Star University
Star University is a non-profit virtual higher education institution, founded in 2015 and OBPVS-licensed, delivering short-cycle professional certificates in Christian ministry, digital media, social media marketing, and entrepreneurship to underserved learners in the U.S., Nigeria, Pakistan, Liberia, and Poland through partnerships and donor-supported programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersMuskogee, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Star University does
Star University is a private, non-profit virtual higher education institution founded in 2015 and headquartered in Muskogee (with a Tulsa-listed presence), Oklahoma, licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools (OBPVS) since August 2018 to issue career-ready certificates in the state. It delivers instruction through non-traditional virtual classrooms to underserved populations globally, with on-the-ground operational reach into Nigeria, Pakistan, Liberia, and Poland via institutional partners such as H.E.L.P Inc., the University College of Tourism and Ecology (UCTE/WSTiE), and Fay Rogers American Schools.
The institution offers a portfolio of short-cycle professional certificate programs grouped into four tracks: Christian Ministry (Christian Leadership Development, Christian Ministry, Digital Media for Christian Ministries), Media & Communication (Social Media Marketing with HubSpot Education Partner integration, 21st Century Mobile Media, Virtual Production Process), Business (Entrepreneurship for Emerging Markets, Tribal Relations, Cherokee Government & Society), and a standalone Digital Media Certificate. Programs range from 12 to 18 credit hours delivered over 24-44 weeks, with embedded internship pathways. Two branded centers — the Center for Global Ministries (CGM) for Christian ministry leaders across Africa and the Center for Indigenous Leadership & Culture (under the Cherokee PINS Project Foundation) for Native American communities — provide free courses, webinars, conferences, and the annual Africa Rising flagship event.
Commercially, Star University monetizes through certificate program tuition (the only clearly fee-bearing stream) while relying heavily on donor sponsorship, scholarships, and partner funding to support free or subsidized offerings such as the Africa Rising conference, the Center for Global Ministries membership, and dual-enrollment seats (e.g., 12 full scholarships at Muskogee High School). Distribution combines direct online enrollment via the university website, dual-enrollment partnerships with U.S. public schools, international foundation partnerships in West Africa and Europe, and a channel of churches and indigenous community organizations. Leadership is led by President Dr. Robert Brown (Ph.D., Louisiana State University; Harvard IEM), Dean of Academics Dr. Andrew Sikora (Virtual Production and AI specialist), Dean Kimberlie Gilliland, and Registrar Dr. Michael Animashaun, supported by a Board of Trustees that includes international ministry figures.
Star University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Star University
- Legal name
- Star University
- Website
- https://staruniversity.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Star University is a non-profit virtual higher education institution, founded in 2015 and OBPVS-licensed, delivering short-cycle professional certificates in Christian ministry, digital media, social media marketing, and entrepreneurship to underserved learners in the U.S., Nigeria, Pakistan, Liberia, and Poland through partnerships and donor-supported programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Star University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education / Online Vocational Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Missionary Training Colleges & Schools (EDAHAKAF), Christian Colleges with Theological Programs (EDAHAKAG)
Keywords
Where Star University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Muskogee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Star University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Certificate Program Tuition: Revenue generated from professional certificate programs including Digital Media Certificate, Social Media Marketing, Christian Ministry, and Entrepreneurship for Emerging Markets. Programs range from 12 credit hour certificates to 18 credit hour programs spanning 24-44 weeks.
- Conference and Membership Fees: Revenue from the Center for Global Ministries membership which provides free access to conferences and webinars. The Africa Rising conference offers free registration sponsored by donors, suggesting some conferences may have premium paid components.
