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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Pillar College

Newark, New Jersey · www.pillar.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$25,900

$49,900 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

512

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

12.5%

4-year; 6-year rate 43.8%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Pillar College, located in Newark, New Jersey, is a vibrant institution that emphasizes a Christ-centered education. Founded in 1908, the college has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service. One of the defining characteristics of Pillar College is its mission to educate and empower students to become effective leaders in their communities. The college's motto, “Transforming Lives, Impacting the World,” encapsulates its dedication to fostering personal and professional growth among its students.

The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, education, and ministry, which are designed to integrate faith and learning. Pillar College prides itself on its diverse and inclusive environment, where students from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow. The faculty is composed of experienced professionals and scholars who provide personalized attention and mentorship to students, ensuring that they receive a well-rounded education. In addition to its academic offerings, Pillar College encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, including sports, community service, and various student organizations, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the student body. With its strong emphasis on character development and community involvement, Pillar College prepares its graduates to make a positive impact in the world.

Analysis of Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Retention Rates

The data from Pillar College reveals significant trends regarding tuition costs, student enrollment, and retention rates over recent years. One of the most striking observations is the steady increase in tuition fees, particularly for undergraduate students. In 2014, the tuition was approximately $17,204, and by 2024, it is projected to reach $24,820. This represents an increase of about 44% over a decade, highlighting the growing financial burden on students and their families. Such rising costs are part of a broader trend observed across many institutions, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability in higher education.

In terms of student enrollment, the data indicates fluctuations in undergraduate numbers from 2013 to 2023. The student population peaked at 529 in 2017 but has seen a decline in subsequent years, reaching 414 in 2021. However, there has been a slight recovery to 462 by 2023. This inconsistent enrollment trend could be attributed to various external factors, including economic conditions, competition from other institutions, and potential changes in student preferences regarding college education.

Retention rates also present a mixed picture. The retention rate dipped to 50% in 2021 but rebounded to an impressive 100% in 2023. This notable improvement may suggest enhanced student services or academic support at Pillar College, which could be crucial for maintaining enrollment levels and fostering a supportive educational environment.

In summary, while Pillar College has seen an increase in tuition that raises concerns about accessibility, the institution's efforts to improve retention rates may play a vital role in stabilizing its student population in the face of fluctuating enrollment figures. These trends are essential to monitor as they reflect broader challenges within the higher education landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
New York, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 3 mi
Newark, New Jersey
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Non-Denominational
President
David Schroeder (President)
Phone
97380350002000
City
Newark, New Jersey
Address
60 Park Place, Suite 701, Newark, NJ 07102

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate202 international (10.0%)
Bachelor's1442 international (1.4%)
Master's270 international (0.0%)
Top 6 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Bible/Biblical Studies
92
Psychology, General
34
Organizational Leadership
9
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
4
Elementary Education and Teaching
3
Communication, General
2

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other · Master's20 (0% international)
  • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other · Master's5 (0% international)
  • Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management · Master's2 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Pillar College 2023

In examining the graduation data from Pillar College for 2023, several noteworthy trends emerge. Firstly, it is evident that the field of Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology has a significant output, particularly at the master's level, with 17 graduates. This aligns with the increasing demand for mental health professionals, especially in light of the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus on this area underscores the college's commitment to addressing contemporary societal issues.

Conversely, the absence of bachelor's and doctoral graduates in Psychology suggests a potential gap in undergraduate education for students pursuing this discipline. This trend may indicate that students are opting for direct entry into master’s programs, which could reflect changing educational pathways in psychology.

In the realm of business studies, the Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management program produced nine master's graduates, emphasizing the growing interest in careers that focus on social impact and community service. This is particularly relevant as more individuals seek meaningful careers that contribute to society.

Interestingly, the General Studies program had a notable output of 33 associate graduates, indicating a robust interest in broad-based education. This suggests that students may view general studies as a flexible option for future academic or career pursuits.

Overall, the data reveals that while certain disciplines, particularly in psychology and social sciences, are thriving, other areas may require strategic development to attract and retain students. The trends also reflect broader societal shifts towards mental health awareness and the importance of social responsibility in education.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Theology has 97 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Bible/Biblical Studies.-
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other.-
Psychology has 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$40,691
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other.$56,977
Liberal arts has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
General Studies.$27,564
Businesshas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.-
Organizational Leadership.-
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.-
Educationhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Communication has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Communication, General.-

Students

556 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 10:90 · Freshman retention 74.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (512)

White
295 · 57.6%
Hispanic
145 · 28.3%
Black
53 · 10.4%
International
9 · 1.8%
Asian
4 · 0.8%
Unknown
4 · 0.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Pillar College in 2023

Pillar College's student demographic data for 2023 reveals a diverse and intriguing composition. The total number of undergraduate new students stands at 120, with a notable gender disparity: only 16.7% are male, while a significant 83.3% are female. This trend highlights the growing representation of women in higher education, a shift that is increasingly seen across many colleges and universities.

For undergraduate continuing students, the enrollment reaches 218, with a slightly higher proportion of males at 24.8% compared to females at 75.2%. This indicates a consistent pattern of female dominance in the undergraduate population. Meanwhile, the transfer student demographic consists of 40 individuals, with a more balanced gender ratio of 40% male and 60% female, suggesting that transfer students may have different backgrounds or motivations influencing their choices.

The graduate student population comprises 96 individuals, with females again outnumbering males (75% vs. 25%). This aligns with national trends where women are increasingly pursuing graduate studies, reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equality in education.

The data also includes insights into the racial and ethnic backgrounds of these students, although detailed breakdowns for some categories were not provided. The presence of various ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latinx, and African American students, underscores the college's commitment to diversity.

