Scholarships for Day 1 CPT Students (2025 Edition)

Balancing study, work, and living expenses in the U.S. can be especially challenging for international students. For Day 1 CPT students, practical factors like cost and location often outweigh school rankings or academic prestige.

During my own application journey, I discovered that a few CPT universities actually offer scholarships to international students—something I hadn’t expected given their already low tuition. I’m currently studying in the MS IT program at Westcliff University with the Warrior Scholarship, and I'll introduce 4 Day 1 CPT universities that provide scholarships, along with their eligibility and requirements.

Day 1 CPT Cost & Scholarships

7 Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities by Location

Table of Contents

(1) Westcliff University Scholarships

(2) Sofia University Scholarships

(3) CIAM Scholarships

(4) Monroe University Scholarship

Final Thoughts

(1) Westcliff University Scholarships

First is Westcliff University, where I'm currently studying. In my personal opinion, Westcliff offers the easiest scholarship to apply for and receive. Westcliff offers 4 scholarships. These scholarships can be applied for before enrollment and are based on academic performance.

• 1. GLIDE Scholarship 💰

  • Purpose: For accomplished students with global experience aiming to make their field more accessible.

  • Eligibility: Open to both new and continuing students, including international graduate students.

  • GPA Requirement: 3.25 (for graduate students).

  • Award Frequency: 3 times per year (prior to each semester).

  • Amount: Up to $2,500 over one year with continuous enrollment.

  • Additional Requirements: Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and Continuous Enrollment throughout the award period.

• 2. Warrior Scholarship 💰

  • Purpose: General support based on academic merit and personal story.

  • Eligibility: New and continuing students (international students eligible).

  • GPA Requirement: 3.0 (for graduate students).

  • Award Frequency: 6 times per year (prior to each session).

  • Amount: Up to $2,500 over one year.

  • Additional Requirements:

    • Essay required explaining financial need and academic/career goals.

    • Maintain SAP and enrollment.

• 3. Founder’s Scholarship 💰

  • Purpose: For high-achieving students in eligible master’s programs.

  • Eligibility: MBA, MSCS, MSIT, MSEM, or MA TESOL.

  • GPA Requirement: 3.5.

  • Award Frequency: 3 times per year.

  • Amount: Up to $5,000 over one year.

  • Additional Requirements: Must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA during the award period.

• 4. Harris-Cooper Rising Groups in STEM Scholarship 💰

  • Purpose: For students in STEM fields promoting diversity and academic excellence.

  • Eligibility:

    • Enrolled in a STEM major (College of Business or Technology).

    • Maintained a minimum GPA of 3.5 for at least one full academic year.

    • Open to international students.

  • Amount: $10,000 (one-time).

  • Application Deadline: March 31, 2025.

It’s important to note that when applying for scholarships, I strongly recommend submitting two letters of recommendation and writing a personal statement of at least 750 words. When applying specifically for the Community Warrior Scholarship, be sure to detail the hardships you’re facing in life—especially financial difficulties—in your essay.

(2) Sofia University Scholarships

Sofia University offers up to 8 scholarships, most of which are merit-based. If your GPA is above 3.2 and aligns with the scholarship purpose, it’s worth applying. I recommend a personal statement over 750 words, tailored to the scholarship, along with two letters of recommendation.

• 1. International Student Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: $2,500 (for the first academic year).

  • Eligibility:

    • New international students holding an F-1 visa.

    • Enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program.

    • Must submit a personal statement/essay explaining: (1) Why you chose a STEM field; (2) Why you came to study in the U.S.; and (3) How this education will help your career.

• 2. Leadership Accelerated Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: Year 1: 30% tuition reduction; Year 2&3: 10% tuition reduction.

  • Eligibility:

    • For students in accelerated graduate or doctoral programs.

    • Must demonstrate leadership qualities and potential.

• 3. Merit-Based Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: Up to $5,000 (for the first academic year).

  • Eligibility:

    • New graduate students, including international students.

    • Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement (e.g., high GPA from prior studies).

    • May require letters of recommendation or academic records.

• 4. Moving Humanity Forward Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: $2,000 (for the first academic year).

  • Eligibility:

    • New students in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs (including international students).

    • Submit a 1000–1500 word essay on how your education and goals contribute to humanity.

• 5. Entrepreneurship Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: $2,000 (for the first academic year).

  • Eligibility:

    • New students (including international students).

    • Submit a personal statement Describing your entrepreneurial ideas and discussing challenges and strategies. 

• 6. EIDA (Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Accessibility) Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: $4,000 (for the first academic year).

  • Eligibility:

    • New students (including international students).

    • Submit a personal statement describing your entrepreneurial ideas and discussing challenges and strategies. 

    • Available in the Fall and Winter quarters.

• 7. Community Engagement & Social Advocacy Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: Varies every year.

  • Eligibility:

    • Current students.

    • Submit an essay on community involvement and advocacy.

    • Available only in the Spring quarter.

• 8. Finish Line Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: $500 - $1,000.

  • Eligibility:

    • Current students who are either in their last quarter or penultimate quarter.

    • Must demonstrate financial need and strong academic progress.

(3) CIAM Scholarships

• 3. President's Scholarship / Women in Leadership Scholarship 💰

  • Amount: Varies.

  • Application Deadline: March 29, 2026. 

  • Eligibility:

    • Female students with work experience.

    • Submit a 300–500 word essay.