“New Jersey only accredited evangelical Christian college, integrating faith and scholarship in the heart of Newark.”
Pillar College is a private, nonprofit evangelical Christian liberal arts college located in the heart of Newark, New Jersey — the only accredited evangelical Christian institution of higher education in the state. Founded in 1908 as Zarephath Bible Institute and renamed Pillar College in 2013, the institution has grown into a multi-campus college serving students across Newark, Somerset, Paterson, Plainfield, and Jersey City. Fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (reaffirmed in March 2025), Pillar College mission centers on developing students spiritually, academically, emotionally, and vocationally — preparing them to serve their communities and professions from a foundation of Christian faith and ethical character. Academically, Pillar College is organized into four schools: the School of Behavioral Health and Social Sciences, the School of Leadership and Business, the School of Christian Studies, and the School of Humanities and Culture. Programs span associate, bachelor, and master degrees, including unique offerings such as the MBA in Social Sector Management — the only program of its kind in New Jersey, designed specifically for nonprofit professionals — and the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. The college also operates the LEAD accelerated degree program for working adult learners, enabling them to earn bachelor degrees in psychology, organizational leadership, and biblical studies on a flexible, cohort-based schedule. A thriving ESL and English for Academic Purposes program serves students on a direct pathway to credit-bearing associate degree programs. Pillar College draws a richly diverse student body reflective of Newark vibrant urban community: over 37% Hispanic or Latino, 30% White, and 17% Black or African American. More than 90% of students who apply for financial assistance receive some form of aid, and the average net price after grants and scholarships is among the lowest of any accredited college in New Jersey. Located adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark, the college places students at the intersection of culture, public service, and professional opportunity in one of the most diverse metropolitan regions in the United States.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Test Free — No test scores needed — they won't be reviewed even if submitted.
Official SourceFall Term (Rolling)
Rolling admissions — no fixed deadline. Complete application recommended at least 30 days before term start.
Spring Term (Rolling)
Rolling admissions — no fixed deadline. Complete application recommended at least 30 days before term start.
This university does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$26,352
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$34,056
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, counseling, and human services, including an accredited M.A. in Counseling Psychology.
Prepares students for professional and organizational leadership roles in business and nonprofit sectors.
The core of Pillar founding mission, offering comprehensive biblical and theological education at associate and bachelor levels.
Engages students in cross-cultural understanding, communication, and education, including Spanish-language and ESL pathways.
2 years
The only MBA program in New Jersey focused specifically on nonprofit and social sector management. A 39-credit primarily online program designed for working professionals seeking to lead mission-driven organizations.
4 years
Pillar largest undergraduate program by degrees awarded, with a direct pathway to the 60-credit cohort-based Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology for students seeking clinical licensure.
3 years
Flexible, accelerated bachelor completion program in Psychology, Organizational Leadership, and Biblical Studies for working adult learners. Tuition is frozen at the cohort start date for LEAD courses.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $25,900
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