Overall, Pillar College's demographic data underscores the growing representation of women in higher education, particularly in undergraduate and graduate programs. This trend aligns with broader societal changes and reflects the institution's evolving academic environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Pillar College

The age composition of students at Pillar College for 2023 reveals interesting insights into the demographic trends of higher education. The data shows a significant presence of younger students, particularly those under 18 years, with 66 female and 31 male students. This suggests that the college is quite popular among high school graduates who are transitioning directly into higher education.

As we progress through the age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students aged 18-21. The 18-19 age group has 15 males and only 7 females, while the 20-21 age group shows an even sharper discrepancy with just 3 males and 12 females. This could indicate a shift where females are more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school compared to their male counterparts.

The age groups 22-24 and 25-29 show a more balanced distribution, particularly in the female demographic, with 27 and 50 total females respectively. This trend may reflect the increasing participation of women in higher education and their pursuit of advanced degrees, as seen in broader national statistics.

Interestingly, the data also reveals a robust representation of students in their 30s and 40s, indicating that Pillar College caters to a diverse student population, including non-traditional students. This could be a response to the growing trend of adult learners returning to education for career advancement or personal development.

Overall, Pillar College's age distribution highlights a promising engagement of young students, alongside a strong presence of adult learners, reflecting the evolving landscape of higher education where accessibility and lifelong learning are becoming increasingly important.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.8%

9 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 12.5% 25% 2016: 0.0%2017: 7.0%2018: 2.6%2019: 5.0%2020: 6.1%2021: 2.9%2022: 18.5%2023: 20.8%2024: 8.2%2025: 1.8%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2018

0% 17.5% 35% 2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 7.3%2021: 21.7%2022: 30.1%2023: 22.9%2024: 10.8%2025: 0.0%
2018Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Pillar College

The data reveals intriguing trends in international student enrollment at Pillar College over the years. Initially, in 2009, the college had a mere one international undergraduate student, representing only 0.59% of the total undergraduate population. This figure remained relatively low until 2015 when international enrollment surged to 46 students, marking a significant increase to 9.62%. This growing interest in Pillar College can be attributed to the college's efforts to enhance its global appeal, possibly through improved programs and international partnerships.

However, the data shows fluctuations in subsequent years, with a notable drop in 2017 to 37 international students and a decrease in percentage representation to 6.99%. The years 2018 and 2019 saw further instability, with a dip in international undergraduate numbers and percentages, potentially reflecting broader trends in international student mobility influenced by geopolitical factors and changes in visa regulations.

A significant turning point occurred in 2020, with 30 international undergraduates, which aligns with the global pandemic's effects on student mobility. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, both undergraduate and graduate international enrollment showed resilience, particularly in 2022, where the undergraduate percentage peaked at 18.51%, and the graduate percentage reached 30.10%.

The increasing numbers in the most recent years suggest that Pillar College is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students, despite the uncertainties that the pandemic brought. With ongoing efforts to enhance its academic offerings and support services, Pillar College may continue to see growth in its international student population, contributing to a diverse and vibrant campus community.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$49,900

Undergraduate tuition
$25,900
Room and board
$24,000
Graduate tuition
$21,816
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 33% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 140%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$9.7M

Tuition and fees
$9.0M92.7%
Gifts and private grants
$432K4.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$250K2.6%
Investment return
$25K0.3%

Expenses$9.1M

Instruction
$3.6M39.6%
Institutional support
$3.6M39.6%
Academic support
$889K9.8%
Student services
$844K9.3%
Other
$149K1.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$47,389peers $65,931
Professor
$48,560peers $77,501
Associate professor
$38,275peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$42,300peers $61,725

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Pillar College:

  1. Rutgers University-Newark - Ranked 82nd in the 2024 US News rankings, Rutgers University-Newark is a comprehensive university known for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on research.

  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology - With a rank of 86, NJIT is recognized for its engineering and technology programs, making it a leading institution in the field of applied sciences.

  3. Seton Hall University - This university ranks 151st and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on liberal arts and professional studies.

  4. Stevens Institute of Technology - Ranked 76th, Stevens is well-regarded for its engineering, technology, and business programs, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship.

  5. Columbia University in the City of New York - With a prestigious rank of 12, Columbia is an Ivy League university known globally for its academic excellence and research opportunities.

  6. Barnard College - This women's liberal arts college ranks 11th and is affiliated with Columbia University, offering a rigorous education in a supportive environment.

  7. Princeton University - Ranked 1st, Princeton is another Ivy League institution known for its exceptional academic programs and distinguished faculty.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are excellent choices for students seeking higher education in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Domestic violence
4
Motor vehicle theft
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Pillar College

The crime statistics at Pillar College over the years reveal a generally positive trend in campus safety. Starting in 2013, the college reported a notable crime rate of 8.33 per 1,000 students, primarily attributed to arrests related to gun possession. However, this figure significantly declined in subsequent years, with no recorded incidents from 2014 to 2019, indicating effective crime prevention measures.

In 2021, a single incident raised the rate to 1.87 per 1,000 students, but this number dropped again in 2022 with three incidents reported, resulting in a crime rate of 5.49 per 1,000 students. By 2023, the college returned to a commendable status with zero incidents reported.

This data is encouraging as it reflects an overall downward trend in crime on campus, suggesting that the college may have implemented successful strategies for maintaining student safety and well-being. Institutions of higher education often face challenges related to crime, making these figures noteworthy. A focus on community engagement, awareness programs, and stringent policies may contribute to the decline in incidents.

While the data shows fluctuations, the low crime rates in recent years are a positive indicator of campus safety. The importance of maintaining a secure learning environment cannot be overstated, and Pillar College appears to be making strides in this regard.

For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.