TABLE OF CONTENTS
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: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.
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.
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 Tuition
If we only talk about tuitions, normally:
- For master's program it usually cost around $15,000 - $30,000 /program.
- For doctoral program it usually cost around $50,000 /program
However, selecting the ideal university for your Day 1 CPT program involves more than just comparing tuition fees. While managing financial challenges is a significant concern for international students, and tuition costs are certainly a key factor, it's crucial to also consider elements like:
Day 1 CPT Total Cost Breakdown & The Hidden Fees
Finding the most cost-effective Day 1 CPT universities requires evaluating overall value, not just tuition. This includes considering factors like transportation, textbooks, processing fees, and the financial benefits of scholarships, referral bonuses, and Day 1 CPT employment income.
For a comprehensive evaluation, here's a checklist focusing on both "Day 1 CPT universities" and "Day 1 CPT Cost":
Cost & Fees
☑ Tuition Fees: Tuition for Day 1 CPT universities varies based on accreditation, program type, and location. Periodic promotions and scholarships may also impact costs. For the latest tuition information, visit our website or contact our consultants. Usually, a master's level program should cost you $15,000 - $30,000 /program for tuition only. If the price is way lower or way higher than this range, be aware.
☑ Commute and Accommodation: Most Day 1 CPT universities require few on-site visits to maintain legal status and CPT authorization. However, attending out-of-state schools can lead to significant costs for travel and accommodation. Since not all campuses offer every program, it's crucial to confirm your program's availability to avoid unnecessary travel expenses. We recommend consulting with our advisors or former students for accurate and current information.
☑ Textbook: Some universities may charge a separate fee for textbooks or online study materials, which may not be included in their advertised tuition costs. Students may only become aware of these additional fees after enrolling. On the other hand, universities like CIAM may include all costs in a "comprehensive fee," covering tuition, CPT processing fees, and even parking expenses.
☑ CPT Process Fees: Some schools may charge this fee after students have enrolled, which can be unexpected. We rely on feedback from our students to uncover these hidden costs. To support the international student community, we encourage you to report any additional fees you encounter, and we will share this information with our future students, as well as negotiate with the school on your behalf. Let's work together to create a supportive community that looks out for each other.
☑ Medical Insurance: Many of our students have secured fantastic internship opportunities where their employer covers their medical insurance costs. However, some of the schools they have chosen to attend may require them to purchase additional medical insurance, leading to extra expenses. Most Day 1 CPT universities do not mandate buying insurance from them, and there should be a way to waive it if you can provide proof of coverage, as per USCIS regulations for F1 students.
Potential Earnings or Discounts:
☑ Financial Aid and Scholarships: Some universities may have a higher tuition cost, but they also offer numerous scholarship opportunities. For instance, Westcliff University boasts a 60% chance of receiving a scholarship.
☑ Program Duration: Longer programs might offer better education and job readiness, also, more chances to enter H1B lottery, potentially offering better value despite higher costs.
☑ Summer Vacations: Some Day 1 CPT universities allow a summer break where students can work through CPT without paying tuition. Although these programs might have higher total tuition, the cost spread over the program duration can lead to lower monthly expenses, offering a cost advantage over programs with continuous tuition but no summer earnings opportunity.
☑ Administrative Support: A frequent issue is the lack of post-enrollment support at some Day 1 CPT universities, particularly those with lower tuition. This shortfall in administrative assistance can hinder students' ability to apply for CPT timely. Higher tuition institutions often reinvest in comprehensive support, employing skilled instructors and staff to help with student inquiries and CPT applications.
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We interviewed a former Day 1 CPT student who has successfully transitioned to H1B status. He shared his experiences studying at New England College and the University of the Cumberlands, both of which are featured on our "top 3 cheapest Day 1 CPT universities" list. Additionally, he has friends who attended Harrisburg University, a popular but more expensive option on the east coast. Read his insights on navigating hidden fees in his story here.
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Top 3 Most Affordable Day 1 CPT Universities
Focusing solely on tuition, these institutions are often cited as the "most affordable Day 1 CPT universities."
