Day-1 CPT MBA Program: Monroe vs. New England College
With the Duration of Status (D/S) Final Rule currently blocked from taking effect, the existing D/S framework remains in place for F-1 students for now. If you are considering another master’s degree, you can still explore programs that fit your academic and career plans. For more information about the D/S rule and the latest lawsuit updates, check out our previous D/S policy updates.
Among master’s options, an MBA is one of the more flexible choices because many programs offer multiple concentrations, allowing students from different professional backgrounds to choose a track that better matches their current job or career goals.
If you’re looking for a Day-1 CPT MBA on the East Coast, Monroe University and New England College (NEC) are two programs worth comparing. They differ in admission requirements, concentrations, intake dates, onsite attendance, tuition, scholarships, and CPT policies.
In this guide, we’ll compare Monroe University vs. New England College MBA programs side by side to help you decide which one better fits your background, budget, location, and timeline.
Which MBA Program Fits Your Background Better?
Your academic and professional background can make a difference when choosing between Monroe University and New England College.
Monroe University offers more flexibility if you want an MBA concentration that matches your current job. Its MBA offers concentrations in areas such as Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, Healthcare Management, Business Analytics, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, and Human Resources. Students can also choose up to two concentrations.
This makes Monroe University a flexible option for students working across different business functions who want their MBA coursework to better align with their current job or future career goals.
New England College (NEC) has recently made its Executive MBA admission requirements more flexible. A U.S. master’s degree is no longer required. Applicants with a valid bachelor’s degree, including a degree earned outside the U.S., may be eligible. NEC also no longer requires three years of U.S. work experience. Applicants may qualify with any U.S. work experience, making the program accessible to a broader range of students than before.
💡 Quick Take: If you want more concentration options to match your current job, Monroe University may offer more flexibility. If you were previously unable to qualify for NEC because you did not have a U.S. master’s degree or three years of U.S. work experience, NEC’s new admission requirements may now make the Executive MBA an option for you.
Upcoming Intake Dates: Which MBA Can Start Sooner?
If your OPT is ending soon or you need to start a new program quickly, New England College offers more frequent intake dates than Monroe University.
Here are the upcoming start dates:
| University | Upcoming Intake Dates |
|---|---|
| Monroe University | January 8, 2027; April 4 2027, August 16, 2027; September 9, 2027 |
| New England College | November 9, 2026; January 4, 2027; March 15, 2027; May 3, 2027; July 12, 2027 |
For students who need to enroll before the end of 2026, NEC is currently the better option, with its next intake on November 9, 2026. NEC also has more frequent start dates throughout the year, which gives you more flexibility if your OPT expiration date or current F-1 timeline is tight.
Monroe University’s next available intake is January 8, 2027, so it may be a better fit if you have more time to prepare your application and transfer your SEVIS record.
Application Difficulty: Which MBA Is Easier to Apply To?
If you want a simpler application process, New England College may be easier to apply to, especially after its recent admission requirement update.
For Monroe University, MBA applicants need to submit:
- Bachelor’s degree and transcripts
- Current résumé
- 500-word essay
- Two professional recommendation letters
- Pre-admission interview
The interview is usually short and may include questions about your work experience, career goals, why you want to pursue the MBA, and your future plans.
For New England College, the application process is more straightforward. Under the updated requirements, applicants need a bachelor’s degree and relevant U.S. work experience. International applicants will also need documents such as their résumé, official transcripts, passport, current I-20 and I-94, and proof of financial support.
💡 Quick Take: If application simplicity is your priority, NEC currently has fewer admission steps. Monroe University requires additional preparation for the essay, recommendation letters, and interview.
Campus Locations and On-Site Attendance
Both Monroe University and New England College offer hybrid MBA programs, but their campus locations and onsite attendance schedules are quite different.
Monroe University is located in New Rochelle, New York. MBA students are required to attend onsite classes once a month (3–4 times per semester), typically on Saturdays or Sundays. This may be more convenient if you live or work in New York City, New Jersey, or nearby areas.
New England College (NEC) is located in Henniker, New Hampshire. Its Executive MBA requires one 3-day onsite residency per semester, held from Friday through Sunday. Students attend classes online between residencies. NEC may be more convenient for students living in Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or other parts of New England.
💡 Quick Take: Monroe University requires more frequent campus visits, but each visit is shorter. NEC requires fewer trips, but you need to attend three consecutive days each semester. Consider your work schedule, travel time, and accommodation costs when choosing between the two.
Tuition and Total Cost
Both Monroe University and New England College offer MBA programs with tuition around $20,000–$36,000, but the actual cost depends on the Day-1 CPT school and your academic background.
Monroe University MBA
One of Monroe University’s biggest advantages is its discounted tuition for second-master’s students. If you have already earned a master’s degree from a U.S. university, you may qualify for a lower tuition rate.
Students who earned their first master’s degree from Monroe University receive an even bigger discount.
Monroe University’s MBA requires 36 credits, and tuition varies depending on your previous education. Based on the 2026–2027 tuition rates:
| Student Background | Tuition per Credit | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| First U.S. master’s degree | $992 | $35,712 |
| Second master’s degree (previous degree from another U.S. university) | $630 | $22,680 |
| Second master’s degree (Monroe alumni) | $586 | $21,096 |
These estimates cover tuition only. Additional administrative fees, instructional resource fees, and CPT-related charges may apply. For eligible second-master’s students, Monroe University’s tuition can be significantly lower than its standard graduate rate. Monroe University alumni receive the lowest tuition rate, making it particularly attractive for students considering another degree at the same university.
