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Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities
Day 1 CPT provides international students in the U.S. with a distinctive chance to acquire essential work experience as they pursue their studies. When selecting Day 1 CPT universities with a budget in mind, it's crucial to factor in three elements that can significantly influence the overall cost of your program: Tuition, Location, and On-site Frequency.
How much does it cost for Day 1 CPT Universities?
Based on our tuition comparison table, the lowest total master’s tuition among the Day 1 CPT universities we track is at Indiana Wesleyan University ($14,970), Lamar University ($15,161), and Tennessee Wesleyan University ($18,000).
How to read this ranking: Figures are estimated total tuition for the full program (cost per credit × credits required). They do not include application, technology, CPT processing, or other mandatory fees, books, insurance, travel, or living costs. They also do not reflect scholarships. Fees can change the order, so confirm each school’s full cost of attendance before you apply.
Master’s programs (lowest to highest total tuition)
- Indiana Wesleyan University — $14,970 (30 credits, 20 months)
- Lamar University — $15,161 (30 credits, 16 months)
- Tennessee Wesleyan University — $18,000 (30 credits, 20 months)
- Avila University Arizona — $18,288 (36 credits, 24 months)
- North Carolina Wesleyan University — $19,250 (35 credits, 20 months)
- New England College — $20,400 (40 credits, 24 months)
- McDaniel College — $21,000 (30 credits, 24 months)
- Concordia University Texas — $22,400 (32 credits, 20 months)
- Monroe University — $22,680 (36 credits, 24 months)
- National Louis University — $23,700 (30 credits, 15 months)
- Goldey-Beacom College — $24,156 (36 credits, 24 months)
- Humphreys University — $24,492 (52 quarter credits, 27 months)
- Sofia University — $24,696 (36 credits, 18 months)
- Benedictine University — $26,400 (33 credits, 24 months)
- Alliant University — $28,332 (36 credits, 24 months)
- Westcliff University — $30,060 (36 credits, 24 months)
- Texas Wesleyan University — $30,600 (36 credits, 24 months)
- Ottawa University — $32,214 (42 credits, 24 months)
- Curry College — $32,400 (36 credits, 24 months)
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — $34,380 (36 credits, 24 months)
- Bay Atlantic University — $45,360 (72 credits, 36 months)
Doctoral programs (lowest to highest total tuition)
- Indiana Wesleyan University — $39,000 (60 credits, 36 months)
- Ottawa University — $49,728 (56 credits, 36 months)
- National Louis University — $49,920 (60 credits, 40 months)
- Harrisburg University — $51,552 (36 credits, 36 months)
- Sofia University — $52,110 (54 credits, 36 months)
- Westcliff University — $55,200 (60 credits, 40 months)
- Alliant University — $71,344 (52 credits, 36 months)
A lower total price doesn’t always mean better value. Program length, on-site requirements, CPT fees, and post-enrollment support all affect your real cost. See the hidden-cost breakdown below.
What are the hidden costs?
To figure out the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities, it's important to assess the total value rather than just the tuition fees. This involves taking into account aspects such as transportation, textbooks, processing fees, and the financial advantages of scholarships, referral bonuses, and income from Day 1 CPT employment.
- Commute & Accommodations: Day 1 CPT universities often require minimal campus visits, but attending out-of-state schools can lead to significant travel and accommodation costs. Verify program availability to avoid unnecessary expenses and seek advice for accurate information. GoElite has partnered with Hyatt Group, and we offer up to 15% off discounts for our students. if you are a student and would like to get the promo code, please contact our consultants.
- Textbook: Some universities charge extra for textbooks or materials, while others, like CIAM, offer a "comprehensive fee" that includes all costs.
- CPT Process Fees: Some schools may charge unexpected fees after enrollment. We encourage students to report these costs so we can inform future students and negotiate with schools, fostering a supportive community.
