Cremation program offered at no cost to your family

Body donation to science is one of the most compassionate funeral alternatives available. When you donate your body to science, Science Care handles all of the expenses associated with the donation.

Cremation costs: Comparing the options

With the rising costs of final arrangements, body donation to science can be a real blessing not only for medical researchers and educators, but also for family members. The Science Care no-cost cremation option includes transportation, cremation, the return of cremated remains not matched with a current Science Care program, and filing of the death certificate.

Although cremation prices can vary dramatically around the country, the following estimates may help you in your decision about which option is right for you and your family.

Cremation with body donation to science

With body donation to science, cremation is an intrinsic part of the process. Through Science Care, this option is offered at no cost to you or your family.

Cremation with traditional service

$5,000 and up

Pays for: staff services, transfer fees, embalming, body preparation, funeral service, casket rental, vehicle rental and cremation charge.

Cremation with memorial service

$2,500 - $4,000

Often cheaper than the cremation with traditional service option, as there is no casket and no embalming charges.

Cremation without ceremony (direct cremation)

$700 - $1,200

Next to body donation to science (which includes cremation at no cost), this low-cost cremation option is the most affordable option.

“The people I worked with at Science Care were extremely nice and sensitive to my feelings. The fact that you paid for everything, including transportation to the mortuary, was a huge burden lifted off of me and my family.”

— A donor's next of kin