Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Ensign College

In Utah's competitive IT job market, similar associate's programs nationally suggest starting salaries around $42,000—a figure that needs careful consideration against an estimated debt load of $23,000. That's roughly half a year's salary in borrowing, which puts graduates in a tighter spot than many two-year tech programs. While this debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, it means your child would likely need to dedicate a substantial chunk of those early paychecks to loan payments, leaving less room for other financial goals.

The challenge with IT associate's degrees is that the field increasingly favors bachelor's holders or those with specialized certifications and demonstrable skills. Peer programs producing these earnings typically see graduates in help desk or junior admin roles—valuable entry points, but positions where advancement often requires additional credentials. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (11%) suggests Ensign draws fewer students needing maximum aid, but that doesn't change the fundamental math for your family.

The practical question: Can your child leverage this degree into a career trajectory that justifies the cost? If they're targeting a specific IT niche where Ensign has strong employer connections, or planning to transfer credits toward a bachelor's, the investment makes more sense. Otherwise, comparable outcomes might be achievable through cheaper community college options or certification programs with less debt exposure.