At $5,804/yr net price, Pillar College graduates earn $45,577/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,577/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,804 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,216 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,577/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,577/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,483 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,061/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,566/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,754/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,801/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,030/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,892 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
34.1% of students at Pillar College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Pillar College delivers strong financial value despite concerning graduation rates. Your net cost of $5,804 annually ranks among the lowest for private colleges, making the investment manageable even if outcomes prove disappointing.
The earnings picture splits sharply by major. Business Administration graduates earn $38,289 with $25,000 in debt, creating reasonable repayment scenarios. Psychology majors face tougher math at $33,993 earnings against $27,892 debt. Biblical Studies graduates earn just $25,194, making loan repayment challenging unless you pursue ministry work where income expectations differ.
The 34% graduation rate represents the biggest financial risk. Two-thirds of students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 81% retention rate suggests most students return for sophomore year, meaning dropout typically occurs later when you've accumulated more costs.
You should consider Pillar if you can afford the low net price without heavy borrowing and plan to major in business or psychology. The school works best for students with strong academic foundations who can handle to graduation despite limited institutional support.
Skip Pillar if you need extensive academic support services or plan to study Biblical Studies with significant debt. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in theology programs creates substantial financial risk.
Financial aid reaches 56% of students, suggesting merit opportunities exist for qualified applicants. The low sticker price means you may qualify for additional aid that reduces costs further, making this one of the more affordable private college options in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pillar College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Pillar College offers a low net price at $5,804 per year, but graduates earn below-average salaries at $45,577 after 10 years. The 34% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees, which significantly reduces the value proposition.
What are the best paying programs at Pillar College?
Business Administration graduates from Pillar College earn the highest at $38,289 annually, followed by Psychology at $33,993. Bible/Biblical Studies graduates earn significantly less at $25,194, which may not justify the debt load.
How much debt do Pillar College students graduate with?
Pillar College graduates carry a median debt of $21,483, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Pillar College have good financial aid for students?
Pillar College's net price of $5,804 suggests substantial financial aid, making it affordable for most students. The low cost of attendance is the school's strongest financial advantage, though earnings outcomes remain below average.