Pillar College
Pillar College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Pillar College at a Glance
Pillar College is a private evangelical Christian college with the main campus in Newark, New Jersey and educational locations in Somerset, Paterson, Plainfield, and Jersey City. Pillar College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
1908
118 years old
Identity
Is Pillar College Worth It?
Pillar College offers moderate value at $8,470/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $45,577, which is 15% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Pillar College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #12 of 186 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 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #5 | Soka University of America | 67 | $18,260 | $55,017 |
| #6 | Emmaus Bible College | 66 | $13,186 | $42,631 |
| #12 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Pillar College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NJ.
Best Programs at Pillar College
The highest-earning program at Pillar College is Psychology, General at $28,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Psychology, General graduate from Pillar College earns $28,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Psychology, General graduates carry $26,881 in median debt vs. $26,881 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,470/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $28,900 | $28,900 | $26,881 |
Similar Colleges in NJ
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Newark, NJ
- Student Body
- 498 students
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,470
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,577
- Median Student Debt
- $21,483