COMMERCE, Texas - East Texas A&M University has been recognized as one of the nation's best values in higher education after earning a 3.5-star rating in Money's 2026 Best Colleges rankings.
The recognition places East Texas A&M among a select group of colleges and universities recognized for providing a strong combination of academic quality, affordability and positive student outcomes.
Among Texas A&M University System institutions included in the rankings, East Texas A&M received the second-highest rating, trailing only Texas A&M University in College Station.
The university also stood out for its affordability. East Texas A&M reported the lowest estimated full price among the rated Texas A&M System universities, with an estimated annual cost of $26,550 for the 2026-27 academic year. That figure ranked as the third-lowest estimated full price among all Texas universities included in Money's rankings.
University President Mark Rudin said the recognition reflects the value students receive both during and after their college experience.
"This recognition reflects what our students and alumni experience every day: a high-quality education that creates real opportunities," Rudin said. "East Texas A&M combines affordability with strong career outcomes, including 89% of our graduates employed within six months of graduation. That makes ETAMU an exceptional value for students and families across East Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth region."
East Texas A&M was also one of only two Southland Conference institutions recognized in the rankings, highlighting the university's ability to combine Division I athletics with a strong academic experience.
University officials said the ranking recognizes more than affordable tuition, pointing to an educational model focused on preparing students for careers through practical learning experiences.
"Affordability opens the door, but the quality of what students experience once they arrive is equally important," said Tammi Vacha-Haase, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "East Texas A&M students learn by doing through research, internships, clinical experiences, fieldwork and partnerships with employers. These opportunities help students connect what they learn in the classroom with the careers and communities they are preparing to serve."
Across its academic programs, East Texas A&M emphasizes hands-on learning through research opportunities, internships, clinical experiences and partnerships with employers. University leaders say those experiences help students graduate with the skills needed to adapt, solve problems and succeed in an evolving workforce.
The recognition further strengthens East Texas A&M University's reputation as one of the leading higher education values in Texas, offering students an affordable pathway to a career-focused education.
