As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. has attracted many international students pursuing careers in non-profit, consulting, finance, and law, offering an excellent platform for professional development. However, many graduates with degrees in business and social sciences have only 1-year OPT, making it challenging to obtain an H-1B visa. As a result, many international students aiming to continue their work in the U.S. would choose Day 1 CPT. This article introduces five reputable Day 1 CPT universities near Virginia and Washington D.C., providing details such as their locations, on-site requirements, tuition costs, enrollment windows, and program choices. If you're in this region, read on to discover which university best suits your needs.
2. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
On-Site Campus: Westminster, MD
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Annual Tuition: $10,335
Intakes: Jan | May | August
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Data Analytics (STEM)
McDaniel College, a well-established institution with over 150 years of history, is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It offers a STEM-designated Day 1 CPT program in MS Data Analytics, which allows students to work from the program start date. This program is ideal for students with a strong background in mathematics and statistics, equipping students with both qualitative and quantitative methods in data analysis. To graduate, students must complete nine core courses and one of two selective courses, totaling 30 credits.
Besides its affordable tuition, one of the advantages of McDaniel College is its lower on-site frequency. It requires students to attend on-site sessions only once per semester (Friday to Sunday). The campus is conveniently located just a 70-minute drive from Washington, D.C., making it easily accessible for students from Virginia and nearby states. If you’re aiming to further pursue a career in data science, McDaniel College offers comprehensive support to help you achieve your goals.
Advantages: Low tuition cost; low on-site requirement; proximity to Washington D.C.; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
Relevant Readings:
On-Site Campus: Harrisburg, PA
On-Site Frequency: 1 per month
Annual Tuition: $17,190
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Sep | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Analytics (STEM); MS Computer Information Science (STEM); MS Project Management (STEM); MS Human-Centered Interaction Design (STEM); and various healthcare-related STEM programs
Harrisburg University is a top choice among international students for its diverse range of STEM and healthcare-related programs. As a non-profit institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University offers more than 10 Day 1 CPT programs, such as Project Management, Cybersecurity Management, Healthcare Informatics, Information Systems Management, and Analytics, many of which are STEM-designated.
While Harrisburg University requires students to attend on-site classes one Saturday per month, it is conveniently located about a 2-hour drive from Washington D.C. The campus is situated right next to the train station, making it easily accessible for students commuting from D.C. and Virginia.
Harrisburg University's higher tuition fees may be a drawback for budget-conscious students. However, this is balanced by its exceptional student support services. The university offers robust career assistance, comprehensive academic support, and dedicated services for international students. These resources enhance the educational experience and can lead to better career outcomes, potentially justifying the higher cost.
Advantages: Multiple STEM and healthcare programs; design programs; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap); convenient location (close to Washington, D.C.)
Relevant Reading:
On-Site Campus: New Rochelle, NY
On-Site Frequency: 1 per month
Annual Tuition: $12,495 (for those who already hold a master’s degree)
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Sep
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA; MS CS (STEM); MS Data Science (STEM); Data Science Certificate; MS Healthcare Administration; MS Public Health; MS Criminal Justice
Monroe College, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, offers a variety of Day 1 CPT programs ranging from business to healthcare. Whether you work in finance, law, or non-profit sectors, you will find the right program here. With on-site classes held once a month on Saturdays, Monroe College offers a manageable schedule for students balancing work and study.
The college’s location near New York City makes it convenient for students in Virginia and Washington D.C., who can easily travel to the campus. For students based in Washington D.C., it takes approximately 3 hours by train to reach New York City. Alternatively, a direct flight from Washington D.C. to New York City takes about 1 hour, providing multiple convenient travel options.
Overall, Monroe College provides a blend of flexibility, diverse programs, and a prime location.
Advantages: Diverse program options; lower tuition cost
On-Site Campus: Jersey City, NJ (close to Manhattan)
On-Site Frequency: 2 per trimester
Annual Tuition: $14,580 - $15,606
Intakes: Mar | May | Sep | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Business Analytics (STEM); MS Data Science (STEM)
Located close to Manhattan, Saint Peter’s University offers Day 1 CPT programs in STEM fields, qualifying students for a 3-year OPT. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the university has been providing extraordinary educational services for students in the New York area. If you aim to advance your career by acquiring data skills, Saint Peter’s University will be an excellent option.
With a manageable on-site requirement of two sessions per trimester, students living in the surrounding areas, including Virginia and Washington D.C., can easily commute to campus. Considering its convenient location, valuable STEM programs, and non-profit nature, Saint Peter’s University is an excellent choice for students seeking Day 1 CPT opportunities.
Advantages: STEM programs; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
On-Site Campus: Henniker, NH
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Annual Tuition: $8,316 - $9,240
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Sep | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: EMBA; Executive MS IT Project Management (STEM); Executive MS Data Science and Analytics (STEM); Executive MS IT & Cybersecurity (STEM); MS Health Informatics (STEM)
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England College is another reputable Day 1 CPT school on the East Coast. With its variety of executive programs designed for working professionals, the school caters to students from various academic and professional backgrounds. Whether your interests lie in business, information technology, or healthcare, the college offers specialized programs that provide the flexibility and expertise needed to advance your career.
While New England College is relatively far from Washington D.C., it requires just one 3-day session per semester. If you live in D.C., you can take a 1.5-hour flight to Boston, followed by a 1.5-hour drive from Boston to the campus.
A huge advantage of New England College is its low tuition cost—its annual tuition is under $10k, making it one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT schools. If financial considerations are important to you, New England College should be your top choice
Advantages: Lower tuition cost; low on-site requirement; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
These five Day 1 CPT universities near Virginia and Washington D.C. offer international students the chance to continue their work experience while pursuing advanced education. Whether you prioritize affordability, flexibility, location, or program variety, there is an option to suit your needs. It is important to keep in mind that choosing a suitable Day 1 CPT school can significantly minimize the risks associated with Day 1 CPT. If you need further assistance in choosing the right school, book a free consultation to make an informed decision. We are here to support your educational and career journey in the U.S.