As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. has attracted many international students pursuing careers in non-profit, consulting, finance, and law, offering an excellent platform for professional development. However, many graduates with degrees in business and social sciences have only a 1-year OPT, making it challenging to obtain an H-1B visa.
As a result, many international students aiming to continue their work in the U.S. would choose Day 1 CPT. This article introduces six reputable Day 1 CPT universities near Virginia and Washington D.C., providing details such as their locations, on-site requirements, tuition costs, enrollment windows, and program choices.
If you're in this region, read on to discover which university best suits your needs!
Select a Right Day 1 CPT School by Location
2. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
5. North Carolina Wesleyan University
On-Site Campus: Westminster, MD
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Annual Tuition: $12,600
Intakes: Jan | May | Jul | Aug
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Data Analytics (STEM)
McDaniel College, a well-established institution with over 150 years of history, is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It offers a STEM-designated Day 1 CPT program, which allows students to work from the program start date. This program is ideal for students with a strong background in mathematics and statistics, equipping students with both qualitative and quantitative methods in data analysis. To graduate, students must complete nine core courses and one of two selective courses, totaling 30 credits.
Besides its affordable tuition, one of the advantages of McDaniel College is its lower on-site frequency. It requires students to attend on-site sessions only once per semester (Friday to Sunday). The campus is conveniently located just a 70-minute drive from Washington, D.C., making it easily accessible for students from Virginia and nearby states. If you’re aiming to pursue a career in data science, McDaniel College offers support to help you achieve your goals.
Advantages: Low tuition cost; low on-site requirement; proximity to Washington D.C.; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
On-Site Campus: Harrisburg, PA
On-Site Frequency: Bi-monthly
Annual Tuition: $17,190
Intakes: Jan | Feb | Mar | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Oct | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Analytics; MS Biotechnology; MS Computer Information Sciences; MS Consumer Behavior and Decision Sciences; MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management; MS Healthcare Informatics; MS Human-Centered Interaction Design; MS Information Systems Engineering & Management; MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems; MS Pharmaceutical Sciences; MS Project Management; MS Techpreneurship (All STEM programs)
Harrisburg University is a top choice among international students for its diverse range of STEM and healthcare-related programs. As a non-profit institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University offers more than 10 Day 1 CPT STEM programs.
While Harrisburg University requires students to attend on-site classes one Saturday per month, it is conveniently located about a 2-hour drive from Washington D.C. The campus is situated right next to the train station, making it easily accessible for students commuting from D.C. and Virginia.
Harrisburg University's higher tuition fees may be a drawback for budget-conscious students. However, this is balanced by its exceptional student support services. The university offers robust career assistance, comprehensive academic support, and dedicated services for international students. These resources enhance the educational experience and can lead to better career outcomes, potentially justifying the higher cost.
Advantages: Multiple STEM and healthcare programs; design programs; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap); convenient location (close to Washington, D.C.)
On-Site Campus: New Rochelle, NY
On-Site Frequency: 1 per month
Annual Tuition: $11,340 - $21,263
Intakes: Jan | Feb | Apr | Jun | Sep | Oct
Day 1 CPT Programs: MPA; MBA; MSCS (STEM); MS Forensic Psychology; MS in Accounting; MSCJ; MSDS (STEM); MS Healthcare Administration; MSPH
Monroe University, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, offers a variety of Day 1 CPT programs ranging from business to healthcare. Whether you work in finance, law, or the non-profit sector, you will find the right program here. With on-site classes held once a month on Saturdays, Monroe University offers a manageable schedule for students.
The college’s location near New York City makes it convenient for students in Virginia and Washington D.C., who can easily travel to the campus. For students based in Washington D.C., it takes approximately 3 hours by train to reach New York City. Alternatively, a direct flight from Washington D.C. to New York City takes about 1 hour, providing multiple convenient travel options.
Overall, Monroe University provides a blend of flexibility, diverse programs, and a prime location.
Advantages: Diverse program options; lower tuition cost
On-Site Campus: Henniker, NH
On-Site Frequency: 1 per semester
Annual Tuition: $9,700 - $10,476
Intakes: Jan | Mar | May | Jul | Aug | Sep | Nov
Day 1 CPT Programs: EMBA; EMAI (STEM); EMDSA (STEM); EM Health Informatics (STEM); EMSIT & Cybersecurity (STEM); EMSIT Project Management (STEM)
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England College is another reputable Day 1 CPT school on the East Coast. With its variety of executive programs designed for working professionals, the school caters to students from various professional backgrounds. Whether your interests lie in business, information technology, or healthcare, the college offers specialized programs that provide the flexibility and expertise to advance your career.
While New England College is relatively far from Washington D.C., it requires just one 3-day session per semester. If you live in D.C., you can take a 1.5-hour flight to Boston, followed by a 1.5-hour drive from Boston to the campus.
An advantage of this college is its low tuition cost—annual tuition is under $10k, making it one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT schools. If financial considerations are important, New England College should be your top choice.
Advantages: Lower tuition cost; low on-site requirement; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
On-Site Campus: Rocky Mount, NC
On-Site Frequency: 1 per quarter
Annual Tuition: $10,560 - $11,550
Intakes: Jan | May | Aug
Day 1 CPT Programs: EMBA; EMS Strategic Leadership; EMS Information Technology Management (STEM)
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a private university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This university offers three management-related Day 1 CPT programs, which are great choices for students from diverse career paths. If you work in technology, the MS IT Management program is an ideal option for you.
NCWU's campus is a 4-hour drive away from Washington D.C. While it is relatively far from the city, the school requires only one on-site session for each semester, which is flexible for working professionals.
NCWU's tuition is under $10k. With its affordable tuition, NCWU has become an increasingly popular Day 1 CPT school among international students.
Advantages: Lower tuition cost; low on-site requirement; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)
These five Day 1 CPT universities near Virginia and Washington D.C. offer international students the chance to continue their work experience while pursuing advanced education. Whether you prioritize affordability, flexibility, location, or program variety, there is an option to suit your needs. It is important to keep in mind that choosing a suitable Day 1 CPT school can significantly minimize the risks associated with Day 1 CPT.