Is Pillar College a Christian college?

Yes. Pillar College is a Christian college.

Christian college

Pillar College

Newark, NJ · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid $8,470 a year

Median debt at graduation: $21,483 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Pillar College is a Christian college in Newark, New Jersey, that grants bachelor's degrees and describes itself as rooted in Christian faith and love. Its 2026-27 catalog requires traditional bachelor's students to complete at least seven Bible or theology courses, including Old and New Testament surveys. Student chapels are held and students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Faith life at a glance

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Student chapels are a critical part of academic life, and students are strongly encouraged to attend chapel services.

Source: pillar.edu

Where do I find community?

Shared experiences in classes, chapel services, meals, small groups and prayer meetings build community.

Source: cdn.prod.website-files.com

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Some in-person sessions include service-learning opportunities.

Source: cdn.prod.website-files.com

Academic Excellence

B-

50 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score38%
First-year retention 20% of score74%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreNot reported
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score14 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$5,297

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff): 1 to 2 (Two named staff members are listed on the spiritual life pages.)
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizations: A few (The catalog lists small groups among the shared community experiences.)
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian mission: Yes
Chapel attendance expected of students: Encouraged or partly required (Students are strongly encouraged to attend.)
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer): Now and then (Prayer meetings are named among shared community experiences.)
Campus pastors or chaplains serving students: Part-time (The Dean of Student Engagement is the named contact for chapels, spiritual advisement and pastoral counseling.)
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: 3 or more courses (Traditional bachelor's core: five fixed Bible and theology courses (BIBL 101, BIBL 102, BIBL 201, BSCM 101, THEO 201) plus one choice from BSCM 241 or BIBL 351 and one from CHHS 203 or THEO 301, seven in all. The catalog states a minimum of seven. The LEAD and elementary education programs have a reduced minimum.)
Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: Required of all students (BIBL 101 Old Testament Survey and BIBL 102 New Testament Survey are required of all traditional bachelor's students.)
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy): Yes
Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes
A published statement of faith: Yes
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculum: Available (Service-learning is offered within in-person sessions for students in the blended program.)
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian mission: Yes

N/A

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

Not enough information:
Chapel services during the weekNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Students are strongly encouraged to attend.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Student Chapels are a critical part of academic life and students are strongly encouraged to attend chapel services.”
  Student chapels are held as part of academic life, and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (Prayer meetings are named among shared community experiences.)
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through shared experiences in classes, study, chapel services, meals, small groups, and prayer meetings”
  Prayer meetings are named among the shared experiences of the college community.
Partly:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (The Dean of Student Engagement is the named contact for chapels, spiritual advisement and pastoral counseling.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nishanth Thomas serves as the Dean of Student Engagement at Pillar. He can be contacted for information regarding Chapels, Student Activities, Student Body Referral Resources, Spiritual Advisement, and Pastoral Counseling.”
  A named dean is the contact for chapels, spiritual advisement and pastoral counseling.
Not enough information:
A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Traditional bachelor's core: five fixed Bible and theology courses (BIBL 101, BIBL 102, BIBL 201, BSCM 101, THEO 201) plus one choice from BSCM 241 or BIBL 351 and one from CHHS 203 or THEO 301, seven in all. The catalog states a minimum of seven. The LEAD and elementary education programs have a reduced minimum.)
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 101 Old Testament Survey 3 BIBL 102 New Testament Survey 3 BIBL 201 Principles of Biblical Interpretation 3 BSCM 101 Spiritual Formation 3”
  The Biblical Studies core for the bachelor's degree includes Old and New Testament surveys and other required Bible courses.
  “take a minimum of seven Bible or theology courses in the bachelor’s degree programs”
  The catalog states a minimum of seven Bible or theology courses for bachelor's degree students.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (BIBL 101 Old Testament Survey and BIBL 102 New Testament Survey are required of all traditional bachelor's students.)
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 101 Old Testament Survey 3 BIBL 102 New Testament Survey 3 BIBL 201 Principles of Biblical Interpretation 3 BSCM 101 Spiritual Formation 3”
  The Biblical Studies core for the bachelor's degree includes Old and New Testament surveys and other required Bible courses.
Not enough information:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The integration of faith and knowledge, and the ability to evaluate content in the light of Christian truth, are therefore important components of general education at Pillar College”
  The general education core states that integrating faith and knowledge is an important component of the curriculum.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Major in Biblical Studies through the Dr. David E. Schroeder School of Biblical Studies”
  A Biblical Studies major is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As a member institution of the Association of Biblical Higher Education (www.abhe.org), Pillar College affirms the following Tenets of Faith:”
  The college publishes a statement of faith (Tenets of Faith) in its catalog.

