Ryan ZhangApr 15, 2024 10:41:53 AM11 min read

Day 1 CPT Student Review: NEC vs. University of the Cumberlands

At a Glance

AL is from India. After getting his master's degree in the U.S., now he works as a senior product manager based in Boston, Massachusetts, who unfortunately was not selected for the H1B visa several years in a row and had to opt for Day 1 CPT to continue working legally in the US. Like many international students who choose Day 1 CPT, his main concerns are tuition, location, and timing. Today, he's here to share his personal insights on selecting a Day 1 CPT school and his study experiences for those who also were not selected in the FY2025 H1B lottery, aiming to provide guidance and hope to those who are currently feeling as desperate as he once did.

AL has studied at two Day 1 CPT universities, New England College and the University of the Cumberlands. In this interview, he compares his experiences at these schools from three aspects, highlighting nuances that only those familiar with Day 1 CPT might recognize but could be easily overlooked by newcomers to Day 1 CPT:

Fee structure, especially additional costs on top of the tuition.
Program duration, the maximum duration you can take advantage of Day 1 CPT, and how many times you can enter the H1B lottery while studying that program.
Class detail, including the grading and advising systems, and what classes are being taught and are they offered at the campus of your choice.

I graduated from New England College's MS in Data Analytics program in 2023. After completing my first Day 1 CPT program, I went to the University of the Cumberlands to continue Day 1 CPT. I did two semesters of PhD in Blockchain Management until I decided to transfer back to NEC for the MS in Project Management and IT, for several reasons I'd like to share with fellow Day 1 CPT applicants.

I broke down my previous experience and why I made my decisions into a couple of these three essential components, and I really wish I had this information, back in the days when I was going for Day 1 CPT and choosing the university.

Day 1 CPT Fee Structure & Day 1 CPT Universities' Hidden Charges

Understanding Day 1 CPT costs is crucial because online resources might not always include all the fees that schools charge. Typically, tuition and cost per credit are well-documented. However, it can be frustrating to enroll in a program only to discover additional fees that were not initially apparent, especially if other schools do not charge these fees.

Transparent Fee Structure & Travel Cost

Al told us, at New England College, where he completed his first Day 1 CPT master's program, the fee structure was quite transparent, with tuition around $9K per year and an option for monthly payments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS permitted the issuance of electronic I-20s, allowing him to renew his CPT I-20 and receive it via email at no extra cost, which simplified the process.

Then, he said, "However, my experience shifted at the University of the Cumberlands. There, I was required to apply and pay for a physical I-20 for each renewal, which cost $40 extra each time. This highlights the importance of understanding all potential Day 1 CPT costs upfront to avoid unexpected expenses."

Note: We cannot provide soft-copies of your I-20 and we are not able to provide you with copies of your past I-20s. ***Shipments are only processed during business hours Mon-Fri

-ucumberlands.edu

Tuition is a significant factor, and fortunately, both NEC and Cumberlands offer affordable rates, which was the reason why AL chose them at the first place. However, at the time, he considered "tuition" as the only factor for "Day 1 CPT cost".

Reflecting on that, he said, "Last year, when I traveled from Boston to Cumberlands, it was my first visit to Kentucky. Renting a car and driving for hours through remote areas to reach the campus posed a challenge and added to my costs. Considering such additional expenses is essential when planning for your education."

I have friends studying at Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania. While they acknowledge that the school is expensive, they believe it's worth the cost. Harrisburg is renowned for its strong academics, convenient location for commuting, transparent fee structure, and no additional charges for CPT credit. Everyone has different priorities and budgets, but it's important to fully understand the true cost of a program and determine its value before deciding to enroll. Sometime what looks "cheap" might end up to be way more "expensive" than you expect.

We have another article discussing why tuition should be your primary consideration if cost is your top priority when selecting Day 1 CPT programs.

Day 1 CPT Tuition vs. Comprehensive Fee

Day 1 CPT programs, unlike traditional master's level programs, have a very low on-site frequency, allowing students to choose Day 1 CPT universities outside their home state. This introduces additional cost factors.

Day 1 CPT universities, unlike traditional universities, have more administrative procedures such as the CPT application and renewal process, which incur costs. Some universities include these costs in the tuition, or they are upfront about them, while others may neglect to mention these extra costs.

Another Day 1 CPT university known for transparent fees is CIAM, located in Alhambra, California. Their fee structure is the simplest we've encountered. They do not charge traditional tuition but a "comprehensive fee," meaning what you see is what you pay. The "tuition" they list includes everything from textbooks to CPT application, renewal, and even parking. Additionally, they are one of the few Day 1 CPT universities that provide free lunch during on-site visits. Being a non-profit is also one of their advantages. The only downside is that CIAM is a relatively small institute, currently only offering an MBA program. They plan to open enrollment for two new programs within 2024, so follow CPTDog on social media (We are on IG as SoCal_CPTDog) to stay updated.

