January 23, 2026
East Texas Baptist University is celebrating record-breaking enrollment for Spring 2026, marking the highest Spring enrollment in the University’s history.
With a total enrollment of 1,709 students, ETBU experienced a 6% increase over Spring 2025, surpassing the previous Spring record of 1,657 students set in Spring 2024. This milestone represents the first time the University has exceeded 1,700 students during a Spring semester and highlights continued growth across multiple student populations, including the integration of students from B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary.
“With thanksgiving to God for His continued provision, we are deeply grateful for the faithful service of our faculty, staff, and campus partners who make this growth possible,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “God has entrusted us to teach, mentor, and prepare students for their Kingdom calling. As we begin a new semester on the Hill, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ through the integration of faith and learning, holding fast to the purposes God has set before us as we help equip our students academically, spiritually, and professionally.”
Undergraduate enrollment for Spring 2026 reached 1,444 students, making it the second-highest undergraduate Spring enrollment in University history and an increase from Spring 2025.
Graduate enrollment continues to be a significant area of growth, reaching 265 students, the highest graduate enrollment for any Spring term at ETBU. This represents a 54% increase over last year, emphasizing the expanding reach of ETBU’s graduate programs and the addition of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary.
ETBU also celebrated record growth in dual enrollment, the highest Spring dual enrollment in University history. These students are learning at multiple educational partner sites, including Grace Community School in Tyler, Marshall ISD, and Waskom ISD.
ETBU continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to student success and persistence. Returning student retention, excluding dual enrollment, remains strong at 88%, while overall retention including dual enrollment students stands at 89%, exceeding the five-year average of 88%.
These outcomes put a spotlight on ETBU’s ongoing dedication to student support, engagement, learning success, and persistence to graduation. With expanded academic advising, spiritual formation, student life programming, and campus-wide care initiatives, ETBU remains dedicated to ensuring that every student is supported academically, spiritually, and personally throughout their time at the University.
“ETBU’s record enrollment provides a strong encouragement for the Admissions staff, as God has faithfully blessed their commitment to serve every student with the utmost care,” Associate Vice President for Enrollment & Administrative Affairs Scott McCurdy said. “During their time at ETBU, each of these Tigers will be educated and equipped for career success and prepared to make an impact for God’s glory in the vocation to which He calls them. We praise the Lord for the incredible work He continues to do at ETBU by calling students from across the nation to pursue their education in a Christ-centered community.”