- Medical Insurance: Some students have internships that cover medical insurance, but certain schools may still require additional insurance purchases. Most Day 1 CPT universities allow waivers if proof of coverage is provided, following USCIS rules for F1 students.
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Other Administration Fees: Some Day 1 CPT schools might require students to pay a technology fee for using online services. Additionally, some schools offer a payment plan allowing tuition to be paid monthly, but an extra fee is required to process this application.
Are there any Potential Earnings or Discounts?
Many Day 1 CPT universities offer an extensive range of scholarships and financial aid, specifically tailored for international students. Exploring these avenues can significantly reduce the financial strain, making your educational journey smoother.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Some Day 1 CPT universities might have higher tuition fees, yet they provide a wide array of scholarship opportunities. For example, Westcliff University offers a 60% likelihood of obtaining a scholarship.
- Program Duration: Extended programs may provide enhanced education and job preparedness, as well as increased opportunities to participate in the H1B lottery, potentially delivering greater value even with higher expenses.
- Summer Vacations & Semesters Off: Some Day 1 CPT universities offer a summer break or a semester off after 3 consecutive semesters during which students can engage in CPT work without incurring tuition fees (might have CPT fees, depending on schools' policy). While these programs may have higher overall tuition costs, the expenses distributed over the program's length can result in reduced monthly costs, providing a financial benefit compared to programs with ongoing tuition and no summer earning potential.
- Administrative Support: A common problem is insufficient post-enrollment support at certain Day 1 CPT universities, especially those with lower tuition fees. This lack of administrative help can delay students' CPT application processes. Institutions with higher tuition often allocate resources to provide thorough support, hiring experienced instructors and staff to assist with student questions and CPT applications.
| CPT School | Degree | By Year | By Semester/ By Quarter |
By Credit | Credits Required | Total Cost | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alliant University | Master's | $14,166 | $4,722 | $787 | 36 | $28,332 | 24 months |
| Doctor's | $18,772 | $6,257 | $1,083 | 52 | $56,316 | 36 months | |
| Avila University Arizona | Master's | $9,144 | $3,048 | $508 | 36 | $18,288 | 24 months |
| Bay Atlantic University | Master's | $15,120 | $5,040 | $630 | 72 | $45,360 | 36 months |
| Benedictine University | Master's | $13,200 | $4,400 | $800 | 33 | $26,400 | 24 months |
| Concordia University Texas | Master's | $13,440 | $4,480 | $700 | 32 | $22,400 | 20 months |
| Curry College | Master's | $16,200 | $5,400 | $900 | 36 | $32,400 | 24 months |
| Goldey-Beacom College | Master's | $12,078 | $4,026 | $671 | 36 | $24,156 | 24 months |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | Master's | $17,190 | $5,730 | $955 | 36 | $34,380 | 24 months |
| Doctor's | $17,184 | $5,728 | $1,432 | 36 | $51,552 | 36 months | |
| Humphreys University | Master's | $10,885 | $2,721 | $471 | 52 | $24,492 | 27 months |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Master's | $8,982 | $2,994 | $499 | 30 | $14,970 | 20 months |
| Doctor's | $13,000 | $4,333 | $650 | 60 | $39,000 | 36 months | |
| Lamar University | Master's | $11,370 | $3,790 | $505 | 30 | $15,161 | 16 months |
| McDaniel College | Master's | $10,500 | $3,500 | $700 | 30 | $21,000 | 24 months |
| Monroe University | Bachelor's | $21,030 | $7,010 | $701 | 120 | $84,120 | 48 months |
| Master's | $11,340 | $3,780 | $630 | 36 | $22,680 | 24 months | |
| Certificates | $13,320 | $4,440 | $740 | 18 | $13,320 | 12 months | |
| National Louis University | Master's | $18,960 | $4,740 | $790 | 30 | $23,700 | 15 months |
| Doctor's | $14,976 | $4,992 | $832 | 60 | $49,920 | 40 months | |
