)%20(6).png?width=101&height=101&name=%E8%83%8C%E6%99%AF%20(Canvas%20(Square))%20(6).png)
Day 1 CPT Cost Breakdown
Quick Overview
Do you ever feel like it’s impossible to get a straightforward answer when asking how much a Day 1 CPT program will cost? Even after combing through all the information online, it’s still hard to get a clear picture. Some schools charge per credit hour, while others have different fee structures. MBA programs, for example, vary widely—some take 24 months to complete, while others can be finished in just a year, making it difficult to plan your monthly budget. Today, we’re here to clear up the confusion and provide you with a clear comparison of costs across different Day 1 CPT universities and programs. This article will also break down the additional expenses you can expect during your Day 1 CPT journey.
What is Day 1 CPT?
Day 1 CPT allows F-1 visa students to begin Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the first day of their academic program in the United States, unlike the typical scenario where students must wait a year to become eligible. Universities offering Day 1 CPT enable students to start working in a field related to their major immediately upon starting their studies. This is particularly appealing for students seeking to gain practical work experience in the U.S. from the outset of their academic journey.
How Much Does Day 1 CPT Cost?
When discussing tuition (updated for 2025), costs can range from $18,000 to over $50,000 per program, depending on the school, program, and degree level. Doctoral-level Day 1 CPT programs tend to be more expensive due to the higher credit requirements.
It's important to consider various factors when evaluating costs. In addition to tuition, there are other fees, including application fees, enrollment fees, student ID fees, CPT fees, CPT application processing fees, transcript evaluation fees, registration fees each semester, and health insurance. These costs can be overwhelming, especially when factoring in expenses like commuting and hotel stays for on-site classes.
In this guide, you will find:
- Day 1 CPT Master's Program Tuition Compare
- Day 1 CPT Doctoral Program Tuition Compare
- Other Fees Charged by Day 1 CPT Universities
- RFE Cost & RFE Support Cost
- Other Potential Costs
- Affordable Day 1 CPT Universities
- Financial Proof & Scholarship Options
We've also made a "cost calculator" which can provide a general sense of how much your interested program will cost.
Cost Calculator
Please fill out fields to see monthly cost.
Additional $50-$100 application fee. Apply through us and we'll waive it for you!
Day 1 CPT Tuition - Master's Programs
Day 1 CPT Tuition - Doctoral Programs
Other Fees Charged by Day 1 CPT Universities
The most common fees are：
Application Fee
Most Day 1 CPT universities will charge a $50 - $100 application fee. CPTDog can help you waive this.
Transcript Evaluation
This varies from $100 to $200. It is a one time fee before enrollment. CPTDog can help you waive it from certain schools.
Enrollment Fee
Usually it is around $200 - $500. Some school can deduct this part from your first tuition invoice.
Student ID
Approximately a $10 one time fee.
Registration Fee
Ranged from $25 - $50 , usually charged by semester
CPT Fee
Most Day 1 CPT universities treat CPT as a 1-credit course. You can refer to the table above to estimate your CPT authorization costs by checking the cost per credit hour.
CPT Application Process Fee
This is different from the CPT course fee. It refers to the administrative cost for processing your CPT authorization. This is not a standard charge across Day 1 CPT universities and would be considered by students as a "hidden fees".
Medical Insurance
This fee can often be waived if you provide proof of insurance from another source. For those under 25, it might be more cost-effective to explore alternative medical insurance options. If you're older, the school's medical insurance might be a more affordable choice. However, if you’re employed, check with your employer first to see if they cover your insurance.
The Cost of RFE Fee & Support
Day 1 CPT programs are completely in line with the law when they meet USCIS regulations. However, due to prior abuses, there's now a tighter watch on these programs. Consequently, the USCIS tends to examine F1 visas from institutions offering Day 1 CPT with an extra layer of scrutiny. This heightened examination doesn't automatically disadvantage students in Day 1 CPT programs in securing an F1 visa or obtaining OPT post-graduation. It does highlight the importance of choosing an institution that can confidently navigate these rigorous checks, especially when transitioning from F1 to H1B visa status.
There is no direct cost associated with receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) for an H-1B visa, as it is simply a request from USCIS for additional documentation or clarification regarding your application. However, there can be indirect costs involved:
Legal Service Fees
If you hire an immigration attorney to help you respond to the RFE, legal fees can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's rates.
