Top Day 1 CPT Universities in the DMV Area (Washington D.C., Maryland & Virginia)

Updates on Oct 20, 2025

If you’re living in the Washington, D.C. metro area and want to continue your graduate studies without putting your career on hold, there’s a growing option among international students — enrolling in a Day 1 CPT university in the DMV region. Whether you’re based in D.C., Maryland, or Northern Virginia, choosing a local Day 1 CPT program lets you keep working while earning your degree, all without the need to relocate or interrupt your professional journey.

What Is Day 1 CPT

Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) enables eligible F-1 international students to begin working in a job related to their field of study from the first semester of their program. Unlike traditional graduate programs that may require a full academic year before starting CPT, Day 1 CPT programs integrate work and study from the beginning.

This means you can legally work while studying — gaining hands-on experience in your field, building your professional network, and strengthening your resume.

And if you’re already in the DMV region, you’re in one of the best places in the U.S. for this path. The area is full of opportunities in tech, consulting, government, international affairs, nonprofits, and cybersecurity - all industries that highly value practical experience and frequently sponsor international talent.

Spotlight: Bay Atlantic University (BAU) in D.C.

Bay Atlantic University (BAU) is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., just steps from the White House. It’s a popular Day 1 CPT choice for students already based in the DMV.

Location & Accessibility

• BAU is located right in Washington, D.C., just steps from the White House.
• If you live in or around the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), this makes it extremely convenient to attend any required on‑site classes, participate in local internships, commute to work and integrate your student‑work‑study experience.

Program & CPT Features

• BAU offers hybrid professional master’s programs (for example in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity) that are STEM‑designated.  
• Their  CPT policy: You may be eligible to begin the practical training component from the first semester.  
• The on‑site requirement is manageable: for many programs, it’s only two weekends per semester of in‑person class time. For international students who live locally or commute, the low frequency of on‑site attendance makes it even more feasible to combine work and study.

Career Advantage

• Being in D.C. provides strategic access to employers who are cap‑exempt for H‑1B visas (non‑profits, NGOs, think‑tanks, universities), plus high‑demand tech firms and government contractors.  
• With the program structure built around internships and practical experience, you can build your resume locally while studying.

Things to Be Aware Of

• You must maintain full‑time enrollment and comply with your program’s on‑site residency rules. For example BAU’s policy states: “Attend all required in‑person sessions (residencies) on campus each semester (online‑only attendance is not allowed).”  
• CPT must be related to your field of study and must be approved by your Designated School Official (DSO) at the university.  
• Accumulating 12 months or more of full‑time CPT at the same academic level can impact your eligibility for OPT later, so careful planning is important.
• Tuition‑costs, living costs, and the specific programme structure (online vs in‑person, number of credits) still need to be considered.

Other Nearby Day 1 CPT Options Worth Considering

If BAU doesn’t match your program or location needs, here are other well‑regarded Day 1 CPT universities within reach of the D.C./Maryland/Virginia (“DMV”) area:

McDaniel College (Westminster, Maryland)

• Located in Maryland, within the broader DMV catchment zone (commutable from many parts of Maryland, and reachable from D.C./Baltimore).
• Offers an MS in Data Analytics (STEM‑designated) with Day 1 CPT eligibility and hybrid format.  
• On‑site requirement is lower (e.g., “1 weekend per semester”) making it easier for students living in or near the DMV who are balancing work.
• More affordable than some D.C.‑metro schools.

✅ Ideal for students living in Maryland or Virginia who prefer lower tuition and fewer in-person sessions.

Goldey‑Beacom College (Wilmington, Delaware)

• Located a bit further (Delaware), but still viable for East Coast/DMV region students.
• Offers business‑ and finance‑oriented programmes (MBA analytical track, MS Finance/Taxation) with Day 1 CPT eligibility.  
• Tuition is relatively affordable compared with many metro‑options.

Ready to explore? Schedule a free consultation today and we’ll help you:

• Identify accredited Day 1 CPT universities in the DMV area tailored to your field
• Compare program formats, tuition, and on‑site requirements
• Walk through CPT policy, visa compliance, and job‑placement support
• Get personalized guidance based on your career goals