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Earning scholarships for mortuary science can help compassionate, emotionally strong students enter the in-demand funeral service profession.
Mortuary science programs typically lead to an associate degree for in-depth training on embalming, cremation, funeral planning, and grief counseling. Morticians must complete a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) to meet state licensing requirements. Undergoing study to become an undertaker can pay off since the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10-year job growth at 7 percent.
Though less expensive than four-year institutions, public, two-year colleges still charge an average annual tuition of $3,520. If you’re lacking funds for death care education, the following are 25 great mortuary science scholarships.
1. ABFSE National Undergraduate Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st or September 1st
Biannually, the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) confers 10 National Undergraduate Scholarships for $14,000 total to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are pursuing accredited associate or bachelor’s programs in mortuary science. Current recipients attend Gupton-Jones College, Wayne State University, Cypress College, Worsham College, and more. Apply by submitting an online application with a transcript, resume, personal essay, and two reference letters.
Contact
ABFSE National Undergraduate Scholarships
992 Mantua Pike Suite 108
Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097
(816) 233-3747
exdir@abfse.org
2. Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 28th
The Order of the Golden Rule created the Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program to bestow $2,000 to $3,500 upon mortuary science majors attending ABFSE-accredited schools across the United States. Suitable applicants are graduating, college-bound high school seniors who hold a cumulative GPA above 3.0, are involved in community service, and devoted to working at independently-owned funeral homes. Recipients attend the OGR Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase for free.
Contact
Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program
9101 Burnet Road Suite 120
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 334-5504
info@ogr.org
3. Bill Martin Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 1st
Named for the long-time embalmer and Dodge chemical representative, the Bill Martin Scholarship Award is presented for $500 by the Washington State Funeral Directors Association (WSFDA) annually. Eligibility criteria mandates achieving a high school diploma or GED, residing in one of Washington’s 39 counties, matriculating in an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program within 18 months, intending to earn funeral service licensure, and being supported by three letters of recommendation.
Contact
Bill Martin Scholarship Award
500 S. 336th Street Suite 218
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 941-3370
jewell@wsfda.org
4. Brenda Renee Horn Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 30th
The Funeral Service Foundation awards five mortuary science scholarships, including the $3,000 Brenda Renee Horn Memorial Scholarship. Since 2011, the fund has remembered a funeral director’s brilliant young daughter who was accepted to Marymount University in 10th grade before her untimely death at 17. Qualified applicants are promising undergraduates enrolled full-time at ABFSE-accredited mortuary schools who exhibit the characteristics and values for the funeral service profession.
Contact
Brenda Renee Horn Memorial Scholarship
13625 Bishop’s Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
(877) 402-5900
info@funeralservicefoundation.org
5. Christian Chambers Mortuary Science Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
Honoring his distinctive 21-year career in funeral service, the Christian Chambers Mortuary Science Scholarship grants $2,000 from The Outlook Group, Inc. for affording full-time tuition and fees at ABFSE-accredited colleges. First-time mortuary science candidates must submit a scholarship application with enrollment verification, an official transcript, two recommendations, and a maximum 1,000-word essay describing how they’ll make a difference with grieving families.
Contact
Christian Chambers Mortuary Science Scholarship
121 East Second Street
Franklin, OH 45005
(800) 331-6270
6. Daniel T. Mulheran Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 1st
Mortuary science majors who’ve resided in the “Old Line State” for 12+ months or been attending an ABFSE-accredited school there could receive the $1,000 Daniel T. Mulheran Memorial Scholarship from the Maryland State Funeral Directors Association (MSFDA). Interested candidates must have completed two-thirds of their degree’s requirements, carry a minimum 2.5 GPA with no “D” grades, be licensed apprentices in Maryland, and forward two professional recommendation letters.
Contact
Daniel T. Mulheran Memorial Scholarship
311 Crain Highway SE
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 553-9106
msfda@msfda.net
7. Danny Carroll Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: March 31st
Founded in 2010, the Danny Carroll Memorial Scholarships gift $750 to honor the past North Carolina Funeral Directors Association (NCFDA) President who tragically died in a plane crash. Each Spring, the financial assistance is given to two promising mortuary science students attending ABFSE-accredited, in-state programs full-time. Applicants must submit a recent transcript, write a 1,000-word personal essay, and record a three-minute video about their future funeral service contributions.
Contact
Danny Carroll Memorial Scholarships
5860 Faringdon Place Suite 2
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 876-7886
info@ncfda.org
8. Doug Stowell Funeral Services Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
The Florida Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (FCCFA) offers the Doug Stowell Funeral Services Scholarship for $1,000 annually to “Sunshine State” residents who are pursuing death care training, including embalming arts and funeral home management, anywhere in the United States. Recipients must plan to become licensed Florida funeral directors after graduating from ABFSE-accredited mortuary science schools. Students could also earn the Corinne Olvey & Judy Ralph Scholarship for $2,500.
