Top 16 Day 1 CPT Universities for F1 Students: Compare by Location, Tuition, and Start Dates

What Are Day 1 CPT Universities?

Day 1 CPT universities, also referred to as "Day 1 CPT Schools," or "Day 1 CPT Colleges" are educational institutions that facilitate Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the beginning of their academic programs. Some of them only provides Day 1 CPT programs, others are traditional universities adopted this form of education for few programs they offer.

Are they different from traditional universities?

Yes and No.

Yes:

Day 1 CPT universities prioritize assisting their students in entering the job market; as such, the programs they offer are more job-oriented than research-oriented.
Day 1 CPT programs are typically at the master's level.
They integrate internship opportunities into the curriculum, often leading to a unique set of requirements for F1 international students, such as a reduced on-site presence but a mandatory internship experience.
Instead of investing heavily in research and competing for research funding, Day 1 CPT universities frequently collaborate with the industry and employ instructors from leading companies. This approach ensures that students stay abreast of industry trends and begin to forge connections within the workforce.

No:

Several traditional universities are now adopting Day 1 CPT programs. For example, UC Riverside introduced its first Day 1 CPT program, an MS in Business Analytics, in 2024.
The term "Day 1 CPT universities" is an informal name used by international students in search of Day 1 CPT programs.
Although Day 1 CPT programs may focus more on practical training than academic research, they still maintain accreditation standards. Any deviation claimed regarding accreditation should be scrutinized.
Notably, one of the most popular Day 1 CPT universities on the west coast, Westcliff University, shares the same accreditation as UCLA, a well-known traditional university within the UC system.

Who Should Apply to Day 1 CPT Universities

International students or non-immigration visa holders who encounter these situations may consider applying to Day 1 CPT universities:

OPT Ending Soon International students who are looking to stay in the US and enhance their job opportunities can explore enrolling in accredited Day 1 CPT universities. This allows them to continue their internship while pursuing an advanced degree.

OPT Unemployment Days Exhausted

Many international students aspire to remain in the U.S. for work experience post-graduation, but the fluctuating job market can make this challenging. With only 90 days to find employment, the risk of exhausting your OPT unemployment days is real, as is the possibility of being laid off during OPT employment.

In such situations, Day 1 CPT universities offer a viable solution. With flexible enrollment periods, these institutions allow you to pause your job search, further your education, and, once you have a job offer, secure CPT work authorization to continue your career in the US.

OPT STEM Extension Failed In contrast to OPT, the OPT STEM extension comes with additional requirements such as minimum wage, e-verified employers, and job descriptions aligned with your degree. Some international students faced challenges when their original OPT ended and their STEM OPT extension application was not approved, leading to a 60-day grace period. For those seeking new opportunities with more qualified employers, enrolling in day 1 CPT universities could be a viable option. Transition seamlessly from OPT to Day 1 CPT and utilize CPT as a work authorization to advance your career in the US, with fewer limitations and restrictions compared to STEM OPT.

H1B Not Selected Whether you're navigating the OPT to H1B transition or exploring job opportunities in the US from abroad, recent H1B lottery data shows a challenging 75% chance of success on your first attempt. However, don't despair - Day 1 CPT presents a viable alternative for those eager to gain work experience in the US. By enrolling in a Day 1 CPT university, you not only pursue an advanced degree but also leverage F1 visa CPT work authorization to legally work in the US.

H1B Layoffs When H1B visa holders face layoffs, they have a 60-day window to secure a new employer. Finding a job can be challenging, especially one that offers H1B sponsorship. If you have built you career in the US and wish to continue your professional journey, transitioning from an H1B to an F1 status and enrolling in a Day 1 CPT university could be a viable option. By pursuing a more advanced degree, you can also obtain CPT work authorization with the right employer. If prioritizing work experience over further education, transitioning back to an H1B status mid-study might be a consideration. Day 1 CPT universities offer a solution for those navigating visa status uncertainties while seeking to blend academic learning with real-world experience.

H4 Without EAD

If you find yourself here because a family member is on an H1B visa, you may be eligible for an H4 visa. With an H4 visa, you can apply for an EAD card once the primary H1B visa holder begins their green card application process and has their I-140 approved. Having an H4 EAD card allows you the freedom to pursue various job opportunities as your work authorization is independent of your employers. Transitioning between jobs is also simplified with an H4 EAD card. However, obtaining one can be a lengthy process, typically taking 1.5 to 2 years for the H1B visa holder to complete the PERM and I-140 application. Some H4 visa holders who wish to contribute financially to their family or kickstart their career in the US sooner may opt to enroll in Day 1 CPT universities to utilize CPT work authorization and explore internship opportunities while pursuing a US degree simultaneously.

