August 28, 2026
East Texas Baptist University welcomes 2,024 undergraduate and graduate students for the Fall 2026 semester, marking the first time in history that total enrollment for the University has exceeded 2,000 students. The Fall 2026 enrollment growth represents ETBU’s commitment to providing a Christ-centered education that equips students to live out their calling for the glory of God.
“While this is an exciting milestone for East Texas Baptist University, our greatest celebration is the lives represented by these 2,024 students,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Each student brings unique gifts, callings, and aspirations, and we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them during this important season of their lives. We celebrate what God has done at ETBU and look forward with great anticipation to what He will continue to do through the faithfulness of our students, faculty, and staff.”
This fall, ETBU welcomes 244 graduate students and 1,780 undergraduate students, an increase of 117 over Fall 2025. First-time freshman enrollment grew 5.7 percent, increasing from 387 students in Fall 2025 to 409 students in Fall 2026. Graduate enrollment also saw marked growth through B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at ETBU, with increased enrollment in programs including the Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy in Ministry and Formation.
“Growth like this does not happen by accident,” Dr. Blackburn continued. “With the providence of the Lord, it is the result of the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our alumni and friends, and the trust families place in ETBU to prepare students for the future.”
Through a wide range of opportunities, ETBU serves students and equips them to become Christian servant leaders. Students engage in campus ministries, Bible studies, weekly chapel services, mission trips, student organizations, academic honor societies, intramurals, club sports, and championship-level NCAA Division III athletics.
“Life at ETBU extends well beyond the classroom,” Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said. “Our students have countless opportunities to build meaningful relationships, discover their gifts, grow in their faith, and become actively involved in the life of our campus and community. It is exciting to welcome another record-setting class and see our campus continue to grow and thrive.”
ETBU remains focused on providing students with an experience that develops them academically, spiritually, and personally from the moment they arrive on campus.
“We are grateful for the diligence of our Admissions staff and the many ways they connected with and supported students throughout the enrollment process,” ETBU Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Administrative Affairs Scott McCurdy said. “We praise God for the students He has brought to ETBU and look forward to seeing them develop as scholars and servant leaders during their time on the Hill.”