Taylor’s campus is alive with excitement as the University welcomes the largest group of new students in its 179-year history. Today, 665 freshmen and 42 transfers have arrived in Upland, hailing from 34 states and 23 countries. They bring unique stories, talents, gifts, and an impressive 3.89 GPA average.
With this milestone, Taylor will serve more undergraduates than ever before—fueled not only by the freshman class but also by Taylor’s anticipated 95% retention rate, a figure more than 20 percentage points above the national average and the highest in the University’s history.
Adding to the celebration, Taylor was ranked #4 in the nation last week by The Princeton Review for Happiest Students, a reflection of the vibrant Christ-centered, close-knit community students experience on campus.
To accommodate growth and address a wait list for housing, Taylor added 220 new beds for this cohort through new construction projects and the procurement of additional housing in its hometown of Upland. Another 275 beds are on the way, with recent approval by the Board of Trustees for a new residence hall to open Fall 2027.
New living quarters are just one element of Taylor’s recent construction activity. In the last three years, Taylor has added the Horne Academic Center, expanded its dining facilities, and renovated 40% of its existing campus spaces through the financial support of its $500 million Life to the Full campaign.
Later this fall, Taylor will break ground on a new chapel and welcome center, designed to dramatically expand capacity and create vibrant, inviting spaces for students and guests.
For most freshmen, the start of this new chapter in their lives brings a combination of excitement and anticipation. This year’s incoming class feels that energy even more deeply, as they step onto a campus propelled by unprecedented momentum.
Freshman Kelcey Webb of Parker, Colorado, shared, “Before I even stepped foot on campus, the Admissions team at Taylor took the time to form a genuine relationship with me and my family. This intentionality, paired with Taylor’s mission to live Life to the Full, is what led me to choose Taylor as my home for the next four years. No matter where you are on campus, you can feel a sense of community, belonging, and purpose. I haven’t even started classes, and it already feels like home.”
From across the globe, incoming freshman Addie Becker of Malaysia echoed this same sense of belonging: “I was drawn to Taylor's inter-denominational, Christ-focused community and how this school honors the diverse backgrounds that each student comes from. As a Missionary Kid, this was especially relevant to me. It was also important to me that I attended a school where I would not only be discipled, but also have opportunities to disciple others.”
As we begin our 180th academic year, we give thanks to God for His abundant blessings.
