Taylor University
Taylor University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Taylor University at a Glance
Taylor University is a private Christian university in Upland, Indiana. Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest evangelical Christian universities in the United States.
1846
180 years old
$99M
$98.9 million (2020)
2,221
2,188 undergrad · 33 grad
133
952 acres
Identity
Is Taylor University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Taylor University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,198 — 3% below average — while paying $24,865/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 75% graduation rate means roughly 25% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Taylor University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Taylor University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #45 of 154 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #6 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #45 | Taylor University | 39 | $24,865 | $52,198 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Taylor University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in IN.
Best Programs at Taylor University
The highest-earning program at Taylor University is Computer Science at $57,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at $25,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Taylor University earns $57,100, while a Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduate earns $25,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $25,726 in median debt vs. $24,500 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,865/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $57,100 | $57,100 | $25,726 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,100 | $45,100 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,600 | $37,600 | $22,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $34,500 | $34,500 | $24,250 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $29,900 | $29,900 | N/A |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $25,500 | $25,500 | $24,500 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Upland, IN
- Student Body
- 2,025 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 75%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,865
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,198
- Median Student Debt
- $20,500