At $23,790/yr net price, East Texas Baptist University graduates earn $52,788/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,788/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,790 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,788/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,788/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,306/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,898/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,088/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,843/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,661/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $26,000 |
| 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 | $26,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $25,125 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
48.0% of students at East Texas Baptist University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
East Texas Baptist University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $52,788 ten years after graduation against a net price of $23,790 annually. The 48% graduation rate means you face better than coin-flip odds of not finishing at all.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $63,005 in median earnings with manageable debt levels. If you can handle the academic rigor and secure admission to the nursing program, ETBU becomes financially viable. Education majors face a tougher reality, earning $35,060 to $44,356 annually in a region where teacher pay lags behind living costs.
The school's biggest financial risk is completion. With nearly one in three students failing to graduate and a concerning 69% retention rate, you could end up with debt but no degree. The $23,250 median debt load becomes particularly problematic if you leave without graduating.
ETBU works best financially for committed nursing students and those who value the small Christian college experience enough to accept below-average returns. Texas residents should seriously consider community college nursing programs or larger state schools with stronger graduation rates and better regional job placement networks.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, suggesting limited assistance beyond federal programs. Merit scholarships exist but appear insufficient to offset the fundamental return-on-investment challenges. Your money likely generates better returns at regional competitors with stronger graduation rates and job placement in Dallas-Fort Worth markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Texas Baptist University worth the money?
East Texas Baptist University's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $52,788 ten years after graduation against a median debt of $23,250. The nursing programs offer strong earning potential at $63,005, but other education programs pay significantly less at $35,060-$44,356.
What is the graduation rate at East Texas Baptist University and does it affect value?
East Texas Baptist University has a 48% graduation rate, meaning over half of students don't finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's value since students who don't graduate still carry debt without the degree's earning benefits.
Which programs at East Texas Baptist University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at East Texas Baptist University provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning $63,005 annually. Education programs offer weaker returns, with some graduates earning as little as $35,060 despite similar debt loads.
How much debt do East Texas Baptist University students typically graduate with?
East Texas Baptist University graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for education majors earning $35,000-$44,000. The debt-to-income ratio varies dramatically by program choice.