Contact
Doug Stowell Funeral Services Scholarship
325 John Knox Road Suite L103
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(800) 226-3332
DJessup@executiveoffice.org
9. Evelyn J. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st or October 1st
Located in Mt. Pleasant, the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association (SCFDA) manages the Evelyn J. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund to award $500 to $2,000 for professional education at ABFSE-accredited mortuary science colleges. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in their third quarter of study, hold an overall scholastic average of 85 percent or better, demonstrate good attendance habits, and be endorsed by member funeral homes.
Contact
Evelyn J. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
825 Lowcountry Blvd. Suite 103
P.O. Box 1350
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
(800) 445-3427
info@scfda.org
10. Frank W. Moore Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 2nd
Valued at $1,000, the Frank W. Moore Memorial Scholarship is distributed by the Indiana Funeral Directors Association (IFDA) to mortuary science students who are attending 21-month, ABFSE-accredited funeral service education programs. Qualified recipients must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, intend to complete their one-year internship in Indiana, and be recommended by practicing funeral directors. The application process also includes writing a 500-word personal goals essay.
Contact
Frank W. Moore Memorial Scholarship
1305 W. 96th Street Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 846-2448
connie@infda.org
11. Gerald M. Robbins Sr. Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
The Louisiana Funeral Directors Association (LFDA) provides undergraduate mortuary science scholarships, including the Gerald M. Robbins Sr. Scholarship, for at least $1,000 yearly. It’s designed for high school graduates who are enrolling full-time (12+ credits) in ABSFE-accredited funeral service preparation with a minimum 2.5 GPA and ACT score of 20. Mailed applications must include an official transcript, standardized testing reports, proof of financial need, and a list of extracurricular activities.
Contact
Gerald M. Robbins Sr. Scholarship
P.O. Box 82531
Baton Rouge, LA 70884
(225) 767-7640
LFDA@tatmangroup.com
12. H.L. Minor and Daniel R. Brown Scholarship
Deadline: September 30th
Since 1977, the Virginia Morticians’ Association Inc. has celebrated two Richmond funeral directors’ careers by awarding the H.L. Minor and Daniel R. Brown Scholarship for $1,000. Appropriate applicants are enrolled in ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs, anticipate graduation in two years, have a minimum “C” average or 2.5 GPA, intend to become Virginia funeral service licensees, and provide a recommendation from an active VMA member.
Contact
H.L. Minor and Daniel R. Brown Scholarship
P.O. Box 461
McKenney, VA 23872
(804) 469-9544
vaminc@msn.com
13. Herbert W. Mayes Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
Named after the late owner of Mayes Mortuary in Morristown, the Herbert W. Mayes Memorial Scholarship is gifted for $500 by the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association (TNFDA) each year. Competitive applicants must have completed one semester of an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science degree, be United States citizens, permanently reside in Tennessee, express genuine interest in the funeral service profession, show financial need on IRS Form 1040, and have work experience with the bereaved.
Contact
Herbert W. Mayes Memorial Scholarship
1616 Church Street Suite A
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 321-8792
farrar3000@bellsouth.net
14. ICCFA Next Generation Scholarship
Deadline: February 19th
The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) started the Next Generation Scholarship in 2010 for awarding up to $2,500 to tomorrow’s leading funeral service directors. It’s reserved for caring undergraduates matriculating at least half-time in the ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs with good academic standing. Preference is given to non-traditional students returning to school after age 25. Other mortuary science scholarships include the Central States Endowment Fund and Merendino Veterans Scholarship.
Contact
ICCFA Next Generation Scholarship
107 Carpenter Drive Suite 100
Sterling, VA 20164
(703) 391-8400
lgregory@iccfa.com
15. James R. Corson Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 28th
At the Annual Convention, the Iowa Funeral Directors Association (IAFDA) presents five funding opportunities, including the $1,000 James R. Corson Scholarship Program. Eligible Iowans must be non-traditional students who’ve graduated from a four-year university and returned to Des Moines Area Community College for the ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program. A non-partisan judge selects recipients based on academic aptitude, leadership ability, citizenship, and ambition in the funeral service industry.
Contact
James R. Corson Scholarship Program
1100 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314
(800) 362-2127
sgebel@iafda.org
16. MFDA Past Presidents Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 15th
For over 20 years, the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) has administered the Past Presidents Scholarship Fund to provide $500 to $1,500 awards for mortuary science students enrolling at the ABFSE-accredited University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Qualified applicants must pursue the Bachelor of Science, show academic achievement with minimum 2.5 GPA, intend to complete the one-year internship for 25 funeral arrangements, and pursue Minnesota State licensure.
Contact
MFDA Past Presidents Scholarship Fund
7046 E. Fish Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55311
(763) 416-0124
info@mnfuneral.org
17. Michigan Mortuary Science Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: October 28th
Offering up to $3,000 per year, the Michigan Mortuary Science Foundation Scholarship is bestowed by the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) for lowering tuition at ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs across America. To qualify, students must have resided in the “Great Lakes State” for 12+ months, demonstrate academic merit, and provide a reference from a member mortician. Online forms must be accompanied by a five-minute video response to three questions.