Yet, feedback from our students reveals that the University of the Cumberlands and Campbellsville University include several "hidden costs" that emerge only after enrollment.
CPTDog has assisted numerous students in transferring out of these two universities. We believe it's our duty to share this information, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with Day 1 CPT before making your decision.
$16,500 / Program
$ 17,500 / Program
$17,952 / Program
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities Near You
Location plays a crucial role in making your Day 1 CPT experience more affordable. While most Day 1 CPT programs require student attendance only once per semester, traveling across the state for school can significantly increase your costs, including commute and accommodation expenses.
For programs that require on-site attendance once a month, we strongly recommend choosing them only if you live nearby. Many of our students had to transfer from such schools because the transportation costs were unmanageable, and their employers were not supportive of the frequent days off needed to attend on-site classes.
*Note: The cost difference between two CPT schools can reach up to $9,000 for the entire program. When you factor in transportation and additional expenses, the variation can be even greater. Therefore, making the right choice could save you thousands of dollars. If your situation is complex, consider consulting with CPTDog's advisors. They can provide guidance or share experiences from others in similar situations to help you make an informed decision.
Top 3 Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities in the West
- 1. CIAM
- 2. Trine
- 3. UC
CIAM
🗂️ Program: MBA
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $667
🔹 Tuition: $24,000 （36 Credit Program）
🔹 Other Fees*: N/A
💰 Annual Cost: $12,000
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,000
👉 Payment Plan: ⊗
*At CIAM, there are no hidden costs, not even for parking! Additionally, CIAM stands out as the only Day 1 CPT university that offers free lunch to students during their on-site visits. CIAM has $75 application fee, which can be waived by CPTDog.
Trine University
🗂️Master's Program:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $575
🔹 Tuition: $17,250 （30 Credit Program）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ CPT = 1.5 credit/year = $862.5
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $500
⨠ Medical Issuance = $ 1650 (waivable )
💰 Annual Tuition: $12,000
🔺 Monthly Cost: $859 - $1,760 *
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
*The Master's program at Trine University typically takes 18 months to complete. However, students have the option to take a summer break while continuing to utilize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by paying for the CPT credit hour. This allows for the completion of the program in 2 years, reducing the average monthly cost to approximately $859.
*Some students may choose to complete the 18-month Master's program in just 12 months, which would increase the monthly cost to approximately $1,760.
🗂️ Doctor of IT:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $700
🔹 Tuition: $42,000（60 Credit Program）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ CPT = 1.5 credit/year = $862.5
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $500
⨠ Medical Insurance / year = $ 1650 (waivable)
💰 Annual Tuition*: $13,375 - $9,362.5 (w/Medical Insurance)
🔺 Monthly Cost*: $1114.5 - $780 (w/Medical Insurance)
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
*The DIT program at Trine University requires 60 credits to graduate. As F1 full-time students, you must enroll in at least 6 credits each semester. Although the academic year includes three semesters, you have the option to take the summer off while still utilizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by paying the CPT credit hour fees. Consequently, the DIT program can be completed in as little as 3.5 years or up to 5 years, depending on your pace.
University of the Cumberlands
🗂️ Master's Program:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $549🔹 Tuition: $19,215 （35 Credit Program - 20 months）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ Application Fee = $30
⨠ Executive Processing Fee = $300
💰 Annual Tuition: $11,700
🔺 Monthly Cost: $975
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Doctoral Program - Business:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $749🔹 Tuition: $49,434（66 Credit Program - 3-4 years）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ Application Fee = $30
⨠ Executive Processing Fee = $300
⨠ CPT Fee/Yr = 2,247
💰 Annual Tuition: $14,688 - $ 23,329
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,224 - $1,944
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Doctoral Program - IT:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $749🔹 Tuition: $44,940（60 Credit Program - 3-4 years）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ Application Fee = $30
⨠ Executive Processing Fee = $300
⨠ CPT Fee/Yr = 2,247
💰 Annual Tuition: $13,002 - $ 17,337
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,083 - $1,444
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
Top 3 Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities on the East Coast
- 1. NEC
- 2. McDaniel
- 3. Monroe
New England College
🗂️ Program: MSDA | MS IT & Cybersecurity
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $462🔹 Tuition: $16,632（36 Credit Program - 20 months）
🔹 Other Fees *:
⨠ Application Fee = $50 (Fill the Form to Waive it)
⨠ M iscellaneous Fee/year = $660
💰 Annual Cost: $ 10,630
🔺 Monthly Cost: $ 887
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Program: MBA | MS IT & PM
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $462
🔹 Tuition: $18,480（40 Credit Program - 2 years）
🔹 Other Fees*:
⨠ Application Fee = $50 (Fill the Form to Waive it)
⨠ Miscellaneous Fee/year = $660
💰 Annual Cost: $ 9,990
🔺 Monthly Cost: $ 825
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
*Programs are designed to be completed within different time frames, resulting in varying annual tuition costs. You can also calculate the base tuition by multiplying the per credit hour cost by the number of credits you plan to take each semester.
