Taylor University (TU)

Taylor University offers a "strong [Christian] faith-based curriculum" that includes a minor in Scripture Engagement and the backing of a supportive community in which "servant leadership is very apparent." Within that comes a "focus on developing wellrounded students" that's considered "one of the best things" about Taylor. The school maintains "academically high standards," and students appreciate that their "Christian faith is integrated into the classes." They're also fond of the interactive curriculum, where "project-based learning takes a front seat in most classrooms." Examples include a history class where students act out bible stories and physical therapy classes where students "get to help assess, diagnose, and treat patients." Through it all, faculty are considered "more than teachers. They are mentors for our faith and our lives." As one student shares, "I feel like I can talk with many of them as friends but also experts in their field." Professors here are "always so welcoming and supportive," and students appreciate the quality education they receive. As one student remarks, "My academic experience has prepared me well for graduate school."

The student body is described as “very inclusive and communal.” It’s a group of “happy and energetic” people who are “very friendly and welcoming.” Students are thoughtful and look out for one another: “When you have a bad day they notice and ask you how you’re doing.” Students are “typically very responsible” and “hold each other accountable in academics and faith.” One of the school’s greatest strengths is the “unity of the students because of [their] shared values.” Students “love the Lord and show the love of Jesus to all those around them.” Taylor stands out for “the strength of [its] community” and the “genuine care students have for each other.” And one student describes their peers as “excited and happy to be here.” The community is “active and inviting,” and “making friends is easy.” As one student illustrates, “My friends visiting from other schools for only the weekend notice the difference in the community here,” adding, “I am surrounded by the best people I’ve ever known, and it’s a whole school full of them! I am very thankful.”

Taylor is a vibrant campus filled with traditions and student-led activities. The dorms serve as a central hub for community building, fostering an “awesome resident life culture.” As one student describes, “In my dorm, we all leave our doors open and share our rooms. It’s very much a community that we’re all involved in.” This community feeling is enhanced by fun competitions between the dorms, including Airband, a lip-syncing and choreography contest, and Nostalgia Night, where students perform covers of songs released before the senior class was born. A favorite tradition is the annual Silent Night, where students wear costumes and remain silent until the basketball team scores its 10th point, at which point they erupt with cheers. Beyond these traditions, students fill their days with extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and “pick-a-dates,” where a group of students who live on a floor or a wing together “invite a friend of the opposite sex and go bowling, canoeing, or roller-skating.” Many students also attend Bible study and chapel services. As one student explains, chapels “are optional, but you have to go early if you want a seat. This shows the electric energy at Taylor.” Another student adds, “My peers at Taylor have a unique fire and energy. Every chapel is filled with energetic students excited to worship the Lord.”

Faith plays a large role at Taylor University, so much so that its career services are handled by the Calling & Career Office (CCO), which seeks not just to find employment for its students but “to connect [them] to people and experiences that guide them in discerning a faithful response to God’s call.” So far as the school’s National Association of College and Employers (NACE) outcomes go, students are highly satisfied with the results, saying that the school “[sets] you up well for your future career.” Moreover, 99 percent of students are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Among the services offered by career coaches in the CCO are résumé reviews and interview preparation, as well as deeper discussions about one’s potential vocation, including Enneagram consultations, a type of spiritual personality assessment. Students can also access the school’s job search boards and build connections with what the school describes as “Taylor’s rich network of caring alumni, parents, and friends.” Based on what’s reported to PayScale by graduates, those in their early career should expect a median salary of about $62,600.