Contact
Michigan Mortuary Science Foundation Scholarship
2420 Science Parkway
Okemos, MI 48864
(888) 955-6332
tgrabinski@mfda.org
18. Newcomer Funeral Service Group Scholarships
Deadline: October 21st
Upholding their “Tradition of Caring,” the Newcomer Funeral Service Group headquartered in Topeka has awarded $25,000 total annually through 14 mortuary science scholarships since 1999. Interested applicants must earn a high school diploma or GED, gain full-time admission to an ABFSE-accredited college, be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens, and maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.5. Non-traditional students working 30+ hours weekly and studying part-time could qualify for partial funding.
Contact
Newcomer Funeral Service Group Scholarships
520 SW 27th Street
Topeka, KS 66611
(877) 571-6374
scholarship@nfsgi.com
19. Pat R. Caniff Scholarship Trust
Deadline: None
The Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky (FDAKy) has endowed the Pat R. Caniff Scholarship Trust to present two lucrative $5,000 awards annually to cover tuition at ABFSE-accredited mortuary science schools. Expected qualifications include being a high school graduate or holding a GED certificate, residing in the “Bluegrass State” for 24 months, entering the third quarter of schooling, and maintaining full-time enrollment. Recipients who don’t work as licensed Kentucky emblamers for two years post-graduation must repay funding.
Contact
Pat R. Caniff Scholarship Trust
P.O. Box 4779
Frankfort, KY 40604
(502) 223-0622
info@fdaofky.com
20. Selected Trust Second Career Scholarships
Deadline: December 1st or May 30th
Worth $1,500 apiece, the Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Educational Trust presents four Second Career Scholarships biannually to encourage adult career changers to enter the funeral service profession. Eligible recipients must enroll in ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs in North America, have previous full-time working experience, possess a cumulative GPA higher than 2.5, and not be related to a funeral home owner. Online applications must include a tuition bill, resume, essay, and two recommendations.
Contact
Selected Trust Second Career Scholarships
500 Lake Cook Road Suite 205
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 236-0150
info@selectedtrust.org
21. Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 30th
Another of the Funeral Service Foundation’s scholarships for mortuary science is the $5,000 Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship. This program remembers a vibrant University of Tennessee student who died in an automobile crash at 18 years old. Since 2002, two female candidates attending an ABFSE-accredited college full-time or part-time for the funeral service profession have been selected. Also consider the Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship and Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship
13625 Bishop’s Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
(877) 402-5900
info@funeralservicefoundation.org
22. Tribute Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 30th
Sponsored by the New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), the Tribute Foundation Scholarship Program was started in 2008 to financially bolster undergrads working toward an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree from ABFSE-accredited mortuary science schools. Eligible freshmen and sophomores must submit their latest school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a 500-word essay about their aspirations as morticians. Preference is given to individuals currently working at registered New York funeral homes.
Contact
Tribute Foundation Scholarship Program
1 South Family Drive
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 452-8230
tribute@tributefoundation.org
23. Verlyn L. Heath Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: None
The Verlyn L. Health Memorial Scholarship distributes $500 per semester or $1,000 annually from the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association (ARFDA). Both students in ABFSE-accredited mortuary science schools and apprentices can apply. Eligibility criteria requires graduating from high school or finishing the GED equivalent, living with Arkansas, excelling with an overall GPA surpassing 2.5, and displaying perseverance to accomplish funeral service goals. Preference is given to Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas Community College students.
Contact
Verlyn L. Heath Memorial Scholarship
523 South Louisiana Street Suite 222
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 246-8842
Jordan.tatum@legacymail.org
24. Wallace S. & Wilma K. Laughlin Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
Through the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association (NEFDA), the Wallace S. & Wilma K. Laughlin Scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 to fellow Cornhuskers who are pursuing mortuary science careers by taking any ABFSE-accredited course of study. Qualified students must have graduated from Nebraska public or private schools, meet the state’s pre-mortuary academic requirements, display good moral character, submit a reference letter, and return to Nebraska within three years post-graduation.
Contact
Wallace S. & Wilma K. Laughlin Scholarship
521 First Street
P.O. Box 10
Milford, NE 68405
(402) 761-2217
kschildt@nefda.org
25. William Aaron Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 14th
The Arizona Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Association (AZFCCA) hosts the William Aaron Scholarship Program annually to award $1,000 for full-time students in the ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program at Mesa Community College’s Williams Education Center. Suitable applicants must legally reside in one of Arizona’s 15 counties, maintain a “B” average or higher, pursue in-state licensure, exhibit financial need, and write a essay titled “Why I Want to Be a Funeral Director.”
Contact
William Aaron Scholarship Program
2473 S. Highley Road Suite 104
Gilbert, AZ 85925
(602) 909-6135
Director@azfcca.org
Mortuary science is an excellent degree pathway for students aspiring to become morticians, undertakers, funeral service managers, embalmers, and even organ donor coordinators. These professionals provide a gratifying human service planning the details of memorials and burials for the deceased’s mourning families. According to the BLS, America’s 25,470 morticians report a mean annual wage of $52,990 too. Financial aid can significantly help altruistic individuals seeking to enter this licensed profession. These 25 scholarships for mortuary science award free tuition money for apprentices devoted to ethically honoring our lost loved ones.
