East Texas Baptist University

ETBU offers 43 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs, with nursing (13% of degrees), interdisciplinary studies (11%), and business (9%) as the most popular. Classes average 20 students, supported by a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The curriculum is explicitly framed through a Christian worldview, with majors ranging from healthcare administration to humanities. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, though its 6-year graduation rate is 45–47%, below national benchmarks.

Top 5 Majors (by graduates): 1. Nursing (36 graduates) 2. Liberal Arts & Humanities (32) 3. Business (27) 4. Elementary Education (17) 5. Health Science (data not specified)

Life at ETBU revolves around its residential campus, where 80% of students live on-site. The university promotes a tight-knit, faith-based community with activities like chapel services, mission trips, and student-led ministries. Instagram posts highlight events like Summer Preview Days, where families explore campus life. The Student Life Office organizes leadership development programs, while the university’s small size fosters personalized mentorship—though social options may feel limited for those seeking a secular or urban college experience.

• Housing: 80% on-campus, 20% off-campus
• Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division III (American Southwest Conference)
• Vibe: Described as a 'safe place to explore interests' with heavy emphasis on spiritual growth

ETBU graduates earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation, roughly $6K below the expected average for their mix of majors. The 6-year graduation rate is 45–47%, and retention rates hover around 60% for first-year students. While the nursing program has strong regional ties, the overall ROI is tempered by lower-than-average earnings, particularly for liberal arts and education graduates.

Key stats:

• Early-career earnings: $35K (CollegeFactual) to $36K (Niche)
• 5-year post-grad earnings: Data not explicitly stated
• Student loan default rate: Not cited in sources

ETBU’s sticker price is $47,076, but the average net price drops to $24,169 after aid—with 99% of freshmen receiving grants or scholarships. The financial aid office emphasizes affordability for middle-income families, though the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator estimates out-of-pocket costs at $32,830/year for some brackets. For context:

• Average aid award: $15,233 (grants/scholarships)
• Projected cost for families earning $110K+: ~$30,366/year
• Payment options: Federal loans, PLUS loans, and private scholarships

ETBU carves a niche as a low-cost Christian alternative to larger Texas universities, particularly for students seeking nursing or ministry-focused degrees. Its defining features:

1. Faith integration: Every class connects to Baptist values, appealing to conservative families. 2. Small-scale attention: 20-student classes and 19:1 ratios mean professors know students by name. 3. Nursing pipeline: The program is the university’s largest major, with local hospital partnerships. 4. Affordability: Net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. under $25K is rare for private colleges, even with middling outcomes.

Downsides include limited diversity (demographics not cited) and below-average graduation rates, but for the right student, ETBU offers a close community at a bargain price.