August 29, 2025
East Texas Baptist University welcomes a record-breaking 1,944 undergraduate and graduate students for the Fall 2025. The achievement marks the largest enrollment in the University’s history. This exciting milestone reflects ETBU’s dedication to providing a Christ-centered education that that equips students to live out their purpose for the glory of God.
"With gratitude to God for His provision and to our faculty and staff for their steadfast service, I am honored to announce a new enrollment record for East Texas Baptist University,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “This historic milestone demonstrates God’s faithfulness and affirms our shared commitment to advancing the University’s Christ-centered mission of educating and equipping servant leaders for His Kingdom."
It is the first time the University’s total enrollment has exceeded 1,900 students. ETBU welcomed 1,663 undergraduate students, the highest undergraduate enrollment in ETBU's history, and 281 graduate students, an increase of 102 students over last fall and the highest graduate enrollment on record.
“Despite the ongoing economic challenges facing higher education, particularly small Christian colleges, East Texas Baptist University continues to thrive,” Blackburn noted. “By exercising wise stewardship and advancing the mission through strong development efforts, ETBU is well-positioned to serve our students faithfully.”
The University welcomes 387 first-time, full-time freshmen, representing a 10.6% increase over last year’s cohort of 350. Transfer enrollment also rose to 131 students, marking a 5.6% increase from Fall 2024. These successes are a testament to the vibrant campus life and close-knit atmosphere students enjoy during their time on the Hill.
ETBU’s Adult Education program has a total enrollment of 100 students for Fall 2025, matching the highest enrollment on record and rising from 96 in Fall 2024. Dual Enrollment has also reached a historic milestone, with 313 students enrolled, the largest in University history, surpassing the previous record of 295. This marks an 11% increase from last year’s total of 282, reflecting the growing impact of ETBU’s partnerships with high schools in the region.
The University serves students and equips them as Christian servant leaders through a wide range of opportunities; from campus ministries, Bible studies, and weekly chapel services to mission trips, student organizations, academic honor societies, intramurals, club sports, and championship-level NCAA Division III athletics.
" The Admissions Staff did a fantastic job serving and connecting with our newest ETBU Tigers throughout the enrollment process, providing assistance, encouragement, and support every step of the way," ETBU Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Administrative Affairs Scott McCurdy said. " God continues to demonstrate His faithfulness to ETBU, and we praise Him for calling such remarkable students to further their education and prepare for their future careers as members of the ETBU Family. We look forward to seeing how God will use these emerging Christian scholars and servant leaders to uplift our campus community, serve our city, and grow His Kingdom in the months and years ahead."