Day 1 CPT Universities: What to Know
Before Applying

Navigating the realm of Day 1 CPT universities (click to skip and see the Top 15 list) can be challenging. With our expert insights, we aim to shed light on this unique academic opportunity, addressing frequently raised concerns and providing clarity where needed.

If you want to save your time, fill out a form below. We will evaluate your situation and get you a personalized shortlist of Day 1 CPT universities and Day 1 CPT programs. (We take your privacy seriously, all information provided is for evaluation purposes only, it will not be shared with a third party unless you authorize us to apply to Day 1 universities on your behalf.)

What is Day 1 CPT University?

Day 1 CPT universities (also called “CPT Schools”) are institutions that offer programs supporting Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization right from the start of their programs. This concept, which is not officially defined, is well-known among the community of international students. Day 1 CPT allows them to engage in practical training and work alongside their studies from the very outset, sometimes from the literal first day.

Such programs are a boon for international students, as they offer internship opportunities even before graduation. This is especially beneficial for those who might not have an extensive local network to aid in job hunting. Moreover, CPT serves as an alternative for legal employment, especially for those who face challenges in obtaining an H1B visa.

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Reminder: The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" is not officially recognized. Instead, it typically refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from their first semester. However, obtaining CPT approval on day one of the program is not guaranteed and depends on the timely submission and completeness of the application documents. Typically, it takes 5-15 business days to receive CPT approval after the documents have been received.

Day 1 CPT Universities: 25 Quick Facts

Following are some 25 frequent questions we encountered while consulting students who are interested in or have already enrolled in Day 1 CPT universities:

Top 15 Day 1 CPT Universities: Click here to see the full list with summaries of programs offered by each university

Lowest annual tuition - Indiana Wesleyan University ($8,982)
The cheapest CS program will be - Trine University ($9,343)
Lowest payment per semester- Avila University Arizona ($3,048)

>>>>More Options for Cheap Day 1 CPT Universities

Goldey-Beacom College – Founded in 1886

Location: Delaware (known for being a U.S. tax haven)
Popular majors: MBA, Finance, Accounting
Tuition: $610/credit, total around $20,000 for 2 years

Oldest among CPT schools – 130+ years of history

Indiana Wesleyan University – Founded in 1920

Location : Merrillville, Indiana (just 40 miles from Chicago)
Popular majors: AI, CIS, Computer Science
Tuition: $499/credit – lowest cost among the three

Flexible programs with solid academic background

Concordia University Texas – Founded in 1926

Location: Austin, Texas – a major tech hub
Popular majors: Offers MBA & MCS, CPT fee included in tuition
Tuition: $700/credit, avg. $13,200/year

Bonus: Free housing & meals during onsite sessions

There is no official data for RFE rates. However, according to our knowledge and data shared by our previous students, WestCliff University, Trine University, Sofia University, and Monroe College have relatively low RFE rates compared to other CPT schools.

>>>> Read: How to Prevent RFE?

We understand this is an important issue for you. Therefore we consolidated a list >>> Day 1 CPT Employers

You can’t fulfill responsibilities associated with F visa， such as attending on-site classes, keeping your GPA above 3.0, etc.
You are a H4 holder whose spouse’s I-140 has already been approved.
You have submitted immigration request to USCIS before.

>>>>Learn More about Day 1 CPT and Things to Watch out Before Enrollment

RFE will be based on the following reasons.

USCIS needs to verify if you have finished your degree.
USCIS wants to know your genuine intention to resume your academic plans.
The USCIS is seeking clarification on your pursuit of multiple master's degrees despite already obtaining one.

>>>> Learn More about Day 1 CPT & H1B RFE

Westcliff University offers the largest variety of scholarships, including school awards of up to $10,000.

>>>> Register with us to secure your scholarship.

With the ease of the pandemic, many Day 1 CPT universities resumed their on-site sessions. Here is an on-site frequency checker you can use. We update the information monthly.

Below is a list of universities that offer exclusive scholarships through day1cpt.org.

Concordia University Texas (10.8% tuition discount when you apply through us)

>>>> Register with us before applying to secure your scholarships!

