In recent years, obtaining an H-1B visa has become increasingly challenging for international students. As a result, many students are turning to Day 1 CPT programs. These programs allow students to work in their field of study from the first day of their academic program, providing valuable work experience and a pathway to stay in the U.S. California, due to its large population of international students, has a high demand for Day 1 CPT programs. This article compares four famous Day 1 CPT universities in California, helping you make an informed decision in choosing a Day 1 CPT school.
Comparative Chart of Day 1 CPT Universities in California
| University |
Location |
Tuition |
Onsite Frequency |
Enrollment Windows |
Day 1 CPT Programs |
Accreditation |
|
Irvine, CA; Santa Monica, CA |
$12,265-14,100 per year |
1 per semester |
Jan | Mar |May | Jun | Aug |Oct |
MBA; MS CS; MS IT; MS Engineering Management; MA TESOL; DBA; EdD |
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
|
|
Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA |
$11,200-17,100 per year |
1 per month |
Jan | Apr | Jul | Oct |
MBA; MS CS; DBA |
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
|
|
Alhambra, CA |
$13,000 per year |
2 per semester |
Jan | Feb | May | Jul | Aug | Oct |
MBA |
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
|
|
Stockton, CA |
$9,333 per year |
2 per semester |
Jan | Apr | Jul | Sep |
MBA-IT |
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA; MS CS; MS IT; MS Engineering Management; MA TESOL; DBA; EdD
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jun | Aug | Oct
Annual Tuition: $12,265-14,100
On-Site Campus: Irvine, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Miami, FL
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Accredited by the WSCUC, Westcliff University is one of the most well-known CPT schools on the West Coast. With two campuses around Los Angeles, Westcliff University is an excellent choice for those living in Southern California. It offers a wide variety of Day 1 CPT programs including MBA, MS CS, MS IT, and DBA. These programs integrate practical work experience with academic learning, providing a pathway for international students to advance their careers in the U.S.
The most attractive aspect of Westcliff is its reliability. It features strong advisor support and a low RFE rate. Even if you receive an RFE during the H-1B application process, you can request the school for an “RFE package,” which includes all the necessary documents to respond to an RFE.
Westcliff also provides scholarships specific to international students and ethnic minorities. For more information, see Cost & Scholarships.
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA; MS CS; DBA
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Jul | Oct
Annual Tuition: $12,100-17,100
On-Site Campus: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
On-Site Frequency: 1 per month
Sofia University, also accredited by the WSCUC, is a popular school in California for students seeking Day 1 CPT. While it requires students to attend on-site sessions once per semester, its campuses are conveniently located near SF and LA, making it easily accessible to international students in California.
Sofia University offers three programs: MBA, MS CS. and DBA. Its MS CS program includes an optional track in data analytics, which is suitable for students aiming to enhance their data skills.
Sofia University provides diverse scholarship opportunities, including a $2,500 scholarship exclusively for international students. For more information, see Cost & Scholarships.
Day 1 CPT Program: MBA
Intakes: Jan | Feb | May | Jul | Aug | Oct
Annual Tuition: $13,000
On-Site Campus: Alhambra, CA
On-Site Frequency: 2 per semester
CIAM, accredited by the WSCUC, is a small yet professional school focusing on business management. Its MBA program aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in management, preparing them for higher job positions in corporate management. CIAM’s campus is located in Alhambra, a 30-minute drive from downtown LA. Thus, it has been an attractive option for students near Los Angeles.
CIAM’s tuition fee covers many additional fees such as textbook fees, technology fees, and enrollment fees. Its affordability is also an important factor contributing to its popularity. If you maintain a high GPA (3.8 or above), you can qualify for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. For more information, see Cost & Scholarships.
Day 1 CPT Program: MBA-IT
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Jul | Sep
Annual Tuition: $9,333
On-Site Campus: Stockton, CA
On-Site Frequency: 2 per semester
Humphreys University, located near the Bay Area, is particularly suitable for students living in Northern California. Accredited by the WSCUC, Humphreys provides a MBA-IT program that targets tech professionals who aim to advance to the management roles. If your previous degree is tech-related, then attending a MBA-IT program can make your educational trajectory appear more logical.
Among the four CPT schools in California, Humphreys has the lowest tuition fee. If the financial cost is your priority, then Humphreys can be the first choice. Also, its on-site requirement is twice per semester, which is pretty manageable for those who need to balance work and study.
Above are four well-known Day 1 CPT universities in California. When selecting Day 1 CPT schools and programs, it is crucial to comprehensively assess multiple aspects of a school as well as your own personal circumstance. You need to make sure that your choice aligns with the basic principles of choosing a Day 1 CPT program.
If you feel confused about how to make a decision, don’t hesitate to book a free consultation with us. We will evaluate your individual situation carefully to recommend the schools that are most suitable for you.
Relevant Readings:
Selecting a Day 1 CPT School by Location
Selecting a Day 1 CPT School by Tuition