
Pillar College is a private Christian college in New Jersey whose roots lie in religious education. Its history includes the names Zarephath Bible Institute and Somerset Christian College; the Pillar College name reflects a later expansion beyond its original Bible-school focus.
That history remains relevant to applicants. Pillar offers fields such as business and psychology alongside biblical studies, but its Christian identity is part of the institution's educational approach rather than a feature confined to theology courses. Applicants comparing it with secular colleges should review the current catalog and student policies to understand how that approach applies to their intended program.
Pillar College offers a relatively focused selection of undergraduate and graduate programs rather than a large university-style system of schools. Areas represented in its academic offerings include biblical studies, business administration, psychology, communication, and teacher education.
Prospective students should compare programs by credential, campus or online availability, and required courses, not just by subject name. Teacher preparation, for example, raises a separate question from earning an education-related degree: applicants seeking New Jersey certification need to verify that their specific program meets the applicable state requirements. The current academic catalog is also the appropriate place to check prerequisites, internship or fieldwork requirements, and how often required courses are offered.
Pillar College has a presence in Newark, New Jersey, an urban setting served by regional rail, bus, and road networks. Its New Jersey locations should not be treated as interchangeable: a student's actual class location depends on the program and course schedule.
For Newark students, commuting may be more practical than relocating, particularly because the college does not provide college-operated undergraduate housing. Before enrolling, applicants should check where required courses meet, whether an advertised online course includes in-person requirements, and how travel time would affect a work schedule. Newark Liberty International Airport is the nearest major airport, though local transit and commuting costs will matter more to most students.
Pillar College describes its educational purpose in Christian terms, connecting academic study with faith, service, and leadership. Its religious orientation is a substantive part of its institutional identity, not merely a historical affiliation.
Students considering Pillar should distinguish the college's stated aims from measurable outcomes. A mission statement explains what an institution intends to cultivate; it does not, by itself, establish that every student has the same experience. Reviewing the current catalog, course descriptions, and student conduct policies can clarify how the college's Christian perspective shapes coursework and campus expectations.
Name of the institution
Pillar CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000Religious affiliation
Protestant (Christian non-denominational)School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1908Pillar College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.