Choosing a Day 1 CPT university is not only about finding the lowest tuition. For many international students, the real cost includes program fees, travel expenses, on-site attendance requirements, textbooks, insurance, and how often they need to visit campus.
That is why the cheapest option on paper may not always be the most affordable option in real life.
In this article, we compare affordable Day 1 CPT universities by location, tuition, on-site requirements, and overall value. This can help F-1 students find a school that fits their budget, career goals, and immigration needs.
Whether you're on the West Coast, East Coast, or the middle of the U.S., you can find cost-effective options that meet your needs.
Selecting a Day 1 CPT School by Tuition
When comparing affordable Day 1 CPT universities, tuition is important, but it should not be the only factor. A university with low tuition may still become expensive if it requires frequent on-site attendance, long-distance travel, hotel stays, or additional student fees.
For this guide, we considered:
We also considered whether each university offers practical programs that may fit common career paths for international students, such as business, technology, data analytics, healthcare administration, project management, and leadership.
Before selecting a school, students should also confirm that CPT employment is directly related to their academic program and authorized by their Designated School Official (DSO). CPT authorization must be reflected on the student’s Form I-20 before employment begins.
Below is a general comparison of affordable Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S. Tuition and program details may change, so students should always verify the latest cost directly with the university or an admissions advisor.
| University | Location | Estimated Annual Tuition | Popular Programs | On-site Frequency |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Indiana; Texas | From $8,982 | MBA, MS, DBA | Once per semester |
| New England College | New Hampshire | From $9,700 | MBA, MS programs | Once per semester |
| McDaniel College | Maryland | From $10,500 | MS Data Analytics | Once per semester |
| Humphreys University | California | From $10,885 | MBA-IT | Once per quarter |
| Goldey-Beacom College | Delaware | From $12,078 | MBA, MS Finance, MS Management | Twice per semester |
| Benedictine University | Illinois; Arizona | From $13,200 | MS | Once per semester |
| Sofia University | California | From $14,688 | MBA, MS, DBA | Once per month |
While these schools are among the more affordable Day 1 CPT options, the best university depends on your location, employer requirements, program interest, CPT needs, and long-term immigration plans.
The West Coast is one of the most popular regions for international students because of its strong job market in technology, business, healthcare, and startup industries. California, in particular, is home to many working professionals who need flexible graduate programs that support both academic progress and career development.
However, students should remember that schools located in California may come with higher living expenses and travel costs compared to schools in other regions.
Recommended Readings:
Comparing 4 Day 1 CPT Universities in California
Top 7 Day 1 CPT Universities for MBA Programs
On-Site Campus: Stockton, CA
Annual Tuition: $10,885
On-Site Frequency: Once per quarter
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Jul | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA-IT
Humphreys University is one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities in California, making it a popular choice for international students who want to study on the West Coast while keeping tuition manageable. The university offers graduate programs in business and technology and is particularly appealing to working professionals who prefer to stay close to California's major employment hubs.
Although tuition is relatively affordable, students should also budget for housing, transportation, and other expenses with studying in California.
Best for: International students seeking an affordable California-based Day 1 CPT university with convenient access to West Coast job opportunities.
Best 6 Day 1 CPT Programs for Technology Professionals
2. Sofia University
On-Site Campus: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
Annual Tuition: $14,688 (for master’s programs); $17,370 (for the DBA program)
On-Site Frequency: Monthly
Intakes: Jan | Apr | Jul | Sep
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA; MS CS; DBASofia University is a California-based Day 1 CPT university that offers graduate programs in business, computer science, and data science, making it a popular option for international students pursuing careers in technology and business. Located near Silicon Valley, it provides convenient access to one of the country's largest tech hubs. While its tuition may be higher than some universities on this list, students should evaluate the total cost of attendance—including tuition, travel, and onsite requirements—when comparing their options.
Best for: International students seeking technology- or business-focused graduate programs near Silicon Valley with access to West Coast career opportunities.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the university or an admissions advisor to confirm the tuition, CPT eligibility requirements, and program details.
For more details, see: Day 1 CC Cost & Scholarships.
The East Coast is another strong region for Day 1 CPT students because of its job markets in finance, healthcare, education, consulting, technology, and business services. Students working in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. often prefer East Coast universities because they can reduce travel time for on-site attendance.
On-Site Campus: Henniker, NH
Annual Tuition: $9,700 - $10,476
On-Site Frequency: Once per semester
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Aug | 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 is one of the more affordable Day 1 CPT universities on the East Coast, making it an attractive option for international students seeking flexible graduate programs with competitive tuition. Located in New Hampshire, the university offers programs designed for working professionals and may be especially convenient for students living in the Northeast who want to minimize travel for on-site attendance.
Before enrolling, students should compare the total cost of attendance, including tuition, travel expenses, and any additional university fees.
Best for: International students looking for an affordable East Coast Day 1 CPT university with flexible graduate programs and convenient access for students in the Northeast.
