Day 1 CPT Universities on a Budget: The Top 3 Absolute Cheapest Choices and Trade-Off Insights

Updated by Shyla

No. 1 Campbellsville University

Tuition, Locations & Programs

If tuition cost is our sole concern, then Campbellsville University outperforms all other Day 1 CPT universities, with its program costing only 16,500 USD.

💰 $16,500 - $19,800 / Program

📍 Campbellsville University has 6 locations offering hybrid classes and accommodating international students. You can select the one nearest to you to minimize commuting expenses:

• Elgin, IL

• Harrodsburg, KY

• Louisville, KY

• Jacksonville, FL

• Lathrop, CA

• Costa Mesa, CA

📌 Campbellsville University presents 5 master’s programs with a Day 1 CPT option. For those seeking more economical choices, they are as follows:

• Master of Science in Information Technology Management - MSITM ($16,500)

• Master of Science in Computer Science - MSCS ($16,500)

• Master of Science in Cloud Computing - MSCC ($16,500)

The total tuition for the other two programs at Campbellsville, PMBA and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, is slightly higher, amounting to $19,800/program. However, this discrepancy is attributed to the additional credits required for completion. When computing tuition fees per credit, they all equate to $550/credit.

🔖 Whether assessing costs on a per-credit basis or for the entire program, Campbellsville University undeniably stands out as one of the most affordable options.

So, what’s the catch? Why the cost of Day 1 CPT programs can be this different?

Why do different universities charge different tuition fees?

The cost of attending a university can vary significantly from one institution to another due to a variety of factors. In the United States, educational institutions operate independently with their own financial allocations. Certain universities may secure more governmental funding, private donations, and contributions from alumni compared to others. As a result, they have larger budgets to provide enhanced services and superior amenities to students, enabling them to impose higher tuition fees than institutions with more constrained budgets.

Furthermore, universities differ in terms of their reputation. The more esteemed a university is perceived to be, the more likely it is to establish higher tuition fees, as its standing could attract affluent individuals willing to pay extra for an exclusive educational experience. Additionally, different universities offer diverse academic programs at varying costs. For example, if a university provides a program that includes expensive high-tech equipment or a substantial faculty team, its tuition fees might be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, universities located in cities with exceptionally high living costs may require extra funds for day-to-day operations such as staff salaries and facility upkeep, potentially leading to tuition increases.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the chosen university or field of study, the objective remains to obtain a valuable education for the investment made. Thus, conducting thorough research on each university and exploring all available options will ensure a well-informed decision that aligns with both personal interests and financial capabilities.

Other Latent Hazards You Should Weigh in?

Once upon a time, the name Campbellsville University appeared in negative news titled "The US’s broken immigration system is helping two Kentucky Universities enroll thousands of students" (click title to read the original article). Although the issue has been resolved, many students are concerned that simply having "Campbellsville" on their I-20 might impact their status and leave a negative impression on USCIS.

We have thoroughly verified the accreditation status of Campbellsville University for you, confirming its legitimacy. However, due to the aforementioned incident, we have not actively promoted this option to our students. As a result, we do not possess extensive records regarding how many of those who enrolled in Campbellsville University successfully secured H1B visas after being selected in the H1B lottery without RFEs. All of our students who independently opted to attend the university are currently pursuing their studies without any negative occurrences.

The bottom line:

• This university is fully accredited and legitimate

• While it has a history associated with visa abuse, those issues are in the past, and the university has since implemented reforms to prevent any potential misleading messages to USCIS

• If tuition cost is your primary concern, this university might just be what you are looking for

• We have assisted students with applications to Campbellsville University; however, it usually isn't our initial recommendation

• Our consultants will provide you with comprehensive details and backgrounds of any university you consider, along with personalized recommendations. Nevertheless, the final decision is yours to make, and you assume the associated risks.

No. 2 New England College

Tuition, Locations & Programs

💰 $16,944 - $18,704 / Program

📍Located exclusively in Henniker, NH

📌 New England College, also known as NEC, offers 4 master’s level programs that provide Day 1 CPT options:

• Executive MSDA

• Executive MBA

• MSIT & Cyber Security

• MSIT & PM

Similar to Campbellsville, the per-credit cost at NEC remains consistent across all programs: $440. The differences in total costs stem from the varying credit-hour prerequisites of each program.

