Day 1 CPT Universities: 7 Factors for the Right Choice

Students with different situations have different concerns regarding which Day 1 CPT programs and which Day 1 CPT universities to choose. These concerns include but are not limited to locations, on-site frequency, tuition, scholarships, payment frequency, application deadlines, etc. We help you apply for popular Day 1 CPT universities with components you care about the most. Use this article as a screening tool to figure out which Day 1 CPT program and Day 1 CPT school is the best one for you. If you still have a hard time making up your mind, call us, and our experts will explain the pros and cons of different choices to you in depth.

  1. Based on Locations

  2. Based on Your Occupation

  3. Tuition and Scholarships

  4. On-site Requirement

  5. For-Profit & Non-Profit

  6. Application Deadlines

  7. Compare by using other perimeters

Day 1 CPT Universities Near You

Locations are important for three reasons:

  • Convenient

  • Save money on commute

  • Lower RFE rate

It goes without saying that convenience and money-saving are two important reasons. However, the third reason — lower RFE rate — also deserves attention. 

It is crucial to understand that holding a F1 visa means you're committed to advancing your knowledge and practical skills through academic study. Therefore, it is your obligation to demonstrate this commitment to the US government.

If the Day 1 CPT program you choose is too far away from where you live or barely requires on-site attendance, it might appear to the USCIS that you are not genuinely committed to study and leading to suspicions of F1 visa fraud.

day 1 cpt universities

Matching Day 1 CPT Universities with Popular Locations

What came before the Big Bang?

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Day 1 CPT Courses Fits Your Career

When choosing the Day 1 CPT program, or some people call it Day 1 CPT courses, you want to follow 3 main principles:

  • The Day 1 CPT Program you choose should be as different as it can be from your last degree
  • The Day 1 CPT Program you choose should be as close as to your JD
  • The Day 1 CPT Program you choose ideally should be one level up than your last degree

Choose Base on Your Career

Management

Westcliff University

  • Master of Business Administration (STEM)

  • Doctor of Business Administration (STEM)

  • Master of Science in Engineering Management (STEM)

Sofia University

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Business Administration

Ottawa University

  • Executive Master of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Business Administration

CiAM

  • Master of Business Administration

Monroe College

  • Master of Business Administration

New England College

  • Executive Master of Business Administration

National Louis University

  • Doctor of Business Administration

University of the Potomac

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Business Administration
Data Related/Business Analytics

Westcliff University

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Business Administration

California Institute of Advanced Management

  • Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics

Monroe College

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Master of Science in Data Science (STEM)

  • Data Science Certificate

McDaniel College

  • Master of Science in Data Analytics

Saint Peter's University

  • Master of Science in Business Analytics

  • Master of Science in Data Science

New England College

  • Data Science and Analytics, Executive M.S.

Harrisburg University

  • Master of Science in Analytics (STEM)

National Louis University

  • Master of Science in Business Data Analytics (STEM)

University of the Potomac

  • Master of Science in Data Analytics (STEM)

Information Technology (IT)

Westcliff University

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Business Administration

  • Master of Science in Information Technology

Ottawa University

  • Executive Master of Business Administration

Monroe College

  • Master of Business Administration

New England College

  • Information Technology & Cybersecurity, Executive M.S.

  • Information Technology & Project Management, Executive M.S.

Humphreys University

  • Master of Business Administration

Harrisburg University

  • Information Systems Engineering and Management, M.S. (STEM)

  • Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management, M.S. (STEM)

  • Techpreneurship, M.S. (STEM)

University of the Potomac

  • Master of Information Technology (STEM)

  • Doctor of Information Technology (STEM)
Computer Science (CS)

Westcliff University

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Business Administration

  • Master of Science in Computer Science

Sofia University

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (STEM)

Monroe College

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (STEM)

Harrisburg University

  • Computer Information Sciences, M.S. (STEM)

University of the Potomac

  • Master of Science in Computer Science (STEM)

  • Doctor of Computer Science (STEM)
UX/UI

Harrisburg University

  • MS Human-Centered Interaction Design

  • MS Project Management

New England College

  • Master of Science in IT & PM

Accounting/Finance

Westcliff University

  • MBA - Financial Management

Monroe College

  • MBA - Accounting

  • MBA - Finance

University of the Potomac

  • MS Accounting

Medical/Health Care/Pharma/Nursing

Westcliff University

  • Healthcare Administration

Monroe College

  • Health Care Management

Ottawa University

  • Health Care Management

Harrisburg University

  • Healthcare Informatics, MS (STEM)

  • Biotechnology, MS (STEM)

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MS (STEM)

University of the Potomac

  • MS Healthcare Informatics (STEM)