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs: Star University provides significant financial aid and scholarships for certification programs, suggesting revenue is supplemented by financial aid programs or institutional funding.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Dual Enrollment Program - Full Scholarship |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Africa Rising Conference - Free Registration |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Star University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Star University is a virtual higher education institution that delivers professional certificate programs (12–18 credit hours, spanning 24–44 weeks) in Christian Leadership, Christian Ministry, Digital Media for Christian Ministries, Social Media Marketing, Digital Media, and Entrepreneurship for Emerging Markets. Programs are delivered through online virtual classrooms, with internship components and hybrid options available in Pakistan, targeting underserved populations including indigenous communities, African ministry leaders, and entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
Product overview
Star University is a virtual higher education institution offering a portfolio of professional certificate programs across four main categories: Christian Ministry (Christian Leadership Development, Christian Ministry, Digital Media for Christian Ministries), Media & Communication (Social Media Marketing, 21st Century Mobile Media, Virtual Production Process), Business (Entrepreneurship for Emerging Markets, Tribal Relations, Cherokee Government & Society), and standalone Digital Media Certificate. The institution operates through two specialized centers: the Center for Global Ministries (providing free courses, webinars, and networking for global Christian leaders) and the Center for Indigenous Leadership & Culture (offering free courses for Native American communities). Programs are delivered virtually with hybrid options in Pakistan, and the university holds licensing from Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools with accreditation partnerships in Europe.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Center for Global Ministries (CGM): A gateway for equipping five-fold ministers globally through fellowship, training, and digital innovation; provides free courses, webinars, podcasts, and networking for Christian ministry leaders across Africa and beyond
- Center for Indigenous Leadership & Culture
- Institute for Indigenous Leadership & Studies
- Center for World Mission
Products and services
- Christian Leadership Development Certificate Professional certificate program designed to equip individuals with biblical, ethical, and practical skills for effective leadership in faith-based and professional environments, covering ethics, spiritual formation, cross-cultural leadership, digital ministry, financial stewardship, and marketplace ministry.
- Christian Ministry Certificate 44-week (12 credit hour) certification program providing foundational knowledge for Christian ministry vocations, combining Old Testament and New Testament studies with practical ministry experience and a two-month internship.
- Digital Media for Christian Ministries Certificate Professional certification program helping church leaders understand social media and technology for reaching parishioners, developing skills in digital storytelling, video production, graphic design, content creation, and online discipleship strategies.
- Social Media Marketing Certificate Career-focused certification program providing hands-on training in social media marketing, including inbound marketing, content creation, SEO, and social media strategy. Includes 8-week hands-on internship and HubSpot Education Partner integration with CRM, marketing automation, and analytics.
- Entrepreneurship for Emerging Markets Certificate 24-week, 18-credit hour certification program empowering entrepreneurs with business planning, digital literacy, financial management, and operations skills, tailored for students in Pakistan and Nigeria with flexible elective options.
- Digital Media Certificate Career-ready certificate program licensed by Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools, focusing on filmmaking, production, marketing, technology, analytics, and social media skills.
- Virtual Production Process Television-style program teaching virtual production techniques using cutting-edge technology and AI tools, taught by Dean of Academics Dr. Andrew Sikora.
Quantifiable outcome
- Students can earn college-level credits while in high school through dual enrollment programs
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Star University
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Star University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability5 records
Feature1 record
Star University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Muskogee Public SchoolscoreFirst career dual enrollment program with Muskogee High School, allowing students in grades 11-12 to take Digital Media Certificate classes and earn college-level credits. Includes 12 full scholarships.
- H.E.L.P Inc.coreLong-term agreement with H.E.L.P Inc., a West African foundation, to increase Nigerian student enrollment in higher education. The partnership provides 21st century career-ready skills through Digital Media Certificate program to the people of Egbe, Nigeria. The 11-month program includes internship opportunities.
- University College of Tourism and Ecology (UCTE/WSTiE)coreStar University partnered with UCTE in Poland to strengthen higher education offerings in West and Central Africa. Students graduating from the partnership earn credentials from institutions licensed and accredited on two continents. Programs include Digital Media Certificate (licensed by OBPVS) and Certificate in Computer Programming focusing on C++.