H4 Grace Period Exhausted The H4 visa is subject to strict regulations based on the primary H1B holder's status. If the H1B holder is laid off or decides to divorce an H4 visa holder, the H4 visa holder may also risk losing their legal status in the US. In the event of a layoff, the H4 holder is granted a 60-day grace period. However, in the case of a divorce, once the divorce is finalized, the H4 holder will immediately lose their status and be required to leave the country. Some H4 visa holders may seek to transition out of their dependent status. In such instances, they may explore changing their status from H4 to F1 by enrolling in universities that allow for day 1 CPT, enabling them to work while pursuing their studies in the US. This option also serves as a safety net for the primary H1B holder in the event of a layoff, as they can then apply for an F2 dependent visa to remain in the US legally.

I-20 Reinstatement

International students often face challenges that domestic students may not encounter, such as the risk of losing their legal status if they are unable to fulfill their student obligations. Adapting to a new environment in the US can be difficult for some international students, leading to a drop in GPA or even expulsion from certain schools. In such situations, students are left with limited time to take action, potentially jeopardizing their studies in the US. Fortunately, Day 1 CPT universities offer multiple intakes throughout the year, providing a valuable option for students seeking to reinstate their I-20 status.

Day 1 CPT Universities Map

Day 1 CPT Universities on the West Coast

Westcliff University

📍Location: Irvine, CA
🗂️ Programs: MBA (STEM), MSCS (STEM), MSEM(STEM), MSIT (STEM), DBA (STEM), MA TESOL
💰 Program Tuition: $28,620（Master）/$51,300 (DBA)
⏱️ Program Duration: 1- 4 years depending on the program
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / month
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Sofia University

📍Location: Palo Alto, CA; Cost Mesa, CA
🗂️ Programs: MAB, MSCS (STEM)
💰 Program Tuition: $20,280 - $20,450
⏱️ Program Duration: 2 years
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / month
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Waiver & Referral Bonus Available if apply through CPTDog

CIAM

📍 Location: Alhambra, CA
🗂️ Programs: MBA
💰 Program Tuition: $24,000
⏱️ Program Duration: 2 years
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Waiver & Referral Bonus Available if apply through CPTDog

University of the Cumberlands

📍 Location: Kentifield, CA
🗂️ Programs: EMBA, MSIT, MSPM, MSISS, MSAI, MSCE, Ph.D. in IT, Ph.D. in Business, Ph.D. in Leadership, etc
💰 Program Tuition: $17,500 - $46200
⏱️ Program Duration: 20 months - Master | 3-4 years - PhD
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Waiver & Referral Bonus Available if apply through CPTDog

Campbellsville University

📍 Locations: Lathrop, CA；Costa Mesa, CA；
🗂️ Programs: PMBA | IT Management | CS | CS -Cloud Computing | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
💰 Program Tuition: $16,500 -$19.800
⏱️ Program Duration: 20-24 months
🔺 On-Site Visit: 1 weekend / Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Waiver & Referral Bonus Available if apply through CPTDog

Humphreys University

📍 Location: Stockton, CA
🗂️ Programs: MBA-IT
💰 Program Tuition: $21,000
⏱️ Program Duration: 2.5 years
🔺 On-Site Visit: 1 weekend / Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Wavier

Day 1 CPT Universities in the Midwest

Ottawa University

📍 Location: Brookfield, WI; Overland Park, KS
🗂️ Programs: MBA, MSBA[STEM], MS-Engineering Management[STEM], MS-Information Studies[STEM]
💰 Program Tuition: $17,250
⏱️ Program Duration: 1-3 years depending on how you arrange courses
🔺 On-Site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Year
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Wavier

Campbellsville University

📍 Locations: Campbellsville, KY; Louisville, KY; Harrodsburg, KY; Elgin, IL
🗂️ Programs: PMBA | IT Management | CS | CS -Cloud Computing | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
💰 Program Tuition: $16,500 -$19.800
⏱️ Program Duration: 20-24 months
🔺 On-Site Visit: 1 weekend / Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Waiver & Referral Bonus Available if apply through CPTDog

