Immigration News and Practical Articles on Studying in the U.S.

These 5 Day 1 CPT Universities are Game Changers

Written by Vivian Shen | May 8, 2025 1:47:02 AM

Why “Work‑While‑You‑Study” matters

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off‑campus employment authorization granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to eligible F‑1 students when the work is integral to their program of study. If you are an international student, you already know that classroom knowledge alone rarely opens doors in today’s job market. Employers want proof you can apply what you learn—in real workplaces, on real projects, with real deadlines. CPT lets you do exactly that: hold a paid, résumé‑worthy job or internship that is directly tied to your degree while you are still in school. By graduation, you walk away with:
  • U.S. work experience: the bullet point recruiters scan for first.
  • A stronger professional network: colleagues, mentors, and possible sponsors.
  • Income: offset tuition or living costs.
  • A smoother transition to OPT or H‑1B: because you already know the ropes.
In short, CPT turns your degree into a launchpad instead of a ticket you redeem later.

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Top 5 Day 1 CPT Universities That are Game Changers

Below are five reputable universities that embed CPT into the very design of their graduate programs—often from Day 1—so you do not have to wait a year to step into the workplace.
University Signature CPT Programs What Makes It a Game Changer
Westcliff University – Irvine, CA & Dallas, TX & Miami, FL MBA, MS IT, MS CS, DBA, EdD Multiple campuses across the US; multiple STEM programs; Doctoral CPT programs 
Sofia University – Palo Alto, CA & Costa Mesa, CA MBA, MS CS Small seminar classes + Silicon Valley location = CPT positions at start‑ups and Big Tech alike.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology – Harrisburg, PA MS Analytics, MS PM, MS Computer Information Sciences  10+ STEM programs; Convenient location (near Philadelphia); Healthcare programs 
New England College – Henniker, NH EMBA, MS DA, MS IT & Cybersecurity  Low tuition + low on-site frequency = Great work-life balance
Indiana Wesleyan University – Merrillville, IN MS DA, MS AI, MS IT PM  Low tuition; Convenient location (near Chicago); multiple STEM programs (including AI)
Pro tip: All five universities require that your CPT job be related to your major and approved by their career services/academic office before you start. Work with them early so paperwork never stands between you and your paycheck.

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Comprehensive List of Day 1 CPT Universities 

How to Choose a Day 1 CPT School by Location?

 

How CPT turbo‑charges your résumé

  • Quantifiable Achievements: “Reduced cloud‑server costs by 18 % at SaaS firm” reads far louder than “completed coursework in AWS.”
  • Soft‑skill Proof: Cross‑cultural teamwork, U.S. business communication, time‑management while juggling work and study—employers no longer need to assume you have them.
  • Employer References:  A U.S. manager who can vouch for you carries enormous weight during OPT or H‑1B sponsorship discussions.

 

Frequently asked (and worried‑about) questions

  • 1. Is Day 1 CPT legal?
Yes—when structured correctly. Each of these universities ties CPT directly to an academic course, keeps detailed records, and issues a new I‑20 every term. Follow their guidelines and you are on solid ground.
  • 2. Will CPT affect my OPT later?
    • Second master’s: OPT is granted only once per academic level. If you already used OPT after your first master’s, you are not eligible for another OPT at the same level. That means you can stay on CPT for the entire second master's program—full‑time or part‑time—without worrying about the 12‑month limit.
    • First master’s: To keep the option of 12 months of post‑completion OPT, you must stay under 12 months of full‑time CPT (part‑time CPT does not count toward the limit). Exceeding 12 months of full‑time CPT will eliminate your OPT eligibility for this degree.
  • 3. Can I change jobs?
Absolutely—just update your CPT authorization first. Quick approvals are another perk of schools that specialize in Day 1 CPT.
What Companies Accept Day 1 CPT? How to Convince Your Employer to Support It?
  • 4. What if I lose my job?
The current job market is anything but predictable. Fortunately, most Day 1 CPT universities build flexibility into their policies. If you lose your job, you will remain in lawful F‑1 status as long as you maintain your required course load and notify the International Student Office to terminate your CPT authorization. After you land a new job, you can reactivate your CPT. 
However, it is important to note that employment is required throughout the program at some schools, such as New England College and Ottawa University. These schools may provide students with a grace period for looking a new job.
 

Ready to level up?

A U.S. master’s plus U.S. work experience is a combination that opens doors worldwide. Whether your goal is an H‑1B, returning home with an unbeatable résumé, or launching your own venture, these Day 1 CPT universities give you a head start.
Next step: Book a free consultation with our consultants for program details, scholarship tips, and insider advice on securing your CPT job. Your future résumé will thank you.
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