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For international students seeking work authorizations other than H-1B, Day 1 CPT universities offer a significant advantage. By using Day 1 CPT, you can transition seamlessly from OPT to CPT to continue your employment. This article introduces 5 well-known Day 1 CPT universities in New York and Boston, detailing their locations, on-site requirements, tuition costs, enrollment windows, and programs. If you are located in or around these two cities, read this article closely to gain a comprehensive understanding of features of each school.
All Day 1 CPT UniversitiesSelecting a Day 1 CPT School by Location
Table of Contents
1. Monroe College
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, located in New Rochelle, NY, has been a popular option for Day 1 CPT students on the East coast. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, this school provides a wide range of programs, including MBA, MS in Computer Science, and MS in Data Science. For those working in healthcare or law, the college also provides specialized programs in Healthcare Administration and Criminal Justice.
Additionally, Monroe College offers a Data Science Certificate, allowing students to gain valuable data skills within a year. This certificate can make students eligible for an additional 3-year OPT above the master's degree level.
Students are required to attend on-site classes once a month, specifically on a Saturday. This higher on-site requirement helps ensure compliance with the USCIS regulations. For those living in New York City, Monroe College is just a 40-minute drive away. Students from Boston can take a 1-hour flight or a 4-hour drive. Many Boston-based students would turn their on-site class weekends into a weekend trip to New York, making the on-site experience more enjoyable.
However, Monroe Colleges provides only three enrollment windows per year, so it is crucial to plan ahead if you are considering this school.
Advantages: convenient location (close to NYC); diverse program options; lower tuition cost
2. Saint Peter’s University
On-Site Campus: Jersey City, NJ (close to Manhattan)
On-Site Frequency: 2 per trimester
Annual Tuition: $14,580 - 15,606
Intakes: March | May | Sep | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Business Analytics (STEM); MS Data Science (STEM)
Located in Jersey City, NJ, close to Manhattan, Saint Peter’s University is a prime choice for Day 1 CPT students on the East Coast. With the accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the university offers two STEM programs with the Day 1 CPT option: MS in Data Science and MS in Business Analytics. These programs can qualify students for a 3-year OPT, making them perfect for careers in data-driven fields.
The on-site requirement of Saint Peter’s University is manageable, with students needing to attend sessions twice per trimester, roughly every 3-4 months. For those living in Manhattan, the campus is just a 30-minute commute via the PATH train or by car. Students from Boston can take a 1-hour flight to Newark Airport, followed by a quick 30-minute drive to Jersey City.
With its convenient location and valuable STEM programs, Saint Peter’s University offers an excellent option for Day 1 CPT students.
Advantages: convenient location (close to NYC); STEM programs; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
3. New England College
On-Site Campus: Henniker, NH
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Annual Tuition: $83,16 - 92,40
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
New England College (NEC), situated in Henniker, NH, has been attracting many international students on the East coast, primarily due to its low tuition fees. With annual tuition costs around $8-9k, NEC offers a cost-effective option compared to other Day 1 CPT universities on the East coast.
Another great advantage of NEC is its minimal on-site requirement. Students are required to attend just one 3-day on-site session (Friday to Sunday) per semester, making it highly flexible for those who work in other cities. The campus is conveniently located about 1.5-hour drive from Boston, and the Boston Logan International Airport provides direct flights to many major East Coast cities.
Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, NEC offers four Day 1 CPT programs: Executive MBA, Executive IT and Cybersecurity, Executive Data Analytics, and Executive IT Project Management. These programs are designed for applicants who already hold a master’s degree from U.S. institutions or have at least three years of work experience. This higher admission standard underscores NEC’s commitment to the value of practical experience.
With its combination of low tuition costs, flexible on-site requirements, and rigorous academic standards, New England College is an excellent choice for Day 1 CPT students seeking an affordable and practical education.
Advantages: low tuition cost, low on-site requirement, location (close to Boston); non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
4. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
On-Site Campus: Harrisburg, VA
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 multiple healthcare-related STEM programs
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a renowned Day 1 CPT university among the community of international students due to its exceptional student services and academic quality. As a non-profit institution with a focus on technology, Harrisburg University offers multiple Day 1 CPT programs that can qualify students for a 3-year OPT.
For those working in healthcare, Harrisburg University stands out with its unique healthcare programs, including MS in Biotechnology, MS in Healthcare Informatics, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and MS in Nursing. Design students can benefit from the specialized MS program in Human-Centered Interaction Design.
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is known for its reliability and strong student support. The administration team provides ample assistance for any issues that arise during the program, which is a significant draw for many students despite the higher tuition costs.
Students are required to attend on-site sessions once a month, making it manageable for those living in different cities. If you reside in New York, you can easily take a train to Harrisburg. For those in Boston, a 2-hour flight will get you to the campus.
Harrisburg University’s combination of strong support services, specialized programs, and manageable on-site requirements makes it a top choice for Day 1 CPT students seeking advanced education in the technology and healthcare fields.
Advantages: multiple STEM programs; healthcare programs; design programs; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
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5. McDaniel College
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, located in Westminster, MD, is a non-profit school with a long history of over 150 years. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, McDaniel College offers one Day 1 CPT program: MS in Data Analytics (STEM). This program requires applicants to have strong mathematical skills, including completed coursework in statistics. This admission requirement reflects the school's commitment to academic excellence.
While McDaniel College may not be the first choice for many Day 1 CPT students due to its limited program offerings, this selectivity enhances its reliability in the eyes of the USCIS, potentially facilitating a smoother process for F-1 visa application and change of status.
McDaniel College requires students to attend only one on-site session per semester (Friday to Sunday). The campus is a 40-minute drive from Baltimore, 70 minutes from Washington D.C., and 3.5 hours from New York City. Additionally, the Baltimore International Airport is only 40 minutes away, making it a convenient option for students on the East Coast.
McDaniel College’s combination of historical prestige, rigorous academic standards, and accessible location makes it a dependable choice for students seeking a quality education with the benefits of Day 1 CPT.
Advantages: low tuition cost, low on-site requirement, location (close to Washington D.C.); non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
Conclusion
Above are five excellent Day 1 CPT universities in and around New York and Boston. These institutions provide practical training from the beginning, helping you gain valuable experience and build your career in the U.S. Whether you are looking for flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, or a variety of program offerings, there is a university that can meet your needs.
If you have any questions about selecting the right school, book a free consultation to make an informed decision. We are dedicated to helping you advance your education and career in the U.S.
