Taylor University is one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in America. Conceptualized with the conviction that women as well as men should have an opportunity for higher education, Taylor University began as Fort Wayne Female College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then became Fort Wayne College.

In 1893, Taylor moved from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Upland, Indiana, because of the population boom in central Indiana at that time. In 1992, nearly 100 years later, Taylor re-established its presence in Fort Wayne by acquiring Summit Christian College (formerly Fort Wayne Bible College).

Taylor University is a non-denominational Christian university. The 250 acre (1 km²) Upland campus is the primary campus, and houses nearly 1,900 students. Acknowledging Wheaton College's claim as "the Harvard of the Evangelicals," some have proferred Taylor as "the Princeton."

Some of its unique attributes and values include the concept of "The Integration of Faith and Learning," or the conviction that knowledge and faith meet their highest potential when coupled together. The two columns of the Bell Tower at the center of campus have spotlights that shine high into the night sky. These lights represent Faith and Learning, respectively. It has become a running joke among students when one of the lights burns out to say, "Let's hope that one was Learning."

In addition, Taylor, being a private university, has implemented what it calls the "Life Together Covenant" (LTC). This is basically a contractual agreement that students sign at the beginning of the school year, pledging to adhere to certain standards of conduct, with the intention of strengthening the community as a whole. As a non-denominational university attracting students from across the Christian spectrum (and occasionally, non-Christians), the LTC has been criticized by some for being too legalistic and conservative, because of its clauses restricting alcohol or social dancing.

Much friendly rivalry has been established between residence halls, between the all-woman Grace Olson Hall (the girls you date) and English Hall (the girls you marry), for example, although the chief rivalry would be between the two largest men's halls: Wengatz Hall and Samuel Morris Hall. Needless to say, this produces spirited intramurals.

Some of the most recognizable Taylor students and alumni include:

Samuel Morris, 1872-1893 (formerly Prince Kaboo of Western Africa); General Nelson Miles, 1839-1925 (defeated the Apache warrior Geronimo in 1886); Stephen L. Johnson, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Tom Halleen, VP of the AMC movie network; and Jay Kesler, Former President of the University; former President of Youth for Christ.