Affordable Day 1 CPT Programs Near Georgia at Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU)

As many Southeast-area international students face the expiration of their OPT and unsuccessful H1B visa draws, they often consider relocating to Florida, Washington DC, or other universities for Day 1 CPT programs. However, right near Atlanta, Georgia, there is a cost-effective and historically rich liberal arts college that supports Day 1 CPT—Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Overview of Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU)

Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) has a rich history that dates back to 1854 when it was initially chartered as Odd Fellows Female College. Although it faced financial challenges and never opened under that name, the institution’s journey began in earnest with the completion of Old College in 1857. With support from the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Athens Female College officially opened its doors on September 10, 1858. Today, TWU offers Day 1 CPT programs such as EMBA, EMSBA and EMSPM and serves students from various locations, including nearby cities like Knoxville.

Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) is proudly accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation enables TWU to award both baccalaureate and master’s degrees, ensuring that our academic programs meet rigorous standards of quality and excellence. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or advancing your education with a master’s, TWU provides the credentials you need to succeed.

Location and Accessibility

Located near the Atlanta Metropolitan Area in Atlanta, Georgia, the Day 1 CPT Programs at Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) West Knoxville campus is just a 3.5-hour drive from downtown Atlanta, making it easily accessible for students.

If the students need to take the airplane for the onsite classes, they can choose to fly to McGhee Tyson Airport and take a 20-minute ride on Uber or Lyft to the Day 1 CPT Programs at Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) West Knoxville campus.

Since Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) does not provide stays for the on-site students and each on-site class takes 3 days on campus, so you will need to look for accommodations nearby.

Graduate Programs at TWU

TWU offers several executive Master's programs including:

• Executive M.S. in Business Analytics
• Executive M.B.A. in Business Administration
• Executive M.S. in Project Management

All the listed executive programs above support Day 1 CPT.

TWU Day 1 CPT Policy

Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) provides a Low Residency option for students in Day 1 CPT Executive Programs. To utilize Full-time CPT, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Also, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) allows students to use the CPT earliest 1 month before the new semester starts, which is beneficial for people who hope there's no gap between their jobs.

Day 1 CPT Application Steps

1. Students select internship-related courses.
2. Students submit CPT application materials to the school DSO (Designated School Official) including an Offer Letter and Employer’s Employment Authorization Form.
3. Upon CPT approval, students receive a new I-20 and can start work based on the CPT start date on the I-20.

Class Format for Day 1 CPT

Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU)’s Day 1 CPT Executive Programs typically run for three semesters (15 weeks each) a year, generally completed in 5 semesters. Each semester requires attendance at a three-day in-person session (Friday to Sunday). Failure to attend may result in the loss of F1 status.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships at TWU

Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) offers a significant cost advantage over other CPT schools in the South, with the total expenses for a 1.8 year graduate program not exceeding $22,000. Currently, there are no scholarships available for students in Executive Programs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying at TWU

Advantages:

• Proximity to Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, and Nashville, TN and strategic location in South States
• Use CPT one month ahead the new semester starts
• Minimal on-campus presence required
• Manageable academic workload
• The graduate program duration of 20 months provides additional opportunities for H1B lottery participation
• Simplified application process with minimal documentation required

Disadvantages:

• The location is not friendly for people who don't have a car
• No records regarding Day 1 CPT students
• If you don't work, you still need to pay for CPT fee.

For students who miss the application deadline, as TWU’s official recruitment partner, we offer expedited application processing that can be completed in as little as five days to receive an I-20.

For those looking for a low-tuition CPT school with a robust educational offering near Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, and Nashville, TN, TWU represents an excellent choice. Interested students should register early via TWU or contact us directly for application assistance.