According to our students: New England College (NEC)

100% attendance for on-site classes
Keep a 3.0 GPA
Renew your CPT authorization according to your school’s regulation

>>>> Read more to Make sure to do your part right while CPT to avoid RFE.

At least 1 month before your previous status is expired.

i.e. If your OPT will be over in May, start the application process in early April.

>>> Read our Guide: Day 1 CPT and Day 1 CPT Universities Application Timeline

Whether you are using your CPT or not, you are an F1 student. F1 students can have an F1 visa which allows them to travel back and forth.

After receiving an offer, HR typically conducts a background check that reveals your complete education history. While Day 1 CPT universities might not have high rankings, their practical approach offers unique value to potential employees. There's no need to conceal your education history.

usually 2-4 hours/ week.

>>> Read Student Review to get a sense of what it is like studying at Day 1 CPT universities

Of course. Day 1 CPT is merely an unofficial term to describe these institutes that offer the option of CPT as early as the first day of your study. Many of these schools have regular programs or can waive internship requirements if you wish. In the following CPT universities, you can graduate without taking CPT courses:

Humphreys University
Westcliff University
Monroe College
Harrisburg University
CIAM
University of the Cumberlands
Sofia University
Saint Peter’s University
McDaniel College
Trine University

You may lose your CPT authorization. You may even face expulsion from the school if no progress is shown.

>>>> Learn More about Day 1 CPT before you decide to use it.

As an H4 holder, you may study at any school as a part-time student. If you wish to enroll as a full-time student and use CPT as a form of work authorization, you will need to apply for a Change of Status (COS), which, with the primary process, takes about 1 month when processed domestically.

>>>> Read more about How Could H4 Holders Work Legally in the U.S.?

Many master's-level courses can be completed within 1 year if you arrange your courses correctly. You'll need to talk to your advisors to determine how to expedite the process. We'd like to remind you that, as an F1 student, you can only select 1 fully online course per semester. When adding additional courses to your curriculum, be mindful of this, as failure to comply may result in accusations of being out of status (OOS) from USCIS.

Honestly, their rankings are not that bad. The CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, which ranks much lower than most of the Day 1 CPT universities we work with.

On that note, Day 1 CPT universities don't usually factor into the US News Ranking system because they are occupationally oriented rather than research-oriented. The criteria to determine their worthiness are very different.

If you are unable to raise your GPA above 3.0 or if you face expulsion from your CPT school for other reasons, consider pursuing an emergency transfer or a change of status to a different type of visa to maintain your legal status in the U.S. Reach out to our experts for guidance on this matter and take swift action before you jeopardize your current F1 status.

Yes and No.

STEM is highly valued in the U.S. It's a strong addition to your resume and provides you with 3 years of OPT after graduating from a STEM program. However, if this is your second master's and you've already used OPT from your first one, you can't use OPT from another master's program. The right enrollment window or location or tuition…might carry more weight in your decision-making at this point. Choosing the right program and Day 1 CPT university is a complex process, book a free consultation with our expert to make it easier.

Usually not, but exceptions do exist. For instance, certain programs at Westcliff University offer the Day 1 CPT option for initial students who meet specific requirements. Consult with our experts on this matter to ensure that you adhere to USCIS guidelines and avoid jeopardizing your future status in the U.S.

Day 1 CPT universities with no accreditation
Day 1 CPT universities that lack strong post-enrollment support. For such schools, getting admitted is easy, but securing timely CPT approval could be difficult. We only work with and recommend schools that prioritize students, not just revenue.
Depending on your situation, our experts may eliminate certain schools as preferred choices for you. Connect our consultants for personalized advice!

Aside from tuition, here are a few key costs you should consider:

CPT Fee - If you plan to use CPT, make sure to confirm whether your tuition includes the CPT fee. Some Day 1 CPT schools include it in the tuition (it’s usually equivalent to one credit per semester), while others charge separately.
Textbooks & Digital Resources - Some schools, like CIAM, cover the cost of textbooks and digital resources in their tuition. Others may charge additional fees for these materials.
Enrollment & Registration Fees -Some schools have a non-refundable enrollment fee, and a registration fee each term. These can vary but are common across institutions.

Always check with the school’s official cost breakdown so you can budget accurately. Please connect our consultants for personalized advice!