Day 1 CPT Universities in Texas－Cost, CPT Policies and More

With its welcoming climate, Texas has become a leading choice for Indian students aiming to settle in the USA. The weather in Texas closely resembles that of many Indian cities, particularly in the South. Texas' supportive approach towards tech companies has drawn a wave of new headquarters, attracting people keen to benefit from Texas' lack of income tax.

The increasing influx of F1 international students to Texas is propelled by its renowned status as a hub for both education and professional growth. Recent data from Opendoor highlights a notable 15% uptick in the number of international students in Texas, including those enrolled in Optional Practical Training (OPT), surpassing the national average. Notably, Indian students are poised to surpass Chinese students as the largest international cohort in Texas.

The migration of tech firms, particularly in the Dallas region, has further bolstered Texas' allure. With a robust economy, agreeable climate, and supportive community, Texas provides an optimal setting for international students to pursue their academic and career aspirations. For individuals encountering obstacles with the H1B visa process, Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) programs at Texas universities offer a viable avenue for maintaining legal work status in the U.S.

What is Day 1 CPT?

Day 1 CPT allows students to begin working on the first day of their academic program, making it an attractive option for international students who want to gain practical experience while studying. Unlike OPT, which typically begins after the completion of a degree program, Day 1 CPT can be utilized during the academic program itself, offering continuous work authorization.

Popular Day 1 CPT Universities in Texas

Here’s a look at some of the top Day 1 CPT universities in Texas and surrounding areas. These universities offer a mix of flexibility, academic rigor, and practical training opportunities.

1. Dallas Baptist University (DBU)

Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: MS Information Technology and Management (STEM), MS Management (STEM), MBA (STEM), TESOL
Program Duration: 2 - 3 years
On-site Visit: Bi-weekly
Tuition: $45,756 - $51,476
CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Dallas Baptist University is the only Day 1 CPT university located directly in Texas. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), DBU offers a range of programs ideal for students aiming to build careers in technology and management. The bi-weekly on-site visit requirement, however, might be more demanding compared to other options, making it more suitable for students residing in the Dallas area.

Advantages:

• STEM programs with 3-year OPT eligibility post-graduation
• Located in Dallas, reducing travel time for local students
• A low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention

2. University of the Cumberlands

Location: Irving, TX (20 mins drive to Dallas)
Programs: EMBA, MSIT, MSPM, MSISS, MSAI, Ph.D. in IT, Ph.D. in Business, Ph.D. in Leadership
Program Duration: 20 months for Master’s | 3-4 years for Ph.D.
On-site Visit: Once per semester
Tuition: $17,500 - $46,200
CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Located just a short drive from Dallas, the University of the Cumberlands offers a broad array of graduate and doctoral programs with Day 1 CPT options. The university’s flexible CPT policy and reasonable tuition make it an attractive option for international students. Additionally, the university's structured academic calendar aligns well with the CPT renewal requirements, offering students a balanced academic and professional experience.

Advantages:

• Affordable tuition
• Multiple program offerings
• Conveniently located near Dallas

3. Tennessee Wesleyan University

Location: Knoxville, TN (2-hour flight from Dallas)
Programs: MS Business Analytics, EMBA, MS Project Management
Program Duration: 1-2.5 years
On-site Visit: One weekend (Friday through Sunday) each semester
Tuition: $18,000/program
CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Though not located in Texas, Tennessee Wesleyan University is a popular choice among students in Texas due to its flexible CPT policies and low on-site attendance requirements. The university’s affordable tuition and strong program offerings in business and project management make it an appealing option for students seeking practical experience while pursuing their degrees.

Advantages:

• Flexible CPT policy
• Affordable tuition
• Low on-site frequency

4. Westcliff University

Location: Irvine, CA (New campus opening soon in Texas)
Programs: MBA (STEM), MSCS (STEM), MSEM(STEM), MSIT (STEM), DBA (STEM), MA TESOL
Program Duration: 1-4 years depending on the program
On-site Visit: Once per month
Tuition: $28,620 (Master’s) / $51,300 (DBA)
CPT Renewal: Every Semester

Westcliff University, although based in California, is expanding its presence to Texas. The university offers a variety of STEM and non-STEM programs with Day 1 CPT options. Its monthly on-site visit requirement and the flexibility in transferring to the Texas campus once it opens make Westcliff a practical choice for students planning to stay in Texas long-term.

Advantages:

• Multiple campuses for easy transfer
• Low on-site frequency
• Diverse program choices

Conclusion

Choosing the right Day 1 CPT university in Texas involves considering various factors, such as location, program offerings, tuition, and on-site requirements. Whether you’re aiming to stay close to home or exploring nearby states, Texas and its surrounding areas offer several strong options for Day 1 CPT. These universities not only provide a high-quality education but also ensure that international students can gain valuable work experience throughout their studies, setting them up for future success.

For students who were not selected for the H1B visa, Day 1 CPT programs at these universities offer an excellent opportunity to maintain legal work status in the U.S. and continue building a professional career.