Among the aforementioned majors, MSDA and MSIT & Cyber Security necessitate 36 credits for graduation. The comprehensive cost for either of these two programs, inclusive of tuition and registration fees, amounts to $16,944. On the other hand, both MBA and MSIT&PM require 40 credits to complete, resulting in a total cost of $18,704.

Potential Drawbacks or Constraints of Choosing NEC

When considering New England College (NEC) as an option, it's worth acknowledging some factors that our students have highlighted through their experiences:

• Firstly, the location of the NEC campus might pose a minor inconvenience for some students. It's situated quite a distance from major transportation centers, which might be a consideration if accessibility is a priority for you. However, if you have access to a car, this aspect may not present a significant challenge.

• Additionally, feedback from our students suggests that NEC falls into the category of Day 1 CPT universities that demand a bit more dedication to their studies. The workload is reported to be moderately higher compared to certain other alternatives. This information could influence your decision-making process, especially if you prefer a study pace that aligns with your work situation.

• Furthermore, all programs offered by NEC have a prerequisite of at least two years of prior working experience. Having a valid offer letter from a U.S. employer at the time of application is also mandatory. This criterion signifies NEC's emphasis on applicants having a certain level of professional exposure and a concrete connection to the U.S. job market.

In conclusion, while considering NEC as a potential university for your Day 1 CPT program, it's important to factor in the location, the academic workload, and the specific admission requirements. These insights from our students provide a more comprehensive view to aid you in making an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and goals.

No. 3 University of the Cumberlands

Tuition, Locations & Programs

💰 $17,500 - $46,200 / Program

📍University of the Cumberlands operates across 4 campuses, all of which provide Day 1 CPT programs. Notably, the campus in the state of Washington has garnered particular popularity. This is largely due to its close proximity to Seattle, where there is a scarcity of Day 1 CPT university options but a great demand for it.

• Williamsburg, KY

• Alexandria, VA

• Irving, TX

• Des Moines, WA

📌 University of the Cumberlands offers a comprehensive array of programs that provide the option of Day 1 CPT. Notably, many of these programs are tailored to accommodate tech-savvy students. The complete list includes:

• MBA

• MS Digital Forensics

• Master in Global Business with Blockchain Technology

• MS Information Systems Security

• MSIT

• Master's in Project Management

• Master's in Strategic Management

• Executive Master's in Cyber-Engineering

• Executive Master's in Finance

• Executive Ph.D. in Information Technology

Why the “absolute cheapest” program might not actually be the absolute cheapest

The concealed strategy that many potential students might not be aware of is that certain Day 1 CPT universities enable you to take a "leave of absence" after a period of study, while still enjoying your CPT work authorization throughout that duration.

What does this entail?

In essence, this means that over approximately three months, you are exempted from attending classes and are not required to pay tuition, yet you retain the privilege of using CPT. If you consider this tuition-free time, other Day 1 CPT universities and programs might prove to be more cost-effective on a per-month basis.

Which Day 1 CPT Universities permit you to take a "leave of absence"?

The following Day 1 CPT universities offer the option to take one semester off after studying for three:

• Westcliff University

• Monroe College

• Sofia University Additionally

And, at this Day 1 CPT University, you can take the "summer semester" off as long as you didn't enroll in the summer:

• Trine University

Conclusion

While we understand that tuition is a major factor when students choose their Day 1 CPT universities and programs, we don't feel comfortable giving a definite answer to all potential students. Cost can be calculated in multiple ways, and tuition is just one part. Besides what we've discussed, your personal transportation expenses also play a significant role in your Day 1 CPT costs. Time and work-life balance are valuable too. That's why some students prefer universities with slightly higher tuition that offer a "leave of absence" option for 3 months.

Let us know your top priority, and our experts will create a personalized shortlist that fits your needs. Even if cost matters the most to you, there are other aspects to consider. Make your demand as detailed as possible, it will help us to find the fittest choice for you. For example, do you want the cheapest overall program or the lowest monthly Day 1 CPT cost? Do you need a payment plan? Is your GPA good enough for extra scholarships? Does your financial situation meet financial aid criteria? Are you okay with sacrificing post-enrollment services in exchange for a lower tuition? (*Sometimes, universities with lower tuition have higher student-to-teacher ratios, causing slower email responses) …

If you're uncertain about which questions to ask or where to begin, that's a good reason to chat with our experts. Drawing from their experiences with other students facing similar dilemmas, they can guide you, helping you identify your key priorities. This clarity will ultimately facilitate your final decision-making process regarding the Day 1 CPT universities that best suit your needs.

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