  • MS Healthcare Administration
Supply Chain

Westcliff University

  • MBA - Supply Chain

Monroe College

  • MBA - Supply Chain

Others

Talk to our experts to see which Day 1 CPT program suites you the best and get your personalized Day 1 CPT university list >>> Contact Us

Day 1 CPT Tuitions & Scholarships

Day 1 CPT Universities Degree Tuition Fee by year By semester/ quater By credit Credit Required Total cost Program length
Campbellsville University Master $8,250 $1,650 $550 30 $16,500 20 months
MSCS $9,900 $1,650 $550 36 $19,800 2 years
CiAM MBA $13,000 $4,333 $722 36 $24,000 2 years
Dallas Baptist University Master $21,186 $3,531 $1,177 36 $42,372 2 years
Harrisburg University Master $16,440 $5,480 $830 36 $32,880 2 years
Humphreys University MBA IT $12,000 $3,000 $430 56 $21,000 27 months
ITU Master $18,900 $6,300 $700 39 $27,300 3-4 trimester
PhD $27,000 $9,000 $1,000 60 $27,000 3.5-4 years
McDaniel College Master $10,125 $4,050 $675 30 $20,250 24 months
Monroe College Master $18,750 $6,250 $902 36 $32,472 2 years
MBA $18,750 $6,250 $902 36 $32,472
National Louis University DBA $16,254 $5,418 $774 60 $46,440 40-48 months
New England College Executive Program $8,800 $3,080 $440 40 $17,600 18-22 months
Ottawa University EMBA $13,629 $4,990 $649 42 $27,258 2 years
Saint Peter's University Master $20,412 $5,670 $945 36 $34,020 20 months
MBA $20,412 $5,670 $945 36 $34,020
Sofia University MBA $9,360 - $520 36 $18,720 2 years
MSCS $10,920 - $520 42 $21,840
Sullivan University EMBA/ MSMIT $15,840 $5,280 $660 48 $31,680 2 years
PhD $70,200 $6,240 $780 90 $70,200 3-4 years
Trine University Master/ MBA $9,375 $4,500 $575 30 $18,750 2 year
University of the Cumberlands Master/ MBA $8,750 $1,500 $500 35 $17,500 20 months
PhD $14,000 $2,100 $700 60 $42,000 3-4 years
University of North America Master $10,530 $3,510 $390 54 $21,060 24 months
Westcliff University Master $13,680 $5,320 $760 36 $27,360 2 years
Master (Professional) $14,670 $5,705 $815 36 $29,340
MBA $13,680 $5,320 $760 36 $27,360
Doctorate $16,300 $5,705 $815 60 $48,900 3 years
Doctorate (Professional) $17,900 $6,265 $895 60 $53,700
University of the Potomac Master $11,125 $3,708 $900 36  without scholarship: $34,200
with scholarship: $22,250 (maintaining 3.0 GPA) 
2-3 years
Doctorate $8,880 $2,960 $517 60 $35,520 3-5 years

For more updated information, Contact us

Day 1 CPT Universities Scholarships

Westcliff University

Distinguished Scholarships — up to $10,000

Awarded to a select number of students who demonstrate an aptitude for excellence, a grand vision for the future, and a keen sense of social responsibility to leave the world a better place when they are gone.

Scholarships for Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) — up to $5,000

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a master’s/doctorate degree at Westcliff.

Building Leaders for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (BLEND) Scholarships — up to $2,500

Established for accomplished international students who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Warrior Scholarships — $2,500

Established to support students in overcoming financial barriers to pursuing academic success at Westcliff.

Monroe University

Monroe Scholarship—$1,500-$3,000

Sofia University

Sofia University Scholarship-$1,000-$3,000

*Sofia University provides multiple scholarships depending on students’ merits or financial needs. You may talk to our specialist about which one is suitable for you and how to apply for it. Click here, to schedule a free consultation.

Additional Reading: Sofia University Day 1 CPT

University of the Potomac

Multiple Family Member University of the Potomac Scholarship

families with more than one member attending UOTP concurrently can get a scholarship equal to a 20% reduction in the credit hour tuition rate in effect at that time.

Good Hope Scholarship 

Recipients will receive $1,000 per year for their studies at UOTP toward costs not covered by other financial aids and the expected family contribution.

International Students Tuition Scholarship Program 

This scholarship covers up to 35% of tuition for new full-time international students; it is renewable annually based on academic performance.

Alumni Graduate Student Scholarship:

Current graduate students who already completed an undergraduate or graduate program at UOTP are eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA.

Alumni Doctoral Student Scholarship 

Current doctoral students who already completed a graduate program at UOTP are eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA.