PP Fees
You can choose premium processing if needed.The cost for it is $2,805. It's important to note that this expense may not be reimbursed by your employer, yet it ensures a response within 15 business days.
RFE Support from Day 1 CPT universities
Most accredited Day 1 CPT universities offer RFE support, including providing DSO letters, attendance records, registration details, and CPT requirements. While most schools provide this service for free, some, like Harrisburg University, charge a fee—for example, $250 for document copies.
Other Costs
When advising students on selecting Day 1 CPT universities, we always recommend considering proximity. This isn't just to avoid potential RFEs from a legal standpoint, but also because it can significantly reduce costs for transportation and accommodation. Additionally, being closer to your university saves valuable time, which, depending on your company’s policies for absences, can translate directly into financial savings.
Transportation Cost
If your Day 1 CPT university is located in a popular city like New York or Los Angeles, transportation might be more affordable than you expect due to the availability of frequent flights. We've also put together a guide with tips on how to save money when booking domestic flights.
Hotel Cost
Hotel costs typically range from $100 to $500 per night. Most accredited Day 1 CPT universities require students to attend a concentrated weekend study session, spanning Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and either Sunday morning or the entire day. As a result, you'll usually need to book hotels for at least two nights per visit. To save on costs, consider joining our WhatsApp group to connect with classmates and find a roommate to share expenses.
Day-offs Cost
You might be surprised to learn that some companies are very supportive of employees participating in Day 1 CPT programs, viewing them as valuable on-the-job training opportunities. They may even reimburse a portion, if not all, of the tuition, as Day 1 CPT programs are designed to teach practical skills that can be directly applied in the workplace, making them beneficial for talent development.
However, other companies may not have such accommodating policies regarding time off for self-training. In those cases, you’ll need to factor in potential losses. This is especially important when starting the program—choosing the right enrollment window that ensures a smooth transition from OPT to Day 1 CPT can save you a significant amount of money.
Talk to an Advisor
If you're feeling overwhelmed, our team of experts is here to help. We can assist with understanding eligibility, gathering required documents, and guiding you through the application process, making your journey to the United States as stress-free as possible.
Top Affordable Day 1 CPT Universities in the U.S. (2024 edition)
Below, we will explore the top Day 1 CPT schools in more detail.
Westcliff University
Situated in Irvine, CA, Westcliff University offers Day 1 CPT in MBA and other programs. This university is popular for providing flexibility to international students, with both online and in-person classes. Westcliff University is also one of few that designed programs allows initial F1 students to use CPT as a work authorization at the beginning of the program once they arrived U.S.
- Location: Irvine, California / Santa Monica, California / Miami, Florida / Orlando, Florida
- Programs: MBA (STEM), MSCS (STEM), MSEM(STEM), MSIT (STEM), DBA (STEM), MA TESOL
- Tuition: $28,620 (Master) / $53,700 (DBA)
- Duration: 1- 4 years depending on the program
- On-Site Visit: Once a semester
- CPT Renewal: Every Semester
Harrisburg University
Located in Harrisburg, PA, this university offers various STEM programs, particularly in the IT and data analytics fields. It’s well-regarded among international students due to its Day 1 CPT options, though being one of the most expensive Day 1 CPT universities. Harrisburg University does not provide the most popular MBA Day 1 CPT program, but it has an alternative, which is Project Management.
- Location: Harrisburg, PA
- Programs: MS Analytics, MSCIS, MS Healthcare Informatics, MS PM, and more.
- Tuition: $35,880 per program
- Duration: 2 years
- On-Site Visit: Once a month
- CPT Renewal: Annually
Monroe College
Monroe College, based in New Rochelle, NY, offers a variety of programs with Day 1 CPT for international students. Monroe College is a traditional university with a primary student body of local undergraduates and first-time international master's students. Their Day 1 CPT programs make up only a small portion of the total student population. Monroe College offers tuition discounts for F1 transfer students who already hold a master's degree from the US.
