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,630
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$5,500
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Acceptance Rate
86%
75%
Source: 2025 (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 private state tuition is approximately $10,904.
What is the acceptance rate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service?
The acceptance rate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is 86%, which is higher than the state average of 75%.
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.
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