Top 4 Day 1 CPT Universities in New York and Boston

For international students seeking work authorizations other than H-1B, Day 1 CPT universities offer a significant advantage. By using Day 1 CPT, you can transition seamlessly from OPT to CPT to continue your employment.

This article introduces 4 well-known Day 1 CPT universities in New York and Boston, detailing their locations, on-site requirements, tuition costs, enrollment windows, and programs. If you are located in or around these two cities, read this article closely to gain a comprehensive understanding of the features of each school.

Selecting a Day 1 CPT School by Location

Table of Contents

1. Monroe University

2. New England College

3. Harrisburg University

4. McDaniel College

Conclusion

1. Monroe University

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: MBA; MS CS (STEM); MS DS (STEM); Data Science Certificate; MS Healthcare Administration; MS Public Health; MS Criminal Justice; MPA; MS Forensic Psych; MS Accounting

Monroe University, located in New Rochelle, NY, has been a popular option for Day 1 CPT students on the East Coast. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, this school provides a wide range of programs, including MBA, MS in Computer Science, and MS in Data Science. For those working in healthcare or law, the university also provides specialized programs in Healthcare Administration and Criminal Justice.

Additionally, Monroe University offers a Data Science Certificate, allowing students to gain valuable data skills within a year. This certificate can make students eligible for an additional 3-year OPT above the master's degree level.

Students are required to attend on-site classes once a month, specifically on a Saturday. This higher on-site requirement helps ensure compliance with the USCIS regulations. For those living in New York City, Monroe University is just a 40-minute drive away. Students from Boston can take a 1-hour flight or a 4-hour drive. Many Boston-based students would turn their on-site class weekends into a weekend trip to New York, making the on-site experience more enjoyable.

However, Monroe University provides only three enrollment windows per year, so it is crucial to plan ahead if you are considering this school.

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Advantages: convenient location (close to NYC); diverse program options; lower tuition cost

2. New England College

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: Executive MBA;  Executive MS AI; Executive MS Health Informatics; Executive MS IT Project Management; Executive MS Data Science and Analytics; Executive MS IT & Cybersecurity

New England College (NEC), situated in Henniker, NH, has been attracting many international students on the East Coast, primarily due to its low tuition fees. With annual tuition costs around $9k, NEC offers a cost-effective option compared to other Day 1 CPT universities on the East Coast. 

Another great advantage of NEC is its minimal on-site requirement. Students are required to attend just one 3-day on-site session (Friday to Sunday) per semester, making it flexible for those who work in other cities. The campus is conveniently located about 1.5-hour drive from Boston, and the Boston Logan International Airport provides direct flights to many major East Coast cities.

With its combination of low tuition costs, flexible on-site requirements, and rigorous academic standards, New England College is an excellent choice for Day 1 CPT students seeking an affordable and practical education.

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Advantages: low tuition cost, low on-site requirement, location (close to Boston); non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)

3. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

On-Site Campus: Harrisburg, PA                           
On-Site Frequency: 2 per month
Annual Tuition: $17,190
Intakes: Jan | Feb | Mar | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Oct | Nov

Day 1 CPT Programs: MS Analytics (STEM); MS Computer Information Science (STEM); MS Project Management (STEM); MS Human-Centered Interaction Design (STEM); and multiple healthcare-related STEM programs

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a renowned Day 1 CPT university due to its exceptional student services and academic quality. As a non-profit institution with a focus on technology, Harrisburg University offers multiple Day 1 CPT programs that can qualify students for a 3-year OPT. 

For those working in healthcare, the university stands out with its healthcare programs, including MS in Biotechnology, MS in Healthcare Informatics, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and MS in Nursing. Design students can benefit from the specialized MS Human-Centered Interaction Design.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg is known for its reliability and strong student support. The administration team provides ample assistance for any issues that arise during the program, which is a significant draw for many students despite the higher tuition costs.

Students are required to attend on-site session, making it manageable for those living in different cities. If you reside in New York, you can easily take a train to Harrisburg. For those in Boston, a 2-hour flight will get you to the campus.

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Advantages: multiple STEM programs; healthcare programs; design programs; non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)

Relevant Readings:

Best 6 Day 1 CPT Programs for Healthcare Professionals

On-Site Experience: Harrisburg University

4. McDaniel College

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, located in Westminster, MD, is a non-profit school with a long history of over 150 years. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, McDaniel College offers one Day 1 CPT program: MS in Data Analytics (STEM). This program requires applicants to have strong mathematical skills, including completed coursework in statistics. This admission requirement reflects the school's commitment to academic excellence.

While McDaniel College may not be the first choice due to its limited offerings, this selectivity enhances its reliability in the eyes of the USCIS, potentially facilitating a smoother process for F-1 visa application and change of status.

McDaniel College requires students to attend only one on-site session per semester (Friday to Sunday). The campus is a 40-minute drive from Baltimore, 70 minutes from Washington D.C., and 3.5 hours from New York City. Additionally, the Baltimore International Airport is only 40 minutes away, making it a convenient option for students on the East Coast.

McDaniel College’s combination of historical prestige, rigorous academic standards, and accessible location makes it a dependable choice for students seeking a quality education with the benefits of Day 1 CPT.

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Advantages: low tuition cost, low on-site requirement, location (close to Washington D.C.); non-profit (H-1B master’s cap)

Conclusion

Above are four excellent Day 1 CPT universities in and around New York and Boston. These institutions provide practical training from the beginning, helping you gain valuable experience and build your career in the U.S. Whether you are looking for flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, or a variety of program offerings, there is a university that can meet your needs.

If you have any questions about selecting the right school, book a free consultation to make an informed decision. We are dedicated to helping you advance your education and career in the U.S.