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How to Choose a Day 1 CPT School
by Tuition?
Tuition is often one of the first factors international students consider when choosing a Day 1 CPT university. However, comparing schools based on tuition alone can be misleading. The total cost of attendance may also include CPT fees, technology fees, travel expenses, health insurance, and on-site attendance costs. This guide will give you an estimated idea when enrolling in an accredited university.
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Our direct partnerships with 20+ accredited universities mean we can negotiate exclusive scholarships, discounts, and support packages that are simply not available to students who apply on their own.
Scholarships applied directly to tuition — no repayment
Discounts are activated upon enrollment confirmation
Dedicated advisor from application to I-20 receipt
GoElite Rewards points on every milestone
Why Tuition Matters When
Choosing a Day 1 CPT University
Several factors can influence the total cost of a Day 1 CPT program.
Degree Level
Master's programs generally have lower overall tuition than doctoral programs because they require fewer credits and shorter completion timelines.
Typical ranges include:
- Master's Programs: approximately $16,000–$35,000 total program cost
- Doctoral Programs: approximately $42,000–$58,000 total program cost
Program duration also plays a major role in determining annual tuition costs.
Program Type
STEM programs such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
may carry different tuition structures compared with business-focused programs such as MBA or MIM degrees.
On-site Attendance Requirements
Schools requiring monthly on-site attendance may result in higher overall expenses due to:
- Flights
- Hotels and Accommodation
- Transportation
- Meals
Students should calculate travel costs alongside tuition when comparing universities.
Recommended Readings:
Is a Day 1 CPT MBA Worth It? Comparing ROI with a Traditional MBA
Scholarships for Day 1 CPT Students (2026 Edition)
7 Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities by Location
Up to $20,000 per year
Merit-based scholarships are exclusively available to students who apply through Day1CPT. Awards are applied directly to tuition and do not need to be repaid.
All scholarships are exclusive to Day1CPT applicants and cannot be obtained through direct university application.
| 🌟Merit Scholarship - Most Popular Awarded based on academic background and professional experience. |
Up to $8,000/yr |
| 🌟STEM Excellence Grant For students enrolling in CS, AI, Data Science, or Engineering programs. |
Up to $5,000/yr |
| 🌟Leadership Scholarship For students with demonstrated leadership experience in their field. |
Up to $4,000/yr |
| 🌟Early Application Award Apply at least 60 days before your target semester start date. |
Up to $3,000/yr |
$2,000+ in partner savings
Exclusive discounts on tools, software, housing, and services that international students need most — negotiated directly with our partners.
Discounts are activated upon enrollment confirmation and remain valid throughout your program.
| 🌟Software & Productivity Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Notion, Grammarly, and more. |
Up to 60% off |
| 🌟Professional Tools LinkedIn Premium, Coursera, Udemy, and professional certification prep. |
Up to 40% off |
| 🌟Health & Wellness Health insurance plans, gym memberships, and mental health apps. |
Up to 30% off |
| 🌟Housing & Relocation Partner housing platforms and relocation service discounts. |
Up to $500 off |
[FREE] Dedicated advisor from day one
Every Day1CPT applicant is assigned a dedicated advisor who guides them through every step — from document preparation to I-20 receipt.
Average I-20 issuance time for Day1CPT applicants: 10–14 business days.
| 🌟Document Review Expert review of your SOP, recommendation letters, and transcripts before submission. |
| 🌟I-20 Expedite Support We coordinate directly with university DSOs to expedite your I-20 issuance. |
| 🌟Visa Interview Prep 1-on-1 mock interview sessions with our experienced advisors. |
| 🌟Enrollment Guidance Step-by-step guidance on course registration, orientation, and first-semester setup. |
[INCLUDED] Practical experience from semester 1
All Day1CPT partner programs include CPT as a required or elective curricular component, meaning you can begin practical experience from your very first semester.
CPT authorization is subject to individual DSO approval and USCIS regulations. Students must maintain a valid F-1 status.
| 🌟Curriculum-Embedded CPT CPT is part of your degree requirements, not an add-on. This is the key to Day 1 authorization. |
| 🌟CPT Authorization Guidance Step-by-step guidance on the CPT authorization process at your specific university. |
| 🌟Compliance Resources Access to our F-1 compliance resource library, updated regularly with USCIS guidance. |
| 🌟DSO Support Network Access to a network of experienced DSOs at all 20+ partner universities. |
[FREE] 500+ active alumni connections
Join a thriving community of Day1CPT alumni across 20+ universities. Get mentorship, referrals, and career connections from students who've been through the same journey.
