About Pillar College
Students pay far less than the $24,820 sticker price thanks to substantial financial aid. The average net price drops to just $5,804, making this one of the most affordable private colleges in New Jersey. Graduates earn a median of $45,577 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $21,483. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a manageable burden given the school's mission-driven focus rather than high-earning career preparation.
Women make up 82.7% of the student body, reflecting the school's emphasis on ministry and education programs that traditionally attract female students. The retention rate of 81.25% shows students generally find what they're looking for, though the 34.1% six-year graduation rate suggests the demanding combination of rigorous academics and ministry preparation challenges many students. Nearly all students come from New Jersey, creating a tight-knit community rooted in local churches and communities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.1%
- Retention Rate
- 81.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,577
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Associate | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Newark's winters require heavy coats and boots, while summers can be humid and hot. The small size means most students know each other by name, and the 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. Campus life revolves around chapel services, Bible study groups, and ministry preparation. Students often spend weekends doing community service in Newark or traveling to nearby New York City for cultural experiences. The Christian foundation shapes daily routines, with prayer and worship woven into campus activities. Many students are preparing for careers in ministry, so conversations often center on faith and service. The urban setting provides internship opportunities in churches and nonprofits throughout the greater Newark area.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–38°F
- July Avg
- 68°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 17.3%
- Women
- 82.7%
- White
- 35.4%
- Black
- 13.2%
- Hispanic
- 38.2%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 96.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 55.6%
Location
- Address
- Newark, New Jersey 07102
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,577
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,951
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,483
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body composition at Pillar College?
Women make up 82.73% of Pillar's 469 students, reflecting the college's strong focus on ministry and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students. The student body is 38.17% Hispanic and 35.39% White, with 96.88% coming from within New Jersey.
How much does Pillar College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,804 despite the $24,820 sticker price. The college serves many low-income families, with 55.56% receiving Pell Grants and students from families earning $30,000-$48,000 paying just $2,566 after aid.
What are the academic offerings like at Pillar College?
Classes are small with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in biblical studies and ministry training programs. The college maintains an 81.25% retention rate as students engage deeply with Christian education and practical ministry preparation.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Pillar College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $45,577 ten years after graduation, with 83.3% finding employment. The college prepares students for ministry roles, nonprofit work, and Christian education careers, though the 34.10% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face completing their degrees.
Where is Pillar College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Newark, New Jersey, giving students access to urban ministry opportunities and diverse communities. The small enrollment of 469 students creates a tight-knit community where the Panthers athletics teams and Christian fellowship activities bring students together.
Does Pillar College provide good value for students seeking Christian education?
Students graduate with a median debt of $21,483 and monthly loan payments of $228, relatively modest for private college education. The college's focus on biblical studies and ministry training appeals to students called to Christian service, though only 31.82% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans.
