3 Steps to Help You Choose the Right Day-1 CPT Program
In many situations, you might find a Day-1 CPT program to be a valuable backup plan for extending your work opportunities in the U.S. However, selecting the right Day-1 CPT school is crucial for maintaining your legal status and advancing your education without running into potential issues. So, how do you choose the ideal Day-1 CPT university that aligns with your goals while avoiding potential problems?
What Is a Right Day-1 CPT Program?
A right Day-1 CPT program is one that fully complies with F-1 visa regulations and can withstand USCIS review during future applications (such as H-1B or green card).
A reliable Day-1 CPT program typically meets all of the following conditions:
– Requires regular on-site class attendance (not fully online)
– Clearly integrates CPT as part of the academic curriculum
Is offered by a properly accredited U.S. institution
– Maintains consistent academic requirements (attendance, assignments, grading)
If a program fails to meet any of these conditions, it may increase your risk of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) or facing immigration issues later.
More details about common risks of Day-1 CPT, see our guide:
4 Common Risks You Should Know Before Starting Day-1 CPT
Step 1: Calculate the Real Cost of a Day-1 CPT Program
Selecting the right Day-1 CPT school involves careful financial planning. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand and manage the costs involved.
Your actual monthly cost is not just tuition. A more realistic formula is:
Day-1 CPT Monthly Cost = (Tuition + class frequency * Commuting Cost + Time Cost – Scholarships) ÷ Program Duration**
5 Key Factors to Consider:
- Frequency of On-Site Classes: Determine how often you are required to attend classes in person. This can significantly affect your schedule, commuting time, and related expenses.
- Time Investment in Studies: Consider how much time you need to dedicate to your coursework, including class attendance, assignments, and study hours, to maintain good academic standing.
- Commuting Costs to School: Calculate the cost of commuting, whether by public transport or personal vehicle. This includes fuel and parking fees.
- Monthly Fees and Tuition: Evaluate the tuition fees and any other monthly expenses associated with your chosen Day-1 CPT program.
- Additional Expenses: Don’t forget to account for costs like textbooks, materials, health insurance, and any other miscellaneous fees that may arise.
Understanding “On-Site Class Frequency”:
Following the end of social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, F-1 international students are currently not permitted to take all their courses online. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s regulations for F-1 students, there are specific requirements to maintain your full-time status:
– Only 1 online course per semester counts towards the full study program.
– Mandatory enrollment in at least 1 physical class each semester, with a minimum of 6 credits.
Except for Tuition, Consider the Distance Cost
– Tuition: Day-1 CPT program tuition ranges from $780 to $1,440 per month.
– The Distance Cost: Calculating the distance cost is a bit more complex and depends on factors such as on-site class frequency, distance, and the transportation you choose.
Two examples from the New York City to illustrate this:
Example1: Student A in New York City
– Chooses Monroe College’s MBA program
– Monthly tuition: approximately $1,340
– Additional monthly cost: at least $5.50 for subway fare due to on-site classes (Monroe College requires students attend on-site class every X)
– monthly expenses: $1345.5
Example 2: Student B in New York City
– Opts for Harrisburg University’s DBA program
– Average monthly tuition: $781
– Additional monthly cost: around $134 for round-trip train tickets (7-hour round trip)
– monthly expenses: $915
When calculated, B’s monthly expenditure of $915 might appear to be slightly less than A’s ($1345.5).
This comparison emphasizes that you should consider all 5 factors when selecting a Day-1 CPT school.
💡Pro Tip: A Day-1 CPT program with lower tuition may still cost more overall if travel or time commitment is high.
Image Source – Wikimedia Commons
Step 2: Verify School Accreditation and Legitimacy
Why accreditation matters?
When choosing a Day-1 CPT program, understanding the school’s accreditation is essential after you’ve assessed the associated costs. Accreditation plays a vital role in validating the quality and legitimacy of the institution.
Day-1 CPT universities often maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with their accreditation agencies, ensuring they meet the standards required for educational excellence.
- U.S. Department of Education’s Role: Each year, the U.S. Department of Education conducts thorough reviews of higher education accreditation agencies. This process ensures that these agencies uphold rigorous standards when evaluating courses and the overall quality of institutions.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: If an accreditation agency is found to be too lenient or fails to promote adequate student development—such as lacking sufficient exams, attendance requirements, or homework standards—it may face serious penalties. Depending on the severity, these repercussions can range from formal warnings to a complete shutdown.
- Impact on Students and Programs: When an accreditation agency faces penalties, it can directly affect the schools and their programs, including Day-1 CPT programs. This could impact the immigration status of students, leading to issues like Requests for Evidence (RFEs), expulsion from the program, or even deportation due to violations of immigration status.
There is a previous warning. In November 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it would no longer recognize the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as a legitimate accreditation agency. The immigration agency will adjust its policies in accordance with the Department of Education’s new rules.
