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In recent years, Day 1 CPT has become a popular alternative to the H-1B work visa. It allows international students to gain practical work experience while studying, which can be a significant advantage in building a career and eventually getting a green card. In this article, we will highlight some of the most affordable universities in the U.S. that offer Day 1 CPT programs, providing a valuable resource for students seeking both educational and financial benefits. Whether you're on the West Coast, East Coast, or the middle of the U.S., you can find cost-effective options that meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities on West Coast
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities on East Coast
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Master’s Programs in Midwest
How to Reduce Financial Burden?
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities on West Coast
1. CIAM (California Institute of Advanced Management)
On-Site Campus: Alhambra, CA
Annual Tuition: $13,000
On-Site Frequency: 2 per semester
Intakes: Jan | Feb | May | Jul | Aug | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA
Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), CIAM is dedicated to continuing Peter F. Drucker’s management legacy through impactful education. The university takes pride in its low student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. In recent years, it has become a popular choice for international students in LA seeking Day 1 CPT.
The total cost of the MBA program is $26,000, or $13,000 per academic year. Its tuition covers most fees, such as textbook fees, I-20 fees, and enrollment fees. Graduate credit hours are billed at $667 each. CPT credits for the first two semesters are free, and additional CPT credits are $500 each. Additional fees also include a $75 application fee (waived if you apply through Day 1 CPT Colleges), a $60 STRF fee, and a $50 INT/CPT registration fee per term.
Tuition payments are due 5 business days before the start of each term, with a $50 late fee applied for missed deadlines.
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On-Site Campus: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
Annual Tuition: $11,120 (for master’s programs); $17,100 (for the DBA program)
On-Site Frequency: 1 per month
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Jul | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA; MS CS; DBA
Sofia University, with an accreditation from WSCUC, has evolved into a leading educational institution since its founding. With two campuses in California—one in the heart of Silicon Valley and the other near Los Angeles—Sofia University offers ideal locations for students seeking Day 1 CPT on the West Coast.
The cost of each program at Sofia University varies depending on the credit and graduation requirements. Master’s programs typically range from $24,000 to $28,000 in total, averaging about $12,000 per year. While its tuition costs are lower than other schools, Sofia University does have several additional fees. In addition to a $75 application fee (waived if you apply through Day 1 CPT Colleges), new students are required to pay an acceptance fee, an I-20 fee, and an orientation fee, totaling around $400. Each quarter, students are also charged a $500 CPT fee and a $290 student services fee. Thus, it is important for students to carefully consider the full fee structure when evaluating the overall cost of the program.
Despite the additional fees, Sofia University offers a variety of scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, including a $2,500 scholarship specifically for international students. To determine your eligibility and understand the specific requirements, you need to contact the school directly after admission. For more details, see: Day 1 CC Cost & Scholarships.
On-Site Campus: Stockton,CA
Annual Tuition: $9,000
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Jul | Sep
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA-IT
Located near the San Francisco Area, Humphreys University has become a popular choice for Day 1 CPT students in the region. Its MBA-IT program is an ideal choice for technology professionals looking to advance into management roles.
One of the biggest advantages of Humphreys University is its low tuition cost. Tuition for the MBA-IT program is set at $3,000 per quarter, with an estimated annual cost of $9,000 based on three quarters per year. The entire program, spanning seven quarters, is estimated to cost merely $21,000. Notably, there are no extra fees for CPT or any other additional fees. If you are looking for a Day 1 CPT school in California with affordable tuition, Humphreys University is a top choice.
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Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities on East Coast
On-Site Campus: Henniker, NH
Annual Tuition: $8,976-9,900
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Sep | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: Executive MBA; Executive MS IT Project Management; Executive MS Data Science and Analytics; Executive MS IT & Cybersecurity
Founded in 1946, New England College (NEC) is a distinguished institution dedicated to career-oriented education. It offers a diverse range of Day 1 CPT programs tailored for international students, including EMBA and IT-related programs. Located in Henniker, New Hampshire, NEC is merely a 1.5 hour drive from Boston, making it a convenient option for students on the East Coast.
NEC is characterized by its low tuition cost—it is the most affordable option among Day 1 CPT universities on the East Coast. The MS Data Science & Analytics and MS IT & Cybersecurity programs are priced at $462 per credit for a total of 36 credits, with an estimated total cost of $17,952. The EMBA and Executive MS IT & Project Management programs are also $462 per credit but require 40 credits, bringing the total to $19,800. Additional fees amount to $220 per semester. NEC further supports students by offering a monthly payment option, which is especially beneficial for international students.
On-Site Campus: Westminster, MD
Annual Tuition: $10,335
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Intakes: Jan | May | August
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Data Analytics (STEM)
Founded in 1867, McDaniel College is a distinguished institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Known for its affordability and nationally recognized quality of education, McDaniel College offers highly practical programs designed to equip students for career success.
The annual tuition cost of McDaniel College is just around $10k. Graduate credit hours are billed at $689 per credit, with a total of 30 credits required for the program. Students typically enroll in two 3-credit courses per semester, resulting in a semester tuition of $4,134 and an annual tuition of $10,335. The total estimated cost for the entire program is $20,670. Additional fees include a $105 administrative fee per semester, a $200 practicum fee per practicum, and a $204 residency fee per semester. There is no extra fee for CPT.
Cheapest Day 1 CPT Master’s Programs in Midwest
1. Tennessee Wesleyan University
On-Site Campus: Knoxville, TN
Annual Tuition: $10,335
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Aug | Oct | Dec
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA, MS PM, MS BA (STEM)
Located in Athens, Tennessee, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) is a private Methodist school with a rich history dating back to 1857. As a non-profit school, TWU offers reliable Day 1 CPT programs for international students at affordable rates.
The tuition fee for the program is $600 per credit hour, bringing the total cost to $18,000 for 30 credits, with an annual cost of approximately $10,000. Additional fees include a $600 CPT fee per semester, a $2,500 enrollment fee (which will be deducted from the tuition fee after enrollment), and a $250 I-20 processing fee. Students have the option to pay the tuition fee on a monthly basis.
How to Reduce Financial Burden?
1. Scholarship Opportunity
See: Day 1 CPT Cost & Scholarships
2. Payment Plan
Some schools provide the option to pay tuition fees monthly:
3. Employer Tuition Assistance Programs
Many major U.S. companies offer valuable tuition assistance programs to help employees achieve their educational goals, covering a substantial portion of college and graduate school costs. If your employer doesn’t currently offer such a program, it’s worth inquiring, as companies can deduct up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance provided to employees under IRS regulations.
4. IRS Education Tax Benefits
The IRS provides tax deductions and credits, such as the Lifetime Learning Credit, which offers up to $2,000 annually to help offset higher education costs. Make sure to obtain Form 1098-T from your school, which details qualified expenses. It's advisable to consult a tax expert to fully maximize these valuable education tax benefits.
Conclusion
Cost is a significant consideration for international students seeking Day 1 CPT, as tuition often takes up a considerable portion of their income. Therefore, it is essential for students to carefully evaluate the full fee structure of a school. If you have any questions about the costs of attending a Day 1 CPT university, we are here to guide you through the process. Book a free consultation with us, and we will help you waive application fees and find the best options based on your needs.