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 gives you a low sticker price and a modest payoff, which makes the math workable but not impressive. Your net price sits under $6,000 a year, and median debt at graduation stays in the low twenties. That keeps your downside contained. The problem is the upside: median earnings ten years out land in the mid-$40,000s, and the two bachelor's programs with reported data pay less than that.
Neither of your main majors is a strong bet on its own. Business Administration graduates earn under $39,000 while carrying $25,000 in debt, and Psychology graduates earn less and borrow more, closing in on $28,000 against $34,000 in earnings. Psychology is the weaker deal here, since you pay more to earn less. Business gives you slightly better numbers, but neither clears the school's own median, which suggests other paths lift that figure.
The real risk is finishing. Only about a third of students graduate, so the biggest financial danger at Pillar is paying for years and leaving without the degree that justifies the cost. Retention above 80% means most of you come back for a second year, but the gap between that and the graduation rate is where money gets lost.
The pricing works best for lower-middle-income families. If your household earns between $30,000 and $48,000, you pay the least of any tier, and the $48,000 to $110,000 range stays affordable too. If your family earns over $110,000, your price jumps past $19,000, which changes the calculation entirely. Oddly, families under $30,000 pay more than several higher brackets.
Pillar fits you if you value a low-cost degree, plan to finish, and are not counting on a high starting salary. If you need strong earnings to justify borrowing, or your family is in the top income tier, look elsewhere.
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.