According to the statement from USCIS: “ACICS Loss of Recognition May Affect Certain Students Applying for English Language Study and 24-month STEM OPT Extension Programs, H-1B, and I-140 Applicants.”
💡Pro Tip: Even if a Day-1 CPT program is currently active, weak or unstable accreditation can create future risks.
As a result, international students enrolled in programs accredited by ACICS were required to take urgent steps, such as transferring to another school or withdrawing, to maintain their legal status in the U.S.
How to Check the Accrediting Agencies for a Day-1 CPT School?
To easily find information about the accreditation agencies associated with your Day-1 CPT school, just search for “Accreditation” on your school’s official website. Below are 5 regional accrediting agencies at the level of American universities, and their accreditation provides a certain guarantee of the school’s legitimacy.
- MSCS（Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools）
- NESC（New England Association of Schools and Colleges）
- WASC（Western Association of Schools and Colleges）
- NASC（Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges）
- SACS（Southern State Association of Colleges and Schools）
These agencies are recognized for maintaining high standards of educational quality, ensuring that your chosen Day-1 CPT university is credible and legitimate.
> Here is the accrediting information about several Day-1 CPT schools.
| Universities | Accreditation | Master Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe College | MSCHE | Private For-Profit |
| Trine University | HLC | Private Nonprofit |
| International Louis University | HLC | Private Nonprofit |
| Harrisburg University | MSCHE | Private Nonprofit |
| Sofia University | WASC | Private For-Profit |
| Humphreys University | WASC | Private Nonprofit |
| Westcliff University | WASC | Private For-Profit |
| Ottawa University | HLC | Private Nonprofit |
*HLC, The Higher Learning Commission, is currently considered a well-recognized regional accrediting agency.
More accredited Day-1 CPT universities can be found here:
Day-1 CPT Universities Full List
H-1B Master Cap Requirements
If you’re considering a Day-1 CPT program and planning to participate in the H-1B lottery, selecting the right school can significantly impact your chances of being selected. To increase your odds, it’s important to choose a nonprofit school that qualifies for the H-1B Master Cap. Here’s what you need to know:
- Select a Nonprofit Day-1 CPT School: To be eligible for the H-1B Master Cap during the lottery, make sure that the Day-1 CPT school you choose is a nonprofit institution, not a for-profit private entity. This requirement is crucial unless you already possess another eligible master’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Understand the H-1B Master Cap Criteria: According to USCIS policy, to qualify for the additional 20,000 lottery slots available for individuals with a master’s degree or higher, the degree must be conferred by a school recognized as a “United States institution of higher education” at the time of the degree conferral.
- Verify School Eligibility: To check whether a school qualifies as a United States institution of higher education, you can use this link.
Accreditation and Media Insights
When evaluating a school’s accreditation, it is equally important to consider any negative news or media reports associated with the institution. Schools that have been in the news for negative reasons may have poor management practices or fail to comply with higher education standards.
The U.S. Department of Education conducts annual reviews to ensure that accreditation agencies uphold high standards for the institutions they accredit. If a school or program accredited by these agencies is found to be poorly managed, it could face various penalties, from warnings to losing accreditation.
Tips for Selecting a Day-1 CPT School:
- Avoid Schools with Negative News: Before choosing a school, check for any negative news or reports. Some Day-1 CPT schools have faced accreditation issues or penalties in the past. Even if these schools have corrected their issues and remain open, it is wise to avoid institutions with a history of problems. This article provides insights into some Day-1 CPT schools that have encountered such challenges.
- Be Careful with Online Programs: Be cautious about Day-1 CPT programs that are entirely online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools, including those offering Day-1 CPT, shifted to online classes. However, for international students who need to work and study, returning to on-site classes post-pandemic may pose difficulties. Schools that continue to offer fully online Day-1 CPT programs may be operating in violation of regulations, leading to a high risk of scrutiny. If a school offers you admission to a fully online Day-1 CPT program, it’s best to decline without hesitation.
Choosing an untrustworthy school for your CPT could result in significant issues, such as a Request for Evidence (RFE) during H-1B or green card applications, or even more serious legal problems like expulsion or deportation. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research a school’s history and any recent negative news before making your decision.
Here are 7 Day-1 CPT Schools You Should Avoid:
7 Day-1 CPT Schools You Should Avoid
Step 3: Choose a Day-1 CPT Program Aligned with Your Career
If you’ve found a Day-1 CPT school that meets both financial and accreditation requirements, congratulations! You’re one step closer to finding the perfect Day-1 CPT program. The final step is to ensure that your academic choice aligns with your long-term career goals.
- CPT as Part of the Curriculum: According to U.S. Immigration Services, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is considered an essential component of the curriculum. It allows F-1 students to engage in paid work/study, internships, cooperative education, or other relevant work experiences that are directly related to their primary field of study. Therefore, choosing a Day-1 CPT program that aligns closely with your career objectives is crucial.
