Academic instruction at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) began in 1917 with the inaugural session of a two-year institution known as College of Marshall. The campaign to launch the college had begun in 1911 and was led by William Thomas Tardy, pastor of Marshall’s First Baptist Church.

ETBU currently offers 37 majors and 38 minors.

East Texas Baptist University's purpose is the development of intellectual inquiry, social consciousness, wellness, skills for a contemporary society, global awareness, and Christian character, for we believe that these endeavors prepare students to accept the obligations and opportunities to serve humanity and the Kingdom of God.

The university serves students of varied ages and of diverse socioeconomic, geographic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Financial Aid
Types of the loans offered:
- Federal Subsidized & Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
- Loan Entrance Counseling & Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Federal Perkins
- College Access Loan (CAL)
- Parent (PLUS)
- Private
- Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Educational Loans

Scholarships offered:
- Academic scholarships:
1. Presidential scholarship
2. Honor scholarship
3. Dean scholarship
4. Achievement grant
5. National Merit Semi-Finalist
- Church-related scholarships
1. Christian leadership scholarship
2. Christian education cooperative grant
- Ministry scholarship
- Pilgrim's Pride Scholarship
- Music and Theatre scholarship

Admission
Students must be a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of age by the first class day. Students must have an Associate’s degree or have completed the majority of their general education requirements. Students must contact the BAS Advisor to develop a personalized degree program map.