Program Length: Maximizing CPT Duration to Increase H1B Opportunities

AL recalled, "When I first discovered Day 1 CPT in 2021, there were few resources available online, and I was unaware of CPTDog (At that time, CPTDog was relatively new and there wasn't much information available about us. Most of our students came through referrals) that could provide consultations and lists of universities. I conducted my own research, focusing solely on programs in the Boston area. Many of my friends who had graduated from Northeastern University opted for New England College. After some time researching, I decided to go with the popular choice and applied for the Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) program there."

The MSDA program at NEC is a 20-month master's level program that permits AL to use Day 1 CPT. AL didn't expect to lose the H1B lottery a second time and thought that a 20-month duration would be adequate. Unfortunately, after not being selected for the H1B again, he had to quickly find another program to maintain his legal working status. During his studies at NEC, AL learned about other Day 1 CPT programs. He discovered Trine University, which allows students to take the summer off while continuing to work under CPT. This program can extend beyond 24 months, offering two chances to enter the H1B lottery pool. For someone who has already exhausted their first master’s level OPT, the longer the Day 1 CPT program, the better. He said, "After learning about Trine, I realized that many Day 1 CPT universities offer similar options, including Westcliff University, Sofia University, and Monroe College."

Day 1 CPT Study Experiences Compare: NEC vs UC

AL mentioned that enrolling in Day 1 CPT universities is not just about obtaining CPT authorization. Since tuition is involved, he aims to gain more than just work authorization, emphasizing, "After all, we are F1 students. Even from a USCIS perspective, we need to demonstrate that we have learned through both internship and classroom studies."

AL said that he initially completed the data analytics program at NEC, where he appreciated the classes and faculty, and then transitioned to the PhD program in blockchain management because it aligned closely with my job responsibilities.

Program Availability Varies by Location

"Another reason I chose UC is because I wanted to attend on-site classes in Seattle, where I was working at the time. However, only after enrolling at the University of the Cumberlands I discovered that their Day 1 CPT programs are not offered at every campus, despite listings on their website that included Seattle, Kentucky, and other locations. There was no information provided on the website or by advisors about the limited campus availability before I enrolled, and I wish the university had communicated this more clearly."

The University of the Cumberlands is a great option for those working in Seattle, but be sure to check the availability of your program at that specific campus. If the school isn't responsive, consult your agent to avoid the inconvenience of having to relocate to Kentucky.

Day 1 CPT Classes: Study Experiences

When reflecting on his educational experiences at these two Day 1 CPT universities, Al said,

The University of the Cumberlands:

"My first semester at the University of the Cumberlands went well. The program was very new, so there were only three students in the class during onsite sessions, myself included. However, during my second semester, despite dedicating about 10 to 20 hours each week to my studies and being serious about learning, I failed a class. I don’t believe this was a common experience for everyone, but it felt as though the professor was grading particularly harshly. For instance, I received a 'zero' point on a paper for 'plagiarism' because I reused a single sentence from one of my previous semester’s assignments without quotation marks. This was despite the fact that I had invested significant time and effort into that assignment. I felt the grading was unjust, especially since I was fully committed to the coursework while also working full-time.

Consequently, I reached out to the professor and the academic advisor to appeal the grade but received no response from either. This lack of support will led me to transfer out of the University of the Cumberlands. It seemed that the student services offered post-enrollment did not live up to the promises made during the recruitment phase."

Post-enrollment support is crucial for students who aim not only to earn a degree but also to continuously utilize CPT during their studies, since CPT authorization is not a one-time process. It requires renewal either annually or each semester, depending on the regulations of your Day 1 CPT school. If your GPA falls below 3.0, your CPT renewal may be denied. Some Day 1 CPT universities expand rapidly without ensuring an adequate support system to track student progress. This can lead to errors by instructors or administrative staff, or an over reliance on automated systems. When students submit appeals, there may not be enough staff to handle these issues effectively, leading to student neglect and jeopardizing their CPT status.

New England College

"At New England College, each of my two residency classes had between 20 to 30 students. This may be due to the fact that they were Master’s level classes, which typically have a lighter course load compared to the PhD courses at Cumberland. I also preferred the professors at NEC because they provided clearer instructions on assignments and were more accommodating. They often allowed a second chance to improve on work that wasn’t initially done well and were always prompt in responding to student inquiries."

Conclusion

AL concluded, "From my time at two Day 1 CPT universities, while both provided quality classes and had competent faculty, the differences in their student services and external communications were stark. These factors are equally important. It's concerning if an institution fails students easily without adequate communication. Before enrolling, it's crucial to know the school's policies, such as whether there is a grace period or an opportunity to improve your GPA after failing a class. This is essential to avoid the risk of expulsion and losing your student status and CPT eligibility."

From Al's experiences and sharing, CPTDog recommend those who are new to the concept of Day 1 CPT to:

Fully understanding the total cost of the program—including hidden fees beyond tuition.
Pay attention to the length of the program. It is more important than it might seem. It influences not just the duration of your studies but also how it may synchronize with opportunities like the H1B lottery, potentially increasing your chances of securing a future in the U.S.
Lastly, it's crucial to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and life plans. Look for programs that not only offer strong classes but also provide robust student services and effective communication. Reading reviews like this and consulting with your CPTDog advisor, if you have one, for insider information and updates about the schools you're interested in can save you a lot of hassle.