If your academic choice does not match your career goals, you could face several risks:
- CPT Application Risks: If the reviewing authorities determine that the CPT work is not directly related to your field of study, your application may be denied. Even if it is initially approved, you could face challenges at U.S. customs when entering or leaving the country, as officials might question the legitimacy of your study program.
- H-1B Visa Application Risks: Engaging in a CPT position that does not closely align with your academic field can increase the likelihood of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) during the H-1B visa application process. Common issues include proving that the job is in a “Specialty Occupation,” verifying the “Beneficiary Qualifications,” and demonstrating the “Maintenance of Status.” You may be required to provide additional documentation to show that your job is in a specialized field and that your CPT participation is justified. Without strong evidence, such as course descriptions that match your job title, there is a high risk that your H-1B visa application may not be approved.
For more information, see the USCIS guidance on Understanding Requests for Evidence (RFE) in H-1B Petitions – USCIS
To avoid these risks, it’s essential to thoroughly research Day-1 CPT programs that align with your future career goals. Pay close attention to the choice of major, course names, and descriptions to ensure that your academic path supports your desired profession. Make sure that your documentation clearly demonstrates your ability to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for your chosen career.
Choose Day-1 CPT Universities by Career
Common Day-1 CPT FAQ
Will Day-1 CPT affect my H-1B or green card application process?
The answer is no, as long as you choose a reliable Day-1 CPT school.
How does the Day-1 CPT program affect my H-1B or green card application process?
It won’t influence your chances in the H-1B lottery. However, after being selected, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) might request an RFE (Request for Evidence) to verify your compliance with student responsibilities, such as completing assignments and attending on-site classes. This principle also applies to green card applications.
How can a reliable Day-1 CPT school assist me during the H1B or green card application process?
Some reliable schools have strong qualifications. They can provide comprehensive RFE documentation packages to support students during the USCIS review. Finish this post and you will see how to find a reliable Day-1 CPT school.
Are fully online Day-1 CPT programs safe?
Generally, no. Fully online programs may violate F-1 requirements and increase your risk during USCIS review
Reliable Day-1 CPT School List
Eastern Day-1 CPT School
| Day-1 CPT Universities | Location | Day-1 CPT Programs | Estimated Total Tuition | Project Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe University | New York City | MBA/MSCS/MSDS/DS Certificate | $21,096 – $35,712 | 2 years |
| Trine University | Detroit/Phoenix/Reston | MBA/MSBA/MSIS/MSEM/DIT | $17,250 | 2 years |
| National Louis University | Tampa/Chicago | DBA/MSOL/MSBDA | $23,700-$46,860 | 2-5 years |
| Harrisburg University | Harrisburg | ISEM/LTMS/CISC/MSA MSPM/HCIN/MSB/CBDS CYOM/HCID/MSPS/ENTP |
$34,380 | 2 years |
| McDaniel College | Westminster | MSDA | $24,395 | 2 years |
Western Day-1 CPT School
| Day-1 CPT Universities | Location | Day-1 CPT Programs | Estimated Total Tuition | Project Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia University | Palo Alto/Costa Mesa | MBA/MSCS/DBA | $24,000-$51,300 | 2-3 years |
| Humphreys University | Stockton | MBA | $21,000 | 27 months |
| Westcliff University | Irvine. Miami, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Dallas | MBA/DBA/MSIT/MSCS/TOESL | $30,780-$51,330 | 2-3.5 years |
| Trine University | Detroit/Phoenix/Reston | MBA/MSBA/MSIS/MSEM/DIT | $17,250 | 2 years |
| Ottawa University | Overland Park, Surprise, Brookfield | EMBA, MSN, MSCS, DBA | $17,250 | 2 years |
| California Institute of Advanced Management | Alhambra | MBA | $27,036 | 2 years |
Central Day-1 CPT Schools
| Day-1 CPT Universities | Location | Day-1 CPT Programs | Estimated Total Tuition | Project Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trine University | Detroit/Phoenix/Reston | MBA/MSBA/MSIS/MSEM/DIT | $17,250 | 2 years |
| Ottawa University | Overland Park, Surprise, Brookfield | EMBA, MSN, MSCS, DBA | $17,250 | 2 years |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth | MBA | $30,600 | 2 years |
| Benedictine University | Lisle, Mesa | MSDA, MSHI | $26,400-$28,800 | 22 Months |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Merrillville | MSDA, MSIT-PM, MSAI-DA, MSCIS-AII | $14,970 | 2 years |
We offer a completely free, one-stop application service. We assist you with document preparation, carefully select partner schools with the necessary qualifications, help you choose the most suitable Day-1 CPT school, plan timelines for a seamless status transition, and work with professional immigration lawyers to address all your questions.
If you have any doubts or need guidance in choosing the right Day-1 CPT program, feel free to reach out to us! We’re here to help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity.
