Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College)

What Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College) does

Johnson University is a private, nonprofit Christian university headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, founded in 1893 as the School of the Evangelists and renamed Johnson University in 2011 after operating as Johnson Bible College. It is accredited by SACSCOC to award associate, bachelor's, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees and holds ABHE and CACREP specialized accreditations. The university is organized into seven academic schools (Arts & Humanities; Bible & Theology; Business & Leadership; Christian Ministries; Science, Technology and Mathematics; Social & Behavioral Sciences; and Templar School of Education) and offers 14 associate, comprehensive bachelor's, 10 master's, an Ed.S. in educational technology, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. A distinctive structural feature is the dual-major requirement at the bachelor's level: every undergraduate completes both a Bible & Theology major and a chosen-field major. Most graduate programs are delivered fully online through Johnson University Online, while the core undergraduate experience is delivered on a 440-acre residential campus on the banks of the French Broad River.

The institution serves multiple student segments including incoming freshmen, transfer students (via the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program that articulates all 60 associate-degree credits from any Tennessee community college), graduate students, military/veteran students, international students, and dual-enrollment high school students. Athletically, Johnson competes in 10 NAIA sports within the Appalachian Athletic Conference as the Royals, operating out of a 2019 Athletic & Recreation Complex. Educational access is supported by a scholarship aid posture under which 98% of students receive institutional aid; 2026-27 undergraduate tuition of $20,576 is reported as less than half the national average for private colleges and universities. Active-duty military pay a discounted $250 per credit hour for online undergraduate programs.

Revenue is generated primarily through per-credit-hour and per-term tuition for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs, supplemented by housing and dining revenue ($9,052 in 2026-27 for a standard double and 13-meal plan) and donations via the Royal Fund and an ongoing three-year $11 million capital campaign. Distribution channels combine direct on-campus enrollment, Johnson University Online (global reach), Tennessee Transfer Pathways (statewide community college channel), NAIA athletic recruitment, dedicated military and international enrollment counselors, and church-based referrals through the Vanguard Church Partners program. Operationally, the institution is led by an eighth president, Dr. Daniel Overdorf (since July 1, 2024), supported by a senior team spanning Finance, Administration, Student Life, Academic Affairs, Advancement, the Athletic Director, and the Chief Admissions Officer. In 2024 Johnson closed its Florida campus, Johnson University Florida, after acquiring Florida Christian College in 2013, citing enrollment sustainability.

Name

Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College)

Legal name

Johnson University

Website

https://johnsonu.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1893

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Johnson University is a private, nonprofit Christian university in Knoxville, Tennessee, founded in 1893. It awards associate through doctoral degrees across seven academic schools, with every undergraduate completing a dual Bible & Theology major alongside a chosen field. Programs are delivered on a 440-acre residential campus and online.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Christian Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Affiliated Private Research Universities (EDAHABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA)

Keywords

• Christian higher education
• Biblical theology degrees
• Private university programs
• Online graduate degrees
• Liberal arts education

Headquarters

HQ city

Knoxville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue stream from undergraduate on-campus programs. Tuition is charged per credit hour or as a flat rate for 12-16 credit hours per term. Additional revenue from general fees, application fees ($50 enrollment fee), and various course-specific fees.
2. Graduate and Doctoral Tuition: Revenue from master's degrees (ranging from $475-$610 per credit hour depending on program) and doctoral programs ($675 per credit hour). Programs have varying total credit hour requirements and associated fees.
3. Housing and Food Services: On-campus students pay for housing and dining services. Rates are based on housing options and meal plan selections. The 2026-2027 rate for housing and food is $9,052 per year assuming a double room and 13-meal plan.
4. Donations and Capital Campaign: Three-year $11 million capital campaign supporting the Royal Fund, student scholarships, and construction of a new science building. The university relies on generous gifts from alumni, friends, and partner churches. In 2020, received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for Three Rivers Collaborative.
5. Continuing Education and Certificates: Revenue from certificate programs including Christian Ministries (flat rate $2,000 for 15 credit hours), Intercultural Studies ($375 per credit hour), and Advanced Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies ($675 per credit hour).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Johnson University is a private, Christ-centered university that offers associate through doctoral degree programs through both an on-campus residential experience in Knoxville, Tennessee and fully online programs for remote learners. Every undergraduate student completes a dual-major that pairs their chosen field of study with a Bible & Theology major. The university also operates Intercultural Studies and continuing education certificate pathways, supported by a 440-acre residential campus and over a century of institutional heritage dating to 1893.