On-Site Campus: Westminster, MD
Annual Tuition: $12,600
On-Site Frequency: Once per semester
Intakes: Jan | May | Jul | Aug
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Data Analytics (STEM)
Located in Maryland, McDaniel College is a convenient Day 1 CPT university for international students living or working in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and nearby states. The university offers competitive tuition and graduate-level programs while providing relatively easy access for students who want to reduce travel time for on-site attendance.
Another advantage is that McDaniel College does not charge an additional CPT fee, helping students better manage their overall education expenses.
Best for: International students in the Mid-Atlantic region looking for an affordable Day 1 CPT university with convenient on-site access and no CPT fee.
On-Site Campus: Wilmington, DE
Annual Tuition: $12,078 - $24,156
On-Site Frequency: Bi-monthly
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: MBA (STEM); MS Finance; MS Management; MS Taxation
Goldey-Beacom College, located in Delaware, is a popular Day 1 CPT university for international students pursuing graduate degrees in business, finance, accounting, management, and taxation. Its convenient East Coast location makes it accessible for working professionals commuting from nearby states such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
With competitive tuition and business-focused programs, Goldey-Beacom College serves as an affordable option for students seeking quality graduate education while balancing work and study.
Best for: International students pursuing business-related graduate programs who want an affordable East Coast Day 1 CPT university with convenient access from major metropolitan areas.
The Midwest offers some of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities in the United States. Compared to many coastal states, students may benefit from lower tuition, reduced living expenses, and lower travel costs while still accessing quality graduate programs.
For international students working in nearby states such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, or Texas, Midwest universities can provide an excellent balance between affordability and flexibility.
On-Site Campus: Merrillville, IN; Forney, TX
Annual Tuition: $8,982 - $13,000
On-Site Frequency: Once per semester
Intakes: Jan | Feb | Mar | May | Jun | Aug | Sep | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: DBA, MS IT, MS DA, MS AI, MIM
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities for international students, offering hybrid graduate programs through its campuses in Merrillville, Indiana, and Forney, Texas. With annual tuition starting at approximately $8,982 and on-site attendance required only once per semester for many programs, IWU provides an excellent balance of affordability and flexibility for working professionals.
The university offers both STEM and non-STEM graduate programs, including business, management, artificial intelligence, information technology, and healthcare administration. While students should still budget for books, technology fees, and occasional travel for onsite sessions, the limited residency requirement may help reduce overall travel expenses compared to universities that require monthly or bi-monthly campus visits.
Best for: International students looking for one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities with flexible hybrid programs and minimal onsite attendance.
On-Site Campus: Lisle, IL; Mesa, AZ
Annual Tuition: $13,200 - $14,400
On-Site Frequency: Once per semester
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Aug | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS DA, MS HI
Benedictine University is an affordable Day 1 CPT university offering STEM-designated graduate programs for international students pursuing careers in data analytics and health informatics. With campuses in Lisle, Illinois, and Mesa, Arizona, the university provides flexibility for students living in the Midwest and Southwest. Its hybrid format requires onsite attendance only once per semester, making it a practical choice for working professionals balancing graduate studies with full-time employment.
While tuition is competitive, students should also budget for travel, lodging, books, and technology fees when estimating the total cost of attendance. The limited on-site requirement, however, may help reduce travel expenses compared to universities that require monthly or bi-monthly campus visits.
Best for: International students seeking an affordable STEM-designated Day 1 CPT university with flexible hybrid programs and convenient campus locations in Illinois or Arizona.
Many universities offer merit-based or institutional scholarships for qualified students. Scholarship opportunities vary by school, so ask the admissions office about available financial aid before enrolling.
See: Day 1 CPT Cost & Scholarships
Rather than paying tuition in one lump sum, many universities allow students to spread payments across multiple installments. This can make graduate education more manageable without requiring high upfront costs.
Many major U.S. companies offer valuable tuition assistance programs to help employees achieve their educational goals, covering a substantial portion of college and graduate school costs. If your employer doesn’t currently offer such a program, it’s worth inquiring, as companies can deduct up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance provided to employees under IRS regulations.
The IRS provides tax deductions and credits, such as the Lifetime Learning Credit, which offers up to $2,000 annually to help offset higher education costs. Make sure to obtain Form 1098-T from your school, which details qualified expenses. It's advisable to consult a tax expert to fully maximize these valuable education tax benefits.
Living close to your university or selecting a school with fewer onsite attendance requirements can significantly reduce transportation and lodging expenses.
For example, students working in California may find a California-based university more cost-effective than traveling across the country for each residency weekend.
Cost is a significant consideration for international students seeking Day 1 CPT, as tuition often takes up a considerable portion of their income. Therefore, it is essential for students to carefully evaluate the full fee structure of a school.
Choosing a Day 1 CPT university can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing tuition, program, CPT requirements, and long-term career goals.
Our education advisors can help you compare accredited universities based on your budget, location, academic interests, and employment situation.