McDaniel College
🗂️ Program: MS Data Analytics
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $689🔹 Tuition: $20,670（30 Credit Program - 2 years）
🔹 Other Fees *:
⨠ Administrative Fee = $105 / Semester
⨠ Residency Fee/year = $204 / Semester
⨠ Practicum Fee: $200/ Semester
💰 Annual Cost: $ 11,098
🔺 Monthly Cost: $ 925
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
Monroe College
🗂️ Program: 1st US Master's
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $944
🔹 Tuition: $33,984（36 Credit Program - 2 -2.3 year）
🔹 Other Fees *:
⨠ Application Fee = $50 (Fill the Form to Waive it)
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $100
⨠CPT Fee = $944 / Semester
💰 Annual Cost: $17,648 - $20,296
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,470 - $1,691
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Program: 2nd US Master's
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $580
🔹 Tuition: $20,880（36 Credit Program - 2 -2.3 year）
🔹 Other Fees*:
⨠ Application Fee = $50 (Fill the Form to Waive it)
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $100
⨠CPT Fee = $580 / Semester
💰 Annual Cost: $10,843 - $12,470
🔺 Monthly Cost: $903 - $1,039
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Program: Advanced Certificate
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $634
🔹 Tuition: $11,412（18 Credit Program - 1 year）
🔹 Other Fees*:
⨠ Application Fee = $50 (Fill the Form to Waive it)
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $100
⨠ CPT Fee = $634 / Semester
💰 Annual Cost: $13,314
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,109
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
Top 3 Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities in the Midwest
- 1. Trine
- 2. UC
- 3. Campbellsville
Trine University
🗂️Master's Program:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $575
🔹 Tuition: $17,250 （30 Credit Program）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ CPT = 1.5 credit/year = $862.5
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $500
⨠ Medical Issuance = $ 1650 (waivable )
💰 Annual Tuition: $12,000
🔺 Monthly Cost: $859 - $1,760 *
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
*The Master's program at Trine University typically takes 18 months to complete. However, students have the option to take a summer break while continuing to utilize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by paying for the CPT credit hour. This allows for the completion of the program in 2 years, reducing the average monthly cost to approximately $859.
*Some students may choose to complete the 18-month Master's program in just 12 months, which would increase the monthly cost to approximately $1,760.
🗂️ Doctor of IT:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $700
🔹 Tuition: $42,000（60 Credit Program）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ CPT = 1.5 credit/year = $862.5
⨠ Enrollment Fee = $500
⨠ Medical Insurance / year = $ 1650 (waivable)
💰 Annual Tuition*: $13,375 - $9,362.5 (w/Medical Insurance)
🔺 Monthly Cost*: $1114.5 - $780 (w/Medical Insurance)
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
*The DIT program at Trine University requires 60 credits to graduate. As F1 full-time students, you must enroll in at least 6 credits each semester. Although the academic year includes three semesters, you have the option to take the summer off while still utilizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by paying the CPT credit hour fees. Consequently, the DIT program can be completed in as little as 3.5 years or up to 5 years, depending on your pace.
