Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University's nursing program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally (48th percentile) and within Texas (40th percentile). With first-year earnings of $74,452, graduates earn about $2,200 less than the typical Texas nursing graduate and $400 below the national median. That's not a red flag, but it means you're paying private school tuition for solidly average outcomes in a market where community colleges and public universities consistently produce higher-earning nurses.

The financial fundamentals work, though. At $26,000 in median debt—roughly in line with state averages—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. That translates to monthly loan payments well within reach on a nurse's salary. The moderate sample size suggests the data is reasonably reliable, and with 31% of students receiving Pell grants, ETBU serves a mix of economic backgrounds.

The real question is opportunity cost. Top Texas programs like University of Houston-Clear Lake and Texas A&M-Central Texas produce graduates earning $15,000-$20,000 more in their first year. If your child can access similar debt levels at one of those institutions, the math clearly favors them. ETBU's nursing program won't derail anyone's career, but it doesn't stand out in a crowded Texas market where better value options exist at both public universities and community colleges.