Taylor University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Rural campus with natural surroundings and tight-knit community
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Taylor University reflects the intentional Christian community that draws students to this distinctive institution. Residence hall life forms a cornerstone of the Taylor experience, with most undergraduates living on campus throughout their four years in communities designed to foster spiritual growth alongside social connections. Student government, campus ministries, and over eighty student organizations provide outlets for leadership, service, and personal development. The Taylor Trojans compete at the NAIA level, with strong programs across numerous sports that emphasize character development alongside athletic excellence. The annual Silent Night game, where fans remain silent until the tenth point is scored and then erupt in explosive celebration, has become a nationally recognized tradition that exemplifies Taylor's creative spirit. Chapel services gather the entire community three times weekly for worship, teaching, and shared spiritual experience, forming a rhythm that anchors campus life. Discipleship programs, small group studies, and ministry teams provide structured opportunities for spiritual formation. The community lifestyle covenant shapes behavioral expectations, creating an environment distinct from secular campuses while inviting reflection on the relationship between faith and daily choices. Faculty and staff live near campus and participate in community life, modeling integrated Christian living for students they mentor.

Location & Surroundings

Upland, Indiana provides Taylor University with the rural setting that supports the focused, intentional community the institution cultivates. This small town of approximately 3,000 residents in Grant County offers limited distractions from academic and spiritual pursuits while providing essential services within close reach. The surrounding agricultural landscape reflects Indiana's heartland character, with family farms, small towns, and the rhythms of rural life creating an environment markedly different from urban or suburban campuses. Marion, the county seat with its greater resources and employment opportunities, lies just a few miles away. Fort Wayne, Indiana's second-largest city, provides additional cultural and commercial options within easy driving distance. Indianapolis, the state capital with its professional sports, cultural institutions, and airport, sits approximately ninety minutes to the south. The regional cost of living remains modest, helping make education affordable for students from families of varying means. The climate features distinct seasons with cold winters that foster indoor community and warm springs that bring campus life outdoors. Taylor's relative isolation creates a greenhouse environment where students can explore faith and ideas intensively before graduating into the broader world where they will live out their callings.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Taylor University structures its financial aid programs to make Christian liberal arts education accessible to students called to the Taylor experience. Institutional scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, artistic talents, and ministry calling. Need-based grants address demonstrated financial circumstances, and the combination of merit and need-based aid significantly reduces the net cost for most enrolled students. Student employment opportunities provide work experience while helping students meet educational expenses. Some students receive support from sending churches or family networks that invest in Christian higher education. The Career Development Office provides comprehensive support throughout students' Taylor careers, helping them identify vocational interests, develop professional skills, and connect with employment and graduate school opportunities. Internship programs connect students with employers in their fields of interest, with many experiences emerging through alumni networks that span professions and geographic regions. Graduate school advising helps students prepare for and gain admission to advanced programs in law, medicine, business, ministry, and other fields. Taylor alumni have distinguished themselves across virtually every profession, demonstrating that rigorous Christian education prepares graduates for effective service wherever their callings lead. The alumni network provides mentorship, job referrals, and professional connections that benefit recent graduates entering the workforce and experienced professionals seeking new opportunities.

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