Taylor University

Taylor University is a private, non-denominational Christian university located in Upland, Indiana. Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the United States. The university offers a range of undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and ministry, along with several graduate degrees. Taylor integrates faith and learning across its academic curriculum and is affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. With a residential campus environment and a focus on Christian formation, Taylor University attracts students seeking a Christ-centered education within a small-town Midwestern setting.

Taylor University was founded in 1846 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, originally as Fort Wayne Female College. In the late nineteenth century, the institution broadened its mission and academic offerings, eventually adopting the name Taylor University in honor of Bishop William Taylor. In 1893, Taylor University relocated to Upland, Indiana, during the region’s natural gas boom, establishing the campus that remains its home today. Under early leaders such as Thaddeus Reade, the university strengthened its liberal arts curriculum and Christian identity. Throughout the twentieth century, Taylor University expanded its academic programs, facilities, and student life offerings while maintaining its evangelical mission. In the early 2000s, the university reintroduced graduate programs and invested in new campus facilities, including academic and residential buildings. Today, Taylor University continues to operate as a private Christian institution committed to integrating faith and scholarship in Upland, Indiana.