University of the Cumberlands
🗂️ Master's Program:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $549🔹 Tuition: $19,215 （35 Credit Program - 20 months）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ Application Fee = $30
⨠ Executive Processing Fee = $300
💰 Annual Tuition: $11,700
🔺 Monthly Cost: $975
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Doctoral Program - Business:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $749🔹 Tuition: $49,434（66 Credit Program - 3-4 years）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ Application Fee = $30
⨠ Executive Processing Fee = $300
⨠ CPT Fee/Yr = 2,247
💰 Annual Tuition: $14,688 - $ 23,329
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,224 - $1,944
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Doctoral Program - IT:
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $749🔹 Tuition: $44,940（60 Credit Program - 3-4 years）
🔹 Other Fees:
⨠ Application Fee = $30
⨠ Executive Processing Fee = $300
⨠ CPT Fee/Yr = 2,247
💰 Annual Tuition: $13,002 - $ 17,337
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,083 - $1,444
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
Campbellsville University
🗂️ Program: MSITM、MSCS、MSCC
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $550
🔹 Tuition: $16,500 （30 Credit Program - 20 months）
💰 Annual Tuition: $9,900
🔺 Monthly Cost: $825
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Program: PMBA、MSDSAI
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $550
🔹 Tuition: $19,800 （36 Credit Program - 24 months）
💰 Annual Tuition: $9,900
🔺 Monthly Cost: $825
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
Top 3 Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities in the South
- 1. Campesville
- 3. NLU
- 2. Westcliff
Campesville University
🗂️ Program: MSITM、MSCS、MSCC
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $550
🔹 Tuition: $16,500 （30 Credit Program - 20 months）
💰 Annual Tuition: $9,900
🔺 Monthly Cost: $825
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ Program: PMBA、MSDSAI
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $550
🔹 Tuition: $19,800 （36 Credit Program - 24 months）
💰 Annual Tuition: $9,900
🔺 Monthly Cost: $825
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
National Louis University
🗂️ Program: MSBDA
MS Quarter cost: $4,740 (5 total quarters).The tuition is the same every quarter and must be paid in full by the start of each quarter.
The total program cost is $23,700.
🗂️ Program: DBA
DBA Semester cost: $4,992 (10 semesters + dissertation).The semester tuition is the same every semester and must be paid in full by the start of each semester.
The total program cost is $49,920 (international student rate).
Westcliff University
🗂️ Master's Program
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $855
🔹 Tuition: $30,780 (36 Credit Program - 24-28 months)
🔹 Other Fees*:
⨠ CPT /year = $2,565
⨠ Application Fee = $ 50 (Wavie)
⨠ Registration Fee = $25/Semester
💰 Annual Tuition: $15,831 - $18,030
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,319 - $1,502
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
🗂️ DBA
🔹 Per Credit Hour: $940
🔹 Tuition: $56,400 (60 Credit Program - 36-48 months)
🔹 Other Fees*:
⨠ CPT /year = $2,565
⨠ Application Fee = $ 50 (Wavie)
⨠ Registration Fee = $25/Semester
💰 Annual Tuition: $16,7401 - $21,440
🔺 Monthly Cost: $1,395 - $1,786
👉 Payment Plan: ✓
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities in the US
| US Locations | Day 1 CPT Universities | Tuition Per Year | Price Per Credit | Total Credits | Total Cost | Average Length (in years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast | New England College | $9,352 - $10,167 | $440 | 36 - 40 | $16,944 - $18,704 | 2 |
| West, Central | Trine University | $9,375 | $575 | 30 | $18,687 | 2 |
| East | McDaniel College | $10,125 | $675 | 30 | $20,250 | 2 |
| Central | University of Cumberlands | $11,529 | $549 | 35 | $17,500 | 1.5 |
| West Coast | Sofia University | $9,360 - $10,920 | $520 | 36 - 48 | $18,720 - $24,960 | 2 - 2.5 |
| West Coast | Humphreys University | $9,400 | $430 | 56 | $21,000 | 2.5 |
Day 1 CPT Free Consultation
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✓ One-on-One Free Consultation
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✓ 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.