| New England College | Master's | $10,200 | $3,400 | $510 | 40 | $20,400 | 24 months |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University | Master's | $11,550 | $3,850 | $550 | 35 | $19,250 | 20 months |
| Ottawa University | Master's | $16,107 | $5,369 | $767 | 42 | $32,214 | 24 months |
| Doctor's | $16,576 | $5,525 | $888 | 56 | $49,728 | 36 months | |
| Sofia University | Master's | $16,464 | $4,116 | $686 | 36 | $24,696 | 18 months |
| Doctor's | $17,370 | $4,343 | $965 | 54 | $52,110 | 36 months | |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University | Master's | $10,800 | $3,600 | $600 | 30 | $18,000 | 20 months |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Master's | $15,300 | $5,100 | $850 | 36 | $30,600 | 24 months |
| Westcliff University | Bachelor's | $23,910 | $7,970 | $797 | 120 | $95,640 | 48 months |
| Master's | $15,030 | $5,010 | $835 | 36 | $30,060 | 24 months | |
| Doctor's | $16,560 | $5,520 | $920 | 60 | $55,200 | 40 months |
East
New England College (Henniker, NH)
- The tuition fee can be varied if the students complete their studies within different time frames.
- Tuition can be paid in monthly installments.
- Executive Master's degrees require students to have a previous US Master's degree and more than 3 years of working experience in the US. An offer letter is a mandatory doc before applying for the degree.
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| CPT Program | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Fee (Estimated) | Annual Tuition Fee |
| Master's | $485 | $19,400 | $9,700 |
McDaniel College (Westminster, MD - Near DC Metropolitan)
- The school will provide free lunch when the students have classes on-site.
- You can take the summer semester off to extend your degree length to utilize your CPT working hours.
| CPT Program | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Fee (Estimated) | Annual Tuition Fee |
| MS in Data Analytics | $700 | $21,000 | $12,600 |
Goldey-Beacom College (Wilmington, DE)
| CPT Program | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Fee (Estimated) | Annual Tuition Fee |
| Master's | $671 | $25,494 | $12,747 |
West
| CPT Program | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Fee (Estimated) | Annual Tuition Fee |
| MS in Computer Science | $590 | $28,280 | $14,160 |
| MBA | $670 | $27,120 - $36,160 | $18,080 |
| DBA | $950 | $55,800 | $24,800 |
Humphreys University (Stockton, CA - Bay Area)
- Low GPA accepted, all college transcripts GPA should be at least 2.75.
- No extra fee for CPT.
Middle
Indiana Wesleyan University (Merrillville, IN & Forney, TX)
- The credit fee is $499. This cost makes IWU one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S.
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| CPT Program | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Fee (Estimated) | Annual Tuition Fee |
| Master's | $499 | $16,970 | $8,982 |
University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY; Florence, KY)
- The credit fee begins at $315, but in most cases, the cost for each credit hour is from $500 - $800, textbook included. This range of cost makes UC one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S.
- If students miss a course, they will be asked to attend makeup classes and pay a $300 fee.
| CPT Program | Cost Per Credit | Credit Hours | Total Tuition Fee (Estimated) | Annual Tuition Fee |
| Master's | $549 | 35 | $19,215 | $11,529 |
| Doctor's - Business/Management | $749 | 66 | $49,434 | $12,359 |
| Doctor's - Information Technology | $749 | 60 | $44,940 | $11,235 |
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Monroe University
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$1,500-$3,000(Monroe Scholarship)
>>> Additional Reading: How to Apply for Day 1 CPT at Monroe
Westcliff University
- $1,000-$10,000 (Westcliff Scholarships)
*With the highest level of accreditation, Westcliff is one of the most popular day 1 CPT universities in California. Westcliff’s DBA program (STEM) can offer you 3.5 years of CPT and 3 years of OPT afterward.
>>> Additional Reading: How to Get $1,000 Scholarship at Westcliff
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