Top 3 Day 1 CPT Universities near Chicago

Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, is also a hub for manufacturing, finance, and technology. As global semiconductor giants like Intel and SK Hynix invest heavily in the Midwest, data and AI-related CPT programs provide a strategic advantage for students aiming to enter this booming industry. The CPT hybrid programs from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), National Louis University (NLU) and Ottawa University offer flexible options and affordable tuition, making it an excellent choice for international students seeking to combine academic growth with real-world experience near Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.

Why the Midwest is the Next Tech Hub

The Midwest is becoming a powerhouse for technological innovation, driven by investments in semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure. Intel's $100 billion chip manufacturing plant in Ohio and SK Hynix’s $3.9 billion chip packaging facility in Indiana signal a seismic shift in the region’s economy. Companies like OpenAI are also establishing AI data centers in the Midwest, leveraging the region’s ample land and resources.

This transformation creates immense opportunities for students with expertise in AI, data analytics, and computer information systems. The synergy between AI and semiconductor development is particularly noteworthy, as AI models rely heavily on advanced chips to optimize performance and scalability.

1. Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)

• Program Tuition: $14,970
• Location: Merrillville, IN. It is ideally situated near Chicago, providing access to a thriving tech ecosystem while enjoying the affordability and convenience of the Midwest. Students can easily commute to major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis for networking and job opportunities.
• Hybrid CPT Programs: MS in Artificial Intelligence - Data Analytics (STEM), MS in Data Analytics (STEM), MS in Computer Information Systems - Artificial Intelligence (STEM)
• Accreditation: HLC
• Enrollment Windows: 

  Terms	Semester Start Date	Program Start Date	Application Deadline	CPT Start Date
  Winter 2025 A Start	1/1/2025	1/6/2025	12/9/2024	1/6/2025
  Winter 2025 B Start		2/3/2025	1/10/2025	2/3/2025
  Winter 2025 C Start		3/2/2025	2/7/2025	2/3/2025
  Summer 2025 A Start	5/5/2025	5/5/2025	4/2/2025	5/5/2025
  Summer 2025 B Start		6/2/2025	5/2/2025	5/5/2025
  Summer 2025 C Start		6/30/2025	5/30/2025	5/5/2025
  Fall 2025 A Start	8/25/2025	8/25/2025	8/25/2025	8/25/2025
  Fall 2025 B Start		9/22/2025	8/22/2025	9/22/2025
  Fall 2025 C Start		10/20/2025	9/20/2025	10/20/2025

2. National Louis University (NLU)

• Program Tuition: Master's $23,700; Doctoral $49,920
• Location: Chicago, IL; Tampa, FL
• Hybrid CPT Programs: DBA, MSOL, MSBDA [STEM]
• Accreditation: HLC
• Enrollment Windows: 

3. Ottawa University

• Program Tuition: Master's $32,220; Doctoral $49,725
• Location: Brookfield, WI
• Hybrid CPT Programs: EMBA, DBA, MS Nursing, MSCS, CAGS - Cybersecurity for Managers (STEM)
• Accreditation: HLC
• Enrollment Windows: 

  Terms	Semester Start Date	Application Deadline	CPT Start Date
  Spring2	3/10/2025	2/7/2025	3/10/2025

Conclusion

Indiana Wesleyan University, NLU & Ottawa stand out as a premier destination for students seeking to align their education with the Midwest’s rapidly growing tech and semiconductor industries. Feel free to contact us for more info. We would love to help you map out the most suitable school for you.