Established in 1962, Sullivan University stands out among Day 1 CPT universities, offering career-focused education from associate to doctoral levels. Renowned for its Business and Culinary Arts programs, Sullivan has broadened its academic portfolio to include five professional colleges in fields like allied health, business technology, and more, catering to a diverse student body of approximately 2,498 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With a low faculty-to-student ratio of 10:1 and notable contributions such as providing meals for NASA, Sullivan ensures a comprehensive learning experience. Accredited by the SACSCOC and recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Sullivan is a key player in the landscape of Day 1 CPT universities, despite not participating in US News Rankings. 

Day-1 CPT Programs:

EMBA, MSMIT, MSM, Ph.D. in Management - IT

Estimated Tuition:

Master’s: $375 per credit hour

Ph.D.: $660 per credit hour

For a 48-credit master’s, base tuition is $18,000; for a 90-credit Ph.D., base tuition is $59,400. 

Sullivan University Intro

Day 1 CPT Policy

◎ F1 students & CPT Eligibility 

Sullivan University, adhering to USCIS regulations, grants CPT work authorization to its students. In programs like EMBA, MSMIT, Dual Degree (MBA&MSMIT), and MSM (experiential learning track), students must complete four specific Knowledge Management Practicum courses (MGT596, MGT597, MGT696, and MGT697; 1 credit each), integrating theoretical knowledge with practical work experience from the outset of their enrollment. This requirement also extends to Ph.D. in Management students with an IT Management Concentration, who must take four equivalent practicum courses (CSC734, CSC735, CSC736, and CSC737; 1 credit each) for practical knowledge application.

Practicum courses necessitate attendance at unified sessions during the 1st, 5th, and 8th weeks of the semester, with any absence leading to the revocation of CPT authorization. Initially, enrollment in these courses is mandatory for the first four semesters, enabling students to engage in CPT. Beyond this phase, students can continue CPT without enrolling in practicum courses, avoiding the additional credit fee.

◎ Day-1 CPT Class Format

Sullivan University offers a streamlined academic year for F1 visa students, characterized by:

• Four Semesters Annually: 11 weeks of classes with a 2-week break between terms.
• Course Requirements:
  • First Four Semesters: Mandatory Knowledge Management Practicum courses plus one Onsite and one Online course each semester.
  • Onsite Course Attendance: Required during the 1st, 5th, and 8th weeks. Practicum classes on Fridays (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM); Onsite courses on Saturdays (8:30 AM - 5 PM). From the fifth semester, only Saturday attendance required.
  • Online Course: Offers flexibility with pre-recorded lessons and deadlines for assignments and exams.
• Schedule Adjustments: Announced in advance for holidays.
• Semester Break: After three consecutive semesters, eligible for a break (CPT not available during this period) upon consultation with the DSO.

This structure allows Sullivan University students to balance rigorous academic commitments with personal downtime effectively.

◎ CPT Application 

1. For the initial four semesters, students are required to enroll in Knowledge Management Practicum courses, a requirement that is waived from the fifth semester onwards.
2. Students must provide their CPT application documents, including the Offer Letter and the employer-signed CPT Cooperation Agreement, to the school's Designated School Official (DSO).
3. Once the CPT is approved, students are issued a new I-20, enabling them to commence employment according to the CPT start date specified on the I-20.
4. Typically, CPT applications are processed after the first semester begins, with CPT authorization becoming effective within the first week. For future semesters, students are encouraged to apply for CPT in advance to maintain continuous authorization without any interruptions.