Day 1 CPT Universities in the South

Westcliff University

📍Location: Miami, FL
🗂️ Programs: MBA (STEM), MSCS (STEM), MSEM(STEM), MSIT (STEM), DBA (STEM), MA TESOL
💰 Program Tuition: $28,620（Master）/$51,300 (DBA)
⏱️ Program Duration: 1- 4 years depending on the program
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / month
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Tennesse Wesleyan University

📍 Location: Knoxville, TN
🗂️ Programs: EMBA | MS Business Analytics (STEM) | MS Project Management
💰 Program Tuition: $18,000
⏱️ Program Duration: 1- 2 years
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester

National Louis University

📍Location: Tampa, FL
🗂️ Programs: DBA, MS Business Data Analytics(STEM)
💰 Program Tuition: $23,700 - $49,920
⏱️ Program Duration: 15 months - MSDA | 3.5- 4 years - DBA
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Texas Wesleyan University

📍Location: Fort Worth, TX
🗂️ Programs: MBA
💰 Program Tuition: $30,600
⏱️ Program Duration: 15 months
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester

McDaniel College

📍Location: Westminster, MD
🗂️ Programs: MS Data Analytics
💰 Program Tuition: $20,250
⏱️ Program Duration: 2 years
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Year

DBU

📍Location: Dallas, TX
🗂️ Programs: MS Information Technology and Management [STEM], MS Management [STEM], MBA [STEM],
💰 Program Tuition: $20,250
⏱️ Program Duration: 2 years
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Year

University of the Cumberlands

📍 Location: Irving, TX
🗂️ Programs: EMBA, MSIT, MSPM, MSISS, MSAI, MSCE, Ph.D. in IT, Ph.D. in Business, Ph.D. in Leadership, etc
💰 Program Tuition: $17,500 - $46,200
⏱️ Program Duration: 20 months - Master | 3-4 years - PhD
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / Semester
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester
💸 Scholarship: Application Fee Waiver & Referral Bonus Available if apply through CPTDog

Day 1 CPT Universities on the East Coast

Monroe College

📍Location: New Rochelle, NY
🗂️ Programs: MBA, MSCS [STEM], MS Data Science [STEM], Data Science Certificate Program
💰 Program Tuition: $25,908 - $38,112
⏱️ Program Duration: 1-2 year
🔺 On-site Visit: 1 / month
🔹 CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Day 1 CPT Universities - 2024 Edition

What Are Day 1 CPT Universities?

Are they different from traditional universities?

Yes:

No:

Who Should Apply to Day 1 CPT Universities

Day 1 CPT Universities Map

Explore Day 1 CPT Universities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Day 1 CPT Universities on the West Coast

Day 1 CPT Universities in the Midwest

Day 1 CPT Universities in the South

Day 1 CPT Universities on the East Coast

Day 1 CPT Universities Cost

Cost Calculator

Day 1 CPT Enrollment Windows (2025 -2026)

CIAM - Jan

Westcliff University - Jan

New England College - Jan

Monroe College - Jan

National Louis University - Jan

McDaniel University - Jan

Harrisburg University - Jan

National Louis University - Jan

University of the Potomac - Jan

Saint Peter's University - Feb

New England College - Mar

Westcliff University - Mar

Harrisburg University - Mar

University of the Potomac - Mar

Monroe College - Apr

Sofia University - Apr

University of the Potomac - Apr

Westcliff University - May

National Louis University - May

New England College - May

Saint Peter's University - May

Harrisburg University - May

Westcliff University - Jun

Harrisburg University - Jul

New England College - Jul

Saint Peter's University - Jul

Sofia University - Jul

Humphreys University - Jul

University of the Potomac - Jul

National Louis University - Aug

CIAM - Aug

Ottawa University - Aug

Harrisburg University - Aug

McDaneil College - Aug

Westcliff University - Sep

National Louis University - Sep

Monroe College - Sep

New England College - Sep

Sofia University - Sep

Humphreys University - Sep

CIAM - Oct

Westcliff University - Oct

Harrisburg University - Oct

Ottawa University - Oct

New England College - Nov

Day 1 CPT News & Blogs

The White Paper for F-1 Students

H-1B Layoffs in 2024: Actionable Tips and What to Expect in 2025

How Trump's Policies Will Impact Indian Students on OPT, H-1B, and H-4 Visas in 2025 and Beyond

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