Product overview

Johnson University is a Christ-centered private Christian university offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs. The university operates on a platform-plus-modules model with eight academic schools housing various degree programs. Core offerings include 14 associate degree programs (8 online), extensive bachelor's degree programs across multiple disciplines, 10 master's degrees plus Ed.S. and Ph.D. programs, certificate programs, and online/hybrid delivery options. All bachelor's programs uniquely include both a Bible and Theology major alongside the chosen field of study. The institution also offers athletics (Royals), Honors Program, dual enrollment for high school students, and programs for military and international students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Johnson University Online: Online degree programs offered by Johnson University, including fully online bachelor's and doctoral degrees.
• Three Rivers Collaborative
• Urban Alliance
• B.E.S.T. Alumni Partnership Program
• Vanguard Church Partners

Products and services

• Associate Degree Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• 84% Alumni Satisfaction rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Vanguard Church PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Vanguard Church Partners program promotes mutually beneficial partnerships between Johnson University and churches that prayerfully and financially collaborate with the University. The program offers incentives designed to enhance relationships between churches, church leaders, congregational members, and Johnson University.
• Urban AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohnson University's Urban Alliance partners with like-minded organizations in urban Knoxville to engage and empower students through inspiring educational experiences. Includes Royal Explorers (summer science camp), Future of Hope (high school theological experience), Urban Scholars (scholarship program), and Engage Knoxville (yearlong residential program).
• Three Rivers CollaborativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Learning Community of Resilient, Adaptive, and Transformative Congregations that will guide Knoxville-area congregations through a process of refining their mission. The name alludes to the three rivers that give shape to Knoxville. Includes workshops, retreats, immersion trips, and an optional master's degree. Goal to serve at least 60 faith communities over five years.
• Academic Partners (Nonprofits, Churches, Parachurch Organizations, Other Universities)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn cities in the United States and around the world, Johnson University partners with nonprofit organizations, churches, parachurch organizations, and other universities to create opportunities for students.
• Community Schools with Great Schools PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLinks school needs to community resources. University students engage in tutoring or recreation experiences at partner schools.
• Local Schools (Riverwood Christian Academy, King's Academy, Dogwood Elementary, New Hope Elementary, William Blount High School)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic and private schools where University students tutor, assist teachers, and serve as mentors.
• Youth Organizations (Emerald Youth, YOKE, THRIVE Lonsdale, AMACHI, Boys and Girls Club, Wesley House)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvide afterschool or sports programs to youth. University students tutor, coach, and mentor through these organizations.
• FriendSpeak and Woodlawn Christian Church ESLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeach conversational English to internationals. University students serve as tutors.
• KARM (Knox Area Rescue Ministries)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides relief and development for people experiencing homelessness. University students serve meals, meet organizational needs, and assist in developmental programs.
• Food Security Organizations (Beardsley Farm, Oakwood Lincoln Park Garden)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromote food security through sustainable agriculture. University students participate in community gardening, education, and outreach.
• Tennessee Community Colleges (via Tennessee Transfer Pathways)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJohnson participates in the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program, allowing students who complete associate degrees from any Tennessee community college to transfer all 60 credits toward Johnson's bachelor's degree requirements.
• Legacy ParksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in development to expand campus trail system from two miles to six miles and develop campus natural resources.
• Project GRADminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in development for Project GRAD's Summer Institute, a week-long summer experience for high schoolers with on-campus educational experience and scholarship opportunity.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Union University: Union is a Baptist-affiliated private Christian university in Jackson, Tennessee, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs with online delivery, similar faith-integrated model and Tennessee footprint.
• Lee University: Lee is a Church of God-affiliated Christian university in Cleveland, Tennessee, offering associate through doctoral degrees with a strong online presence. Its faith-integrated dual emphasis and Appalachian student base make it Johnson's closest direct peer.
• Milligan University: Milligan is a faith-affiliated private Christian university in northeast Tennessee with comparable undergraduate size, NAIA athletics, and a blend of liberal arts and professional programs including graduate online delivery.
• Bryan College: Bryan College is a small Christian liberal arts institution in Dayton, Tennessee, with comparable enrollment size, evangelical mission orientation, and reliance on tuition and donor support.
• Trevecca Nazarene University: Trevecca is a Nazarene-affiliated Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, offering associate through doctoral programs with a strong online and adult learner focus, directly comparable faith-based mission and structure.
• Carson-Newman University: Carson-Newman is a Baptist-affiliated private university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, with similar scale, similar Appalachian regional footprint, and a comparable mix of undergraduate and graduate programs including online delivery. Both compete for faith-rooted Tennessee students.

Emerging players

• Point University: Point is an evangelical Christian university in West Point, Georgia, with similar small size, NAIA athletics, and a faith-integrated curriculum spanning associate through master's levels.

Regional players

• Tusculum University: Tusculum is a Presbyterian-affiliated private university in Greeneville, Tennessee, with historic roots and a similar mix of undergraduate and graduate programs serving the East Tennessee region.
• Maryville College: Maryville College is a small private liberal arts college in Maryville, Tennessee, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, with comparable enrollment scale and east Tennessee regional positioning.
• Tennessee Wesleyan University: Tennessee Wesleyan is a small, church-affiliated private university in Athens, Tennessee, with comparable scale, online adult programs, and a similar east Tennessee regional draw.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/go2jutn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/johnsonuniversity
• Facebookfacebook.com/JohnsonUniversity
• Instagraminstagram.com/johnsonunivtn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/johnson-bible-college

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College)