- Cherokee PINS Project FoundationcoreCenter for Indigenous Leadership and Culture is an online initiative under the Cherokee PINS Project Foundation, empowering Native American communities through education, leadership development, and cultural preservation. Partnership provides free community courses for Cherokee communities.
- Fay Rogers American SchoolsminorFay Rogers American Schools in Liberia operate under Star University's Center for World Mission. The third campus (Galilee Campus) serves approximately 200 students across three villages in Montserrado County, representing pipeline education from primary to higher education.
- Super Church LagosminorSuper Church in Lagos hosts in-person gatherings for the Africa Rising virtual conference, bringing together local leaders for an experience alongside virtual attendees.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Star University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Biola University (Online): Faith-based university offering online certificates and degrees in Christian ministry, theology, and leadership. Direct competitor in faith-affiliated virtual higher education with similar target audience of ministry professionals.
- Moody Bible Institute (Moody Online): Faith-affiliated distance-learning institution offering certificates and degrees in theology and ministry. Closely comparable to Star University's Christian Ministry and leadership certificate programs, with established distance delivery.
- Fuller Theological Seminary (Online): Theological institution offering fully online certificates and degrees for ministry professionals globally. Comparable target market (working ministry leaders seeking credentials) and distance delivery model.
- Dallas Theological Seminary (Online): Faith-affiliated seminary offering online certificates and degrees for ministry leaders. Direct competitor in faith-based distance theological education with overlapping target audience of pastors and ministry professionals.
- South African Theological Seminary: Distance-learning theological seminary serving African ministry leaders. Direct competitor in the African Christian higher education space with a similar virtual delivery model and faith-affiliated mission.
Others
- Coursera (Africa-focused programs): Major MOOC platform with growing presence in Africa and emerging markets through scholarships and employer partnerships. Adjacent competitor in the same target segments via free/low-cost professional certificates.
Regional players
- Oral Roberts University: Tulsa-based Pentecostal university with online offerings and a mission focus on Spirit-empowered leadership. Same geography and similar faith-affiliated Christian higher education positioning as Star University.
Broad incumbents
- Western Governors University: Large nonprofit online university offering competency-based degrees at accessible prices. Comparable in nonprofit online university structure and career-skills focus, though operating at dramatically larger scale with regional accreditation.
- Liberty University Online: Large faith-based university with a substantial online program portfolio. Comparable in faith-affiliation and virtual delivery model, though operates at vastly greater scale and with regional accreditation that Star University lacks.
Emerging players
- African Leadership University: Higher education institution specifically serving African emerging-market students with practical, career-focused programs. Strongly comparable target demographic and emerging-market positioning, though with degree (not certificate) credentials.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Star University social profiles
Digital presenceStar University compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Star University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Star University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Star University subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Star University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Star University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Star University
What does Star University do?
Star University is a virtual higher education institution that delivers professional certificate programs (12–18 credit hours, spanning 24–44 weeks) in Christian Leadership, Christian Ministry, Digital Media for Christian Ministries, Social Media Marketing, Digital Media, and Entrepreneurship for Emerging Markets. Programs are delivered through online virtual classrooms, with internship components and hybrid options available in Pakistan, targeting underserved populations including indigenous communities, African ministry leaders, and entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
Is Star University a public or private company?
Star University is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Star University founded?
Star University was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Star University based?
Star University is headquartered in Muskogee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Star University make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Certificate Program Tuition is the primary driver. The others are conference and Membership Fees and scholarship and Financial Aid Programs.
Who are Star University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Biola University (Online), Moody Bible Institute (Moody Online), Fuller Theological Seminary (Online), Dallas Theological Seminary (Online) and South African Theological Seminary. Coursera (Africa-focused programs) is listed as an others. Oral Roberts University is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Western Governors University and Liberty University Online. African Leadership University is listed as an emerging player.
Does Star University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Star University.
What industry is Star University in?
Star University's product category is Higher Education / Online Vocational Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHALAK, Online Nonprofit Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHAKAF, Missionary Training Colleges & Schools. Its NAICS code is 611310 and its SIC code is 8200.