Payment Method and Frequency

Most schools require students to pay tuition at the beginning of each semester. However, few schools have payment plan scheme that allows students to pay tuition every month to lighten their financial burden. They are:

Day 1 CPT Universities On-Site Requirements

With the ease of the pandemic, Day 1 CPT universities resumed their on-site sections. Although it might seem “inconvenient” to some, it indeed is to your own benefit to choose Day 1 CPT universities that have on-site sections and fulfill the on-site requirement. By not complying with the on-site requirements, you may lose your F1 status.

Day 1 CPT Universities Based on On-Site Frequency (Low → High)

Day 1 CPT Universities On-Site Requirement On-Site / Year
Humphrey University 1 / Semester 3 / year
McDaniel University 1 / Semester 3 / year
National Louis University 1 / Semester 3 / year
New England College 1 / Semester 3 / year
Trine University 1 / Semester 3 / year
University of the Cumberlands 1 / Semester 3 / year
Westcliff University 1 / Semester or 1 / Week 3 / year
Ottawa University 2 / Semester 6 / year
Saint Peter's University 2 / Semester 6 / year
CiAM 1 / 1-2 month(s) 6-12 / year
Harrisburg University 3 / Semester 9 / year
ITU 1 / month 12 / year
Monroe College 1 / month 12 / year
Sofia University 1 / month 12 / year
Sullivan University 2 / Semester 12 / year
University of the Potomac bi-weekly 24 / year
DBU bi-weekly 24 / year
 
This is a factor you’d like to take into consideration if your employers are less flexible. The renewal process itself is very simple and takes little time and effort. However, if your HR is not flexible on this, we recommend you choose a Day 1 CPT university that only requires you to renew your CTP once per year to avoid the nuisance.
 

For-Profit vs Non-Profit

If this is your first master’s degree, we recommend you choose a non-profit Day 1 CPT university. If your master’s degree came from a for-profit university, you will not be eligible for the master cap when joining the H1B lottery.
Non-Profit For-Profit
CiAM Westcliff University
New England College Sofia University
Saint Peter's University Monroe University (ex-Monroe College)
McDaniel College University of the Potomac
Goldey-Beacom College Sullivan University
IWU  
Tennessee Wesleyan University  
Harrisburg University  
North Carolina Wesleyan University  
Texas Wesleyan University  
Ottawa University  
Humphreys University  
Trine University  
DBU  
University of the Cumberlands  

Day 1 CPT Academic Calendar 2024 - 2025

  • Transfer Students: at least 1 month before the semester starting date
  • Initial F1 Students: at least 2 months before the semester starting date
  • Emergency Transfer: Contact us. We will connect you directly with the admission officer to expedite the process. An offer letter can be obtained as fast as 2 working days
Day 1 CPT Universities April May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Westcliff University   5/1 6/26   8/28   10/23    
CiAM 4/29         9/2      
DBU   5/30     8/21        
Harrisburg University   5/6   7/8 8/26   10/28    
Humphrey University       7/3     10/2    
ITU   5/8              
McDaniel College   5/22 6/12   8/28   10/23    
Monroe College 4/28         9/8      
National Louis University   5/5     8/25        
New England College   5/15   7/10   9/5   11/6  
Ottawa University 4/28   6/23   8/18   10/13    
University of the Potomac       7/1   9/3 10/28    
Saint Peter's University   5/22       9/5      
Sofia University       7/3     10/2    
Sullivan University     6/26     9/25      
Trine University     6/15   8/22   10/24    
University of the Cumberlands   5/8     8/28        
 

Schools allow you to take semesters off

Many Day 1 CPT universities offer options for breaks or leaves, a crucial consideration for students needing to extend their study period. Extending your study duration in the U.S. can open the door to 2-3 additional opportunities (potentially 4-5 times for doctoral degrees) in the H1B lottery, providing valuable chances for advancing your career and immigration prospects.

If you are interested in learning more, you can see details in our blog: Extending Study and H1B Lottery Opportunities at Day 1 CPT Universities

  • Summer Off: You can only apply for semester offs during summers. Some schools require you to apply for a summer off after 2 semesters of studying, while some schools do not have the restriction.
  • Semester Off: You can apply for 1 semester off after 3 consecutive semesters.

Day 1 CPT Universities
Type of Leave
Maximum times
Westcliff University
Semester Off
1
Sofia University
Semester Off
1
Monroe University (ex-Monroe College)
Semester Off
1
Saint Peter's University
Summer Off
1
McDaniel College
Summer Off
1
University of the Potomac
Semester Off
2
Humphreys University
Semester Off
1
Trine University
Summer Off
1

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Day 1 CPT Universities - Free Consultation