About East Texas Baptist University
East Texas Baptist University builds its identity around Christian education and small-town community values. The university enrolls 1,364 students in Marshall, a town that feels distant from major metropolitan areas. Baptist traditions shape campus life and academic programs, creating an environment where faith and learning intersect daily. The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 allows professors to know students personally and mentor them beyond the classroom.
Students pay an average net price of $23,790 after financial aid, with 86% coming from in-state. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,788 ten years after leaving school, which helps justify the investment. The typical graduate leaves with $23,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246. Financial aid reaches 31% of students, making the private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests.
The Tigers compete in NCAA Division III with 16 varsity sports and no athletic scholarships, emphasizing participation over recruitment. Nearly half the student body consists of athletes, with 491 students competing across all sports. The graduation rate of 48% within six years reflects the challenges many students face, though the 97% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $23,790 after financial aid, with 86% coming from in-state. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,788 ten years after leaving school, which helps justify the investment. The typical graduate leaves with $23,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246. Financial aid reaches 31% of students, making the private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests.
The Tigers compete in NCAA Division III with 16 varsity sports and no athletic scholarships, emphasizing participation over recruitment. Nearly half the student body consists of athletes, with 491 students competing across all sports. The graduation rate of 48% within six years reflects the challenges many students face, though the 97% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
East Texas Baptist University focuses on Christian liberal arts education with strong programs in business, education, and nursing. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who integrate faith with learning. However, only 45% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or family obligations common among the regional student body. The university serves primarily East Texas communities, with 86% of students coming from in-state. Professors know students by name and often serve as mentors beyond the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and spiritual development, preparing graduates for careers in education, healthcare, and ministry throughout the region.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.0%
- Retention Rate
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,788
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $44,356 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Master | $43,426 |
| Education, General. | Master | $42,235 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Marshall sits about two hours east of Dallas, giving students access to a major city without the urban hustle. With 1,282 housing spots for 1,364 students, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit community where faith and academics blend daily. East Texas heat means shorts and t-shirts dominate most of the academic year, though you'll want a light jacket for the brief winter months.
The 491 student-athletes across 16 Division III sports create energy on campus, especially during basketball and football seasons when the Tigers compete in the American Southwest Conference. Chapel services anchor the week for this Baptist university, while intramural sports and campus ministry events fill evenings. With 86% of students from Texas, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find community at residence hall activities and local spots in Marshall. The small town setting means students often create their own entertainment, from pickup games on the quad to study groups that turn into lasting friendships.
The 491 student-athletes across 16 Division III sports create energy on campus, especially during basketball and football seasons when the Tigers compete in the American Southwest Conference. Chapel services anchor the week for this Baptist university, while intramural sports and campus ministry events fill evenings. With 86% of students from Texas, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find community at residence hall activities and local spots in Marshall. The small town setting means students often create their own entertainment, from pickup games on the quad to study groups that turn into lasting friendships.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,282 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1912
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–55°F
- July Avg
- 72°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.1"
Student Demographics
East Texas Baptist draws students who want Christian education close to home. With 86% coming from Texas, the university has built a strong regional reputation among Baptist families. The student body reflects the diversity of East Texas, with white students making up about two-thirds of enrollment while Black and Hispanic students represent significant minorities. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for smaller Christian colleges that attract students interested in education and ministry programs. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable faith-based education.
- Men
- 47.4%
- Women
- 52.6%
- White
- 63.6%
- Black
- 16.2%
- Hispanic
- 13.2%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 86.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.4%
Location
East Texas Baptist University sits in Marshall, Texas, about 150 miles east of Dallas. The town of 23,000 residents lies in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, where rolling hills meet dense forests of pine and hardwood trees. Marshall serves as the county seat of Harrison County and maintains a historic downtown district anchored by antebellum architecture and the restored Paramount Theatre. The 86% in-state enrollment reflects the university's strong regional draw from East Texas communities. Students find a quintessential small college town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and brick buildings dating to the early 1900s. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare East Texas Baptist University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Marshall, Texas 75670-1498
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,788
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,883
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at East Texas Baptist University?
East Texas Baptist University accepts 67.70% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school draws primarily from East Texas and surrounding regions, with 86.35% of students coming from in-state.
How much does East Texas Baptist University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,790 after financial aid, despite the sticker price of $30,050 for tuition. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $23,250 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at East Texas Baptist University?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 among the 1,364 enrolled students. This Baptist university emphasizes personalized Christian education with small class sizes that allow for close mentoring relationships.
What are the graduation rates at East Texas Baptist University?
Only 45.23% of students graduate in four years, with the six-year rate reaching 48%. The 69.15% retention rate suggests many students struggle to persist, which is common among smaller religious institutions serving first-generation college students.
Where do East Texas Baptist University graduates work after college?
Graduates earn a median of $52,788 ten years after graduation, with a 96.6% employment rate. Many alumni stay in East Texas or work in ministry and education, reflecting the university's Baptist mission and regional focus.
Does East Texas Baptist University offer athletic scholarships?
The university offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 16 varsity sports with 491 total athletes. As an NCAA Division III school, East Texas Baptist emphasizes participation over recruitment, allowing students to compete while focusing on academics and spiritual development.
