
Taylor University is a private Christian university founded in 1846 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It began as Fort Wayne Female College, reflecting an early commitment to higher education for women. The institution later became coeducational and adopted the Taylor name in honor of Methodist missionary bishop William Taylor.
The university moved to Upland in 1893. Its history helps explain two features that remain central to its identity: an undergraduate-focused residential campus and an explicitly Christian approach to education. Taylor now offers graduate study as well, but prospective students should distinguish its Upland campus experience from any online or other program format they are considering.
Taylor University offers undergraduate majors across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, business, education, and professional fields, along with selected graduate programs. Students can explore subjects ranging from biology, computer science, and engineering to English, film and media, psychology, social work, and biblical studies.
Academic requirements depend on the degree and major. A prospective engineering or teacher-education student, for example, should review that program's current catalog requirements rather than assume that university-wide admission alone establishes eligibility for every later course, placement, or professional credential. Taylor reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1; that institution-wide measure does not describe the size of every class.
Taylor University's main campus is in Upland, a small town in east-central Indiana. The setting is rural rather than urban, so residential life and campus activities are likely to play a larger role in a student's routine than they would at a downtown campus.
Students can reach nearby communities, including Marion, by road. Fort Wayne International Airport is a regional air-travel option, but trips to airports, internships, shopping, or off-campus appointments generally require advance transportation planning. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, though they should check current permit rules and charges.
Taylor describes its mission in explicitly Christian terms: educating students to integrate faith, learning, and service. Its stated educational philosophy treats academic study and spiritual formation as connected parts of the university experience.
That identity has practical implications beyond religious-studies courses. Prospective students should read Taylor's current mission, community expectations, chapel policies, and student handbook to understand what participation and conduct the institution requires. The university's statements describe its aims; they should not be mistaken for independent evidence that every student experiences campus life in the same way.
Name of the institution
Taylor UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Christian non-denominational)School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
4-1-4Foundation year
1846Taylor University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.