- Location: New Rochelle, NY
- Programs: MBA, MS CS (STEM), MS Data Science (STEM), Data Science Certificate Program
- Tuition: Estimated $11,910 – $18,192 per year
- Duration: 1-2 years
- On-Site Visit: Once a month
- CPT Renewal: Every Semester
New England College
Located in Henniker, NH, New England College offers "low residency executive programs" as part of its CPT offerings. These programs are designed for students with either a US degree or at least two years of US work experience, aiming to help international students integrate into the US job market more effectively. NEC is one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities and is only a 2-hour drive from Boston. Many students who work or reside in NYC or Boston choose NEC for their Day 1 CPT option.
- Location: Henniker, NH
- Programs: Executive MSDA, Executive MBA, MSIT, MSPM
- Tuition: $16,944-$18,704 per program
- Duration: 20 Months – 2 years
- On-Site Visit: 3-day long classes every semester, usually on weekends
- CPT Renewal: Every Semester
CIAM
Lcated in Alhambra, CA, the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) is renowned for its MBA programs offering Day 1 CPT options. As a small school focused on manageable growth, CIAM receives positive feedback from students for maintaining strong personal relationships with administrative staff. Students consistently report timely processing of CPT applications and prompt responses to their inquiries.
- Location: Alhambra, CA
- Programs: MBA
- Tuition: $24,000
- Duration: 2 years
- On-Site Visit: 2 times per semester
- CPT Renewal: Every Semester
Humphreys University
Located in Stockton, CA, Humphreys University offers an MBA-IT program with Day 1 CPT, making it a great option for those working in the Bay Area or other Northern California cities. Humphreys is one of the most affordable options in the state. It is also a non-profit school, which is first master friendly.
- Location: Stockton, CA
- Programs: MBA-IT
- Tuition: $21,000
- Duration: 2.5 years
- On-Site Visit: 1 weekend per semester
Sofia University
Sofia University offers Day 1 CPT programs at two campuses: one in Costa Mesa and the more popular one in Palo Alto. The university provides both master's and doctoral level Day 1 CPT programs. Most students work in the tech industry in or near the Bay Area. Many students are recruited through a referral program. If you wish to use Day 1 CPT on-site as a networking opportunity, Sofia University is an excellent choice.
- Location: Palo Alto, CA; Cost Mesa, CA
- Programs: MAB, MBA-DA(STEM), MSCS (STEM), DBA
- Tuition: $20,280 – $25,480
- Duration: 2-3 years
- On-Site Visit: Once a month
- CPT Renewal: Every Semester
Ottawa University
Ottawa University has multiple campuses, with the most popular one being Phoenix, Arizona. Their Day 1 CPT options are valuable for students seeking a blend of academic and professional experience.
- Location: Brookfield, WI; Overland Park, KS; Phoenix, Arizona
- Programs: EMBA, DBA
- Tuition: $29,940 – $49.725 per program
- Duration: EMBA – 2 years; DBA – 3 years
- On-Site Visit: 2 times per semester
- CPT Renewal: Every Year
Saint Peter’s University
Based in Jersey City, NJ, this university is recognized for its programs in business analytics and data science. Their Day 1 CPT program is especially popular among tech-savvy international students. Although located in Jersey City, it is merely "a river away" from Manhattan, New York.
- Location: Jersey City, NJ
- Programs: MS Business Analytics, MS Data Science
- Tuition: $25,000 – $28,000 per program
- Duration: 15-20 months, depending on program and course selection
- On-Site Visit: 2 weekends per semester
- CPT Renewal: Every semester
National Louis University
With a campus located in the third largest city of the U.S., National Louis University attracted many students who work and live in or near Chicago. The university is known for its Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program with Day 1 CPT, providing a comprehensive path for aspiring business leaders.
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Programs: DBA
- Tuition: $49,920
- Duration: 3.5 – 4 years
- On-Site Visit: Once per semester
- CPT Renewal: Every Semester
Day 1 CPT Free Consultation
CPTDog Offers:
✓ One-on-One Free Consultation
✓ Application Fee Wavier & Application Assistant
✓ Scholarship Opportunities
✓ Connecting to the Admission Officer to Get Pre-Approval
✓ Premium Process - Get an Offer and I-20 within 3 days [added-value service]
* Our consultants are committed to providing a seamless experience. Once you initiate a case with us, you will be assigned a specific consultant who will thoroughly understand your case, ensuring that there's no need for you to repeat information each time you call. We will not change your consultant unless you request it.