Western Governors University vs Ensign College: which has better ROI?
Western Governors University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,192 in 4.1 years versus 19.1 years at Ensign College, on median earnings of $60,615 vs $50,630 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Governors University | Ensign College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,548 | $10,824 |
| Total net cost | $50,192 | $43,296 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,615 | $50,630 |
| Median debt | $11,116 | — |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | 19.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $194,908 | $2,104 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Ensign College?
Ensign College, at $10,824 a year after aid versus $12,548 — a gap of $1,724 a year, or $6,896 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Governors University or Ensign College graduates earn more?
Western Governors University graduates report a median $60,615 ten years after entry, $9,985 more than the $50,630 at Ensign College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
46% of students finish at Western Governors University, against 43% at Ensign College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.