The declining selection rate of the H-1B visa lottery has led many international students to choose Day 1 CPT. As an international student seeking Day 1 CPT, choosing the right program is crucial. It is important to select a Day 1 CPT program that differs from your previous degrees in terms of discipline or educational level.
If you already have multiple master’s degrees, it is highly recommended to pursue a doctoral program, as it can avoid raising suspicions from the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
This article introduces the Top 5 Day 1 CPT Universities offering doctoral programs.
How to Select a Day 1 CPT School by Program?
All Day 1 CPT Universities
Pros and Cons of Day 1 CPT PhD Programs
Pros
- Longer Duration: doctoral programs typically last 3-4 years, providing more opportunities to enter the H-1B visa lottery.
- Logical Educational Progression: Pursuing a doctoral degree is a natural step forward in your education, reducing the likelihood of receiving an RFE (Request for Evidence).
- Professional Training: A doctoral program offers advanced training, enhancing your competitiveness in the job market.
Can I Take Multiple for Day 1 CPT? Legal Risks Explained
Cons
- Higher Tuition Cost: Doctoral programs often come with significant tuition expenses.
- Academic Pressure: The demands of a doctoral program may be intense, requiring more time and effort.
Doctoral Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); Doctor of Education (EdD)
Intakes: Jan / Mar / May / Jun / Aug / Sep / Oct
On-site Frequency: Once per semester
On-Site Campus: Irvine, CA; Santa Monica, CA; San Francisco CA; Corona, CA; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Dallas, TX
Annual Tuition: $18,400 - $19,500 /year
Westcliff University, a renowned CPT school on the West Coast, offers DBA and EdD programs. Both are 60-credit, 3-year programs. The DBA program integrates business theories with industrial practices, while the EdD program encourages students to apply educational theories and leadership strategies to teaching.
Westcliff has three main campuses. The DBA program is available at all three campuses, whereas its EdD program is offered only at the Irvine campus. Moreover, the EdD program adopts a weekly format, which means students need to attend an on-site class once per week.
In addition to its convenient locations, Westcliff is known for its strong advisor support and low RFE rate, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Day 1 CPT. The university is accredited by the WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission).
Westcliff University also offers plenty of scholarship opportunities. For more information, see: Day 1 CPT Cost & Scholarships.
Doctoral Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Intakes: Jan / Apr / Jul / Sep / Oct
On-site Frequency: Monthly
On-Site Campus: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
Annual Tuition: $17,370/year
Sofia University, with campuses near SF and LA, is another excellent choice for Day 1 CPT in California. Accredited by the WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission), it offers a 54-credit, 3-year DBA program that focuses on integrating business theory with practical application. With Day 1 CPT, students are able to gain hands-on experience from the first day of the program.
While the tuition of its DBA program is relatively high, Sofia University provides students with many scholarships, including a $2,500 scholarship specifically for international students to apply. It also provides the Leadership Accelerated Scholarship exclusive to DBA students, offering a 30% tuition deduction for the first year and a 10% deduction for the following two years.
For more information, see: Day 1 CPT Cost & Scholarships.
Doctoral Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Information Systems, Management
Intakes: Jan / Feb / Mar / May / Jun / Aug / Sep / Oct
On-site Frequency: Once per semester
On-Site Campus: Merriville, IN; Forney, TX
Annual Tuition: $13,000/year
Indiana Wesleyan University, the largest private university in Indiana, has over a century of academic excellence and innovation since its establishment in 1920. Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), IWU serves nearly 14,000 students annually and is widely recognized for its flexible hybrid and professional programs designed for working adults.
IWU offers doctoral Day 1 CPT programs in Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with concentrations in Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Information Systems, and Management. With convenient campus locations in Merrillville, Indiana, and Forney, Texas, students benefit from a flexible once-per-semester onsite format that supports full-time working professionals while helping them build practical leadership and industry skills.
The university also stands out for its balance of academic quality, flexibility, and affordability. IWU provides international students with a supportive and career-focused pathway for advanced professional education in the U.S.
Doctoral Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Intakes: Jan / May / Aug
On-site Frequency: Twice per semester
On-Site Campus: Overland Park, Kansas
Annual Tuition: $16,576/year
Ottawa University, located in Ottawa, Kansas, is a great option for students living in the Midwest states such as Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and Colorado. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ottawa University offers a 56-credit DBA program that can be completed in 3-4 years. This DBA program, by combining academic training with evidence-based decision making, aims to help students develop data-driven strategies for their business.
One of the standout features of Ottawa University’s DBA program is its flexible schedule. Students are required to attend on-site classes only twice per semester, making it ideal for those who need to balance their studies with work and personal life.
Doctoral Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Intakes (for DBA): Jan / May / Aug
On-site Frequency: Once per term
On-Site Campus: Tampa, FL
Annual Tuition: $14,976/year
National Louis University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is one of the few Day 1 CPT universities in the southern U.S. NLU provides a 60-credit DBA program that emphasizes practical business solutions and leadership development. It is noteworthy that NLU is one of the only two Day 1 CPT universities on the East Coast that offer a DBA program.
One of the key advantages of NLU’s DBA program is its flexible on-site requirement. Students are only required to attend a 3-day on-site session once per semester. If you find Potomac's on-site frequency too demanding, NLU could be the perfect choice for you.
Conclusion
When choosing a Day 1 CPT program, it is significant to consider not only the location, cost, and on-site requirements but also its potential influence on your future visa and immigration applications. Choosing a doctoral-level Day 1 CPT program is effective in reducing the potential risks associated with Day 1 CPT.
If you have further questions about Day 1 CPT PhD programs, book a free consultation for expert advice. We are dedicated to helping you advance your career and education in the U.S.
Relevant Readings:
What is Day 1 CPT?
Selecting a Day 1 CPT School by Location
.png?width=600&height=150&name=D1CC%20Logo%20Version%202%20(1).png "D1CC Logo Version 2")
