Best Day 1 CPT Universities in Texas for STEM Students (Austin and DFW Guide 2025–2026)

If you’re a STEM student (or a tech professional) trying to stay work-authorized while earning a U.S. graduate degree, Texas is one of the most practical places to do it. 

In this blog, I’m walking you through three strong Texas options—Westcliff University (Dallas), Concordia University Texas (Austin), and Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth/DFW)—with the details readers actually care about: location, Day 1 CPT-friendly program, onsite cadence and tuition. By the end, you should have a clear front-runner in mind.

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Westcliff University (Dallas):

The STEM toolkit for people who want options

Westcliff University was founded in 1993 and positions itself as career-connected education across business, STEM, and education. It highlights a highly international student community represented by 110 plus countries and holds WSCUC accreditation. If you want a school that feels credible for the long run, not just a short-term stop, those details matter.

Location : Dallas, Texas

Day 1 CPT programs (STEM-friendly angle) :

Westcliff is a strong fit for STEM students because it offers multiple STEM-designated pathways, including MSCS, MSIT, MS Engineering Management, and STEM versions of MBA and DBA tracks. This variety makes it easier to pick a program that matches your actual job duties, which is exactly what most students want when they are trying to keep their story clean and consistent.

Onsite Frequency :

Many working professionals choose the format that requires one onsite weekend per semester. It is easier to manage than weekly attendance and realistic for people with full-time jobs.

Tuition : 

Tuition is typically presented in an annual range around $17,955 to $18,800, with payment options depending on the situation. Scholarships are a standout feature. Westcliff offers awards ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 based on academic background. The application is often straightforward, usually a short essay of about 350 to 500 words plus three supporting documents.

*Contact us for personalized guidance on scholarships and how to apply.

Concordia University Texas (Austin):

Strongest “straight-to-tech” option (MCS)

Concordia University Texas has deep roots in Austin. It traces its founding to 1926, started north of Austin, and later made a major campus move decision in 2005. The university opened its current campus in 2008 on a property described as 437 acres, including a 250 acre nature preserve. It is a calmer campus setting and can be appealing if you are working full time and want a less hectic environment.

Location : Austin, Texas

Day 1 CPT programs (STEM-friendly angle) : 

The school offers an MBA track and is also preparing to launch an MCS (Master of Computer Science). Right now, the MCS is still in the works and has not opened for enrollment yet. For students who want a tech-forward option today, the MBA is the main path, with focus areas such as AI strategy, Data Science, and Learning Technology. 

Onsite frequency : 

The onsite frequency is also friendly for working professionals that is one onsite weekend per semester, paired with a reminder that in-person participation is required for F-1 compliance. 

Tuition : 

Annual tuition is around $13,440 - $23,100, with a GoElite referenced 10% off discounted. * Contact us to secure your tuition discount.

Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth):

MBA for analytics-minded STEM-adjacent paths

Texas Wesleyan is a long-established private university in Fort Worth. It was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. It began as Polytechnic College and has grown into a university anchored in the Polytechnic Heights area of Fort Worth. If you like traditional institutions with local history, this school often feels familiar in a good way.

Location : Fort Worth, Texas (DFW area)

Day 1 CPT programs : 

The main option highlighted here is an MBA. It can be especially attractive if your work is STEM-adjacent and business-facing, such as data analytics or supply chain management. For many professionals, that alignment makes the program feel practical rather than theoretical.

Onsite frequency :

Onsite attendance is required once per semester, typically a weekend, for F-1 students.

Tuition :

Tuition is $850 per credit for 36 credits, for a total of $30,600. Annual tuition is commonly shown around $15,300.

Summary: which Texas school should you choose

• If you want the most flexibility, the widest range of STEM program options, and frequent start timing, Westcliff tends to be the strongest match, especially for tech professionals in the DFW area.
• If you are based in Austin and want a tech-forward path with an easy-to-explain study and work connection, Concordia can be a great fit. The MBA is the main option right now, and the MCS is still being prepared and has not opened for enrollment yet.
• If your role is business-facing and STEM-adjacent, such as analytics, operations, or supply chain, and you prefer a structured MBA path in DFW with very clear tuition math, Texas Wesleyan is often the most straightforward choice.

If you want a personalized recommendation, book a free 1 to 1 consultation with us. We will look at your current status, your work schedule, and your long-term plan, then help you pick a school that fits your life, not just your spreadsheet. 👉 Book a free Day 1 CPT planning session