Ensign College
Ensign College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Ensign College at a Glance
Ensign College is a private college in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Founded in 1886, the college is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and operates under its Church Educational System. It also includes an institute of religion and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
1886
140 years old
5,973
20
Identity
Is Ensign College Worth It?
Ensign College offers moderate value at $10,824/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $50,630, which is 6% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 38% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Ensign College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #7 of 56 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | University of St Thomas | 53 | $19,359 | $59,224 |
| #3 | York College of Pennsylvania | 51 | $18,556 | $61,012 |
| #4 | Calvin University | 48 | $22,992 | $58,375 |
| #5 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | 48 | $22,066 | $62,105 |
| #6 | Aurora University | 46 | $18,838 | $58,709 |
| #7 | Ensign College | 44 | $10,824 | $50,630 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Ensign College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Ensign College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Ensign College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,824/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in UT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Student Body
- 7,568 students
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,824
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,630