If you’re currently on F-1 status and considering a second master’s degree to maintain your student status, Monroe University could be a great option, especially if you’re already living or working on the East Coast. With the DHS Duration of Status (D/S) rule currently paused by a court order, you can still pursue a second master’s degree under the existing rules. Contact us for a free consultation!
New England College Executive MBA
NEC’s Executive MBA requires 40 credits, with tuition of $510 per credit. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the estimated total program cost is $22,590, including tuition and standard term fees. Students should also budget for books, transportation, and accommodation during required onsite residencies.
💡 Quick Take: NEC generally has a lower published cost than Monroe University’s first U.S. master’s degree rate. However, Monroe’s discounted second-master’s tuition can be comparable to NEC’s total program cost for eligible students.
Scholarship Opportunities
Monroe University offers more clearly defined scholarship opportunities for international graduate students. One option is the Graduate International Student Scholarship (INTS), which may provide up to $10,000 in financial assistance. Eligible applicants generally need:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.75
- A cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher to maintain the scholarship
- Continuous enrollment and the required course load
Scholarships are competitive and subject to availability. Students considering a second master’s degree should also confirm whether they qualify.
New England College offers financial assistance options for graduate students, including graduate assistantships that may provide tuition discounts. However, a dedicated scholarship for the Executive MBA has not been confirmed.
💡 Quick Take: Monroe University may offer more scholarship opportunities for eligible international MBA students. If you’re considering NEC, check whether any graduate funding options apply to its Executive MBA before comparing your final costs.
CPT Policy Comparison
Both Monroe University and New England College offer CPT opportunities for eligible MBA students, but their CPT application processes and internship requirements differ.
Monroe University MBA
Monroe University offers CPT through its Professional Experience Track, allowing eligible graduate students to gain practical experience related to their studies.
- CPT Renewal: Every semester (3 times per year)
- CPT Course: Graduate Professional Experience (KG 690)
- CPT Requirements: Students must complete registration, pay the required tuition and fees, and submit their employment documents for approval.
- Job Changes: Students must notify the Day-1 CPT school and obtain updated CPT authorization when changing employers.
New England College Executive MBA
At NEC, an internship is required for the Executive MBA curriculum. Eligible F-1 students can use CPT to fulfill this requirement.
- CPT Renewal: Every semester (3 times per year)
- Internship Requirement: Students must have a qualifying job or internship directly related to their MBA program.
- Employment Agreement: Students must complete the required Employment Agreement Form (EAF). Contact us to see if this requirement can be waived.
- Job Changes: Students must notify NEC and obtain approval for employment changes.
💡 Quick Take: Both Day-1 CPT universities require semester-based CPT authorization. Monroe University’s process focuses on enrollment in its Professional Experience Track, while NEC requires a qualifying internship or job as part of its Executive MBA curriculum.
Monroe MBA vs. NEC MBA: Quick Comparison Table
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the two MBA programs:
| Monroe University MBA | New England College Executive MBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New Rochelle, NY | Henniker, NH |
| Best For | Students who want more MBA concentration options | Students looking for a flexible Executive MBA with broader new admission requirements |
| Degree Requirement | Bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree; U.S. master’s no longer required |
| U.S. Work Experience | Not specifically required | Any U.S. work experience may qualify; 3 years no longer required |
| MBA Concentrations | Multiple concentrations; Students can choose up to two | Executive MBA |
| On-Site Attendance | Once per month, typically 3–4 times per semester | One 3-day residency per semester |
| Upcoming Intake | Jan. 8, 2027 | Nov. 9, 2026; Jan. 4, 2027; additional intakes throughout 2027 |
| Program Credits | 36 credits | 40 credits |
| Estimated Tuition | $21,096 – $35,712 | Approx. $22,590 |
| Scholarships | International graduate scholarships available for eligible students | Limited funding options; check current availability |
| CPT Renewal | Every semester | Every semester |
| Application Process | Essay, recommendations, and interview required | More straightforward application process |
💡 Quick Take: Monroe University may be a better fit if you value MBA concentration options, New York location, or qualify for its second-master’s tuition rate. New England College may be a better fit if you want an earlier start date, fewer campus trips, a simpler application process, or a lower standard program cost.
Monroe vs. NEC MBA: Which One Should You Choose?
The better choice depends on your location, academic background, budget, and timeline.
Monroe University may be a better fit if you:
- Live in New York, New Jersey, or nearby areas
- Want more MBA concentration options to match your current job
- Prefer shorter but more frequent onsite visits
- Are pursuing a second master’s degree and may qualify for a lower tuition rate
- Want to explore available international student scholarships
New England College may be a better fit if you:
- Live in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or the New England area
- Need an earlier or more flexible intake date
- Prefer fewer campus trips with one 3-day residency per semester
- Want a more straightforward application process
- Are looking for a lower standard program cost
- Previously did not qualify for NEC because of its old U.S. master’s or three-year U.S. work experience requirement
With NEC’s updated admission requirements, both Monroe and NEC are now accessible to a broader range of MBA applicants, so the decision may come down to which program better fits your job, location, budget, and preferred start date.
💡 Not sure which MBA fits your situation? Contact us for a free consultation. We can compare your background, current status, location, and timeline, and help you find the Day-1 CPT MBA option that fits you best.
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