N/A

Christian community

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two named staff members are listed on the spiritual life pages.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nishanth Thomas serves as the Dean of Student Engagement at Pillar. He can be contacted for information regarding Chapels, Student Activities, Student Body Referral Resources, Spiritual Advisement, and Pastoral Counseling.”
  A named dean is the contact for chapels, spiritual advisement and pastoral counseling.
  “Brian Rawls Vice President of Student Life”
  Brian Rawls is listed as Vice President of Student Life, with a campus phone and email for contact.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (The catalog lists small groups among the shared community experiences.)
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through shared experiences in classes, study, chapel services, meals, small groups, and prayer meetings”
  Prayer meetings are named among the shared experiences of the college community.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Nishanth Thomas serves as the Dean of Student Engagement at Pillar. He can be contacted for information regarding Chapels, Student Activities, Student Body Referral Resources, Spiritual Advisement, and Pastoral Counseling.”
  A named dean is the contact for chapels, spiritual advisement and pastoral counseling.

N/A

Missions and service

Not enough information · 2 of 6 found

Not enough information:
Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Service-learning is offered within in-person sessions for students in the blended program.)
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “These in-person sessions can involve immersive learning, the integration of faith and learning fellowship, service-learning opportunities”
  In-person sessions for blended students can include service-learning opportunities.
Not enough information:
Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Pillar College educates, inspires, and equips students for excellent scholarship, service, and leadership. Rooted in and committed to Christian faith and love”
  The mission ties service to Christian faith.

Strengths

The traditional bachelor's core requires at least seven Bible or theology courses, including Old and New Testament surveys.
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 101 Old Testament Survey 3 BIBL 102 New Testament Survey 3 BIBL 201 Principles of Biblical Interpretation 3 BSCM 101 Spiritual Formation 3”
  The Biblical Studies core for the bachelor's degree includes Old and New Testament surveys and other required Bible courses.
  “take a minimum of seven Bible or theology courses in the bachelor’s degree programs”
  The catalog states a minimum of seven Bible or theology courses for bachelor's degree students.
The general education core states that integrating faith and knowledge is an important component of the curriculum.
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The integration of faith and knowledge, and the ability to evaluate content in the light of Christian truth, are therefore important components of general education at Pillar College”
  The general education core states that integrating faith and knowledge is an important component of the curriculum.
A Biblical Studies major is offered, and the college publishes a statement of faith.
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Major in Biblical Studies through the Dr. David E. Schroeder School of Biblical Studies”
  A Biblical Studies major is offered.
  “As a member institution of the Association of Biblical Higher Education (www.abhe.org), Pillar College affirms the following Tenets of Faith:”
  The college publishes a statement of faith (Tenets of Faith) in its catalog.

Concerns

The official pages say chapels are held without giving days or times.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Student Chapels are a critical part of academic life and students are strongly encouraged to attend chapel services.”
  Student chapels are held as part of academic life, and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Chapel attendance is encouraged rather than required.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Student Chapels are a critical part of academic life and students are strongly encouraged to attend chapel services.”
  Student chapels are held as part of academic life, and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
The required worldview course, PHIL 201 Survey of Worldviews, is described as a survey of belief systems rather than a Christian worldview course.
Sources (1)
1. Pillar College Catalog 2026-2027cdn.prod.website-files.com/669a91b5a37c2bc1ae91adb5/6a626b047c7b2a6092cecd8b_2026-2027%20Catalog-Final.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “PHIL 201 Survey of Worldviews 3 credits This course examines major belief systems which implicitly or explicitly shape our contemporary world.”
  The required worldview course is described as a survey of belief systems.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life, Pillar College (Newark campus)

Address: 60 Park Place, Suite 701, Newark, NJ 07102
Distance from campus: less than 0.1 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: pillar.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, pillar.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Spiritual Life (Dean of Student Engagement)

Sources (1)

Spiritual Life | Pillar Collegepillar.edu/life-pillar/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Nishanth Thomas serves as the Dean of Student Engagement at Pillar. He can be contacted for information regarding Chapels, Student Activities, Student Body Referral Resources, Spiritual Advisement, and Pastoral Counseling.”
A named dean is the contact for chapels, spiritual advisement and pastoral counseling.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$15,139
$30,001–$48,000	$7,114
$48,001–$75,000	$3,181
$75,001–$110,000	$4,411

Full cost of attendance before aid: $38,047 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	489
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 9% · Women 91%
First-generation students College Scorecard	59%
Total students	554
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$8,470
Cost of attendance (per year)	$38,047
Median federal debt at graduation	$21,483
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	38%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	32%
First-year retention	74%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$45,577
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$50
Students receiving Pell grants	70%

Value index: 58 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Business administration	$61,165
Psychology	$49,543

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Bible/Biblical Studies, Communication studies, Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Teacher education.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Theology and religious studies	72%
Psychology	21%
Business	6%
Education	1%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	City
Part-time undergraduates	3%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	53%
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	14 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	33%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$513IPEDS, 2023, per student
Nearest airport with airline service	Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)About 3 miles away
Town population	310,178Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	NewarkIn or next to this city
Typical weather	32°F in January · 78°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Harrison, NJ

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Pillar College a Christian college?: Yes. Pillar College is a Christian college.

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Reach out

Contact details for Brian Rawls (Vice President of Student Life) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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My rating and notes

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 440794
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (arts & sciences)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Non-Denominational
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