East Texas Baptist University
East Texas Baptist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
East Texas Baptist University at a Glance
East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) is a private Baptist university in Marshall, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
1912
114 years old
$39M
US $ 39,381,819
1,771
Identity
Is East Texas Baptist University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, East Texas Baptist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,788 — 2% below average — while paying $23,911/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at East Texas Baptist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How East Texas Baptist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #75 of 106 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #4 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #5 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #6 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #75 | East Texas Baptist University | 26 | $23,911 | $52,788 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of East Texas Baptist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in TX.
Best Programs at East Texas Baptist University
The highest-earning program at East Texas Baptist University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other at $31,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from East Texas Baptist University earns $61,900, while a Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduate earns $31,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,911/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,900 | $61,900 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,800 | $41,800 | $26,340 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $31,200 | $31,200 | $21,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $31,100 | $31,100 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Marshall, TX
- Student Body
- 1,352 students
- Admission Rate
- 58%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,911
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,788
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250