Our alumni network spans 15+ countries and 200+ companies.
| 🌟Alumni Mentorship Get matched with alumni in your field for 1-on-1 mentorship sessions. |
| 🌟Annual Summit Invitation to the annual Day1CPT Student Summit — networking, workshops, and speakers. |
| 🌟Career Referral Network Access to alumni referral opportunities at top companies. |
| 🌟Private Community Access Join our exclusive Discord and WeChat communities for peer support and networking. |
🪙GoElite Rewards Program
How it works: Earn points by completing milestones during your enrollment journey.
Points are credited to your GoElite account and can be redeemed at any time via the GoElite platform.
- 🎓Get Enrolled - Earn points once you enroll to our partner univ. (+50 pts)
- 👥Refer Friends - Earn 200 points for every successful referral. (+200 pts)
- 💬Join Group Chat - Join the school WhatsApp/WeChat group. (+10 pts)
- 📝Evaluate Courses - Share course and professor experience. (+10 pts)
- 📱Share on Social - Share your experience and tag us. (+10 pts)
- ☕Starbucks Gift Card - Exchange at 1:1 ratio. ($10, $25, $50)
- 📦Amazon Gift Card - Exchange at 1:1 ratio. ($25, $50, $100, $200)
- 💳Visa Prepaid Card - Exchange at 1:1 ratio. ($200)
All Benefits Unlock When You Apply Through Day1CPT
These benefits are exclusively negotiated for our applicants. They are not available through direct university application.
How to Choose the Best Value Day 1 CPT University
The cheapest tuition is not always the best value.
Before making a decision, consider:
- Total tuition cost
- Program length
- Scholarship opportunities
- Travel expenses
- Onsite attendance frequency
- Accreditation status
- Career alignment
- CPT policies
A slightly higher tuition program may ultimately cost less if it requires fewer campus visits or offers stronger scholarship opportunities.
See the table below to compare the list of accredited universities and their tuition fees:
| Location | Universities | Cost per Credit | Estimated Annual Tuition |
| Northeast Coast |
Monroe University | $630 - $740 | $11,340 - $21,263 |
| New England College | $485 | $9,700 - $10,476 | |
| Curry College | $860 | $15,480 | |
| Bay Atlantic University | $630 | $11,340 - $15,120 | |
| McDaniel College | $700 | $12,600 | |
| Goldey-Beacom College | $671 | $12,078 - $24,156 | |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | $955 | $17,190 | |
| Midwest Coast |
Indiana Wesleyan University | $499 - $650 | $8,982 - $13,000 |
| Benedictine University | $800 | $13,200 - $14,400 | |
| National Louis University | $790 - $832 | $14,976 - $18,960 | |
| Ottawa University | $767 - $888 | $13,806 - $16,576 | |
| West |
Sofia University | $612 - $965 | $14,688 - $17,370 |
| California Institute Of Advanced Management | $751 | $13,518 | |
| Avila University Arizona | $508 | $9,144 | |
| Humphreys University | $471 | $10,885 | |
| South |
Concordia University Texas | $700 - $800 | $13,440 - $23,100 |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University | $550 | $10,560 - $11,550 | |
| Lamar University | $505 | $11,370 | |
| Texas Wesleyan University | $850 | $15,300 | |
| Westcliff University | $797 - $975 | $15,750 - $23,910 |
Important Reminder
When evaluating Day 1 CPT universities, students should focus on total educational value rather than tuition alone. While several schools offer annual tuition below $10,000, the true cost of attendance includes travel, fees, insurance, and program flexibility.
By comparing tuition alongside on-site requirements, scholarship opportunities, and career outcomes, students can identify the Day 1 CPT university that best supports both their academic goals and financial situation.
Book a free consultation with our expert consultants, and we'll guide you on your U.S. journey!
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Student Discounts
$2,000+ in partner savings
Exclusive discounts on tools, software, housing, and services that international students need most — negotiated directly with our partners.
Up to $3,000/yr
Application Award
Apply at least 60 days before your target semester start date.
Application Award
Up to $8,000/yr
Merit Scholarship
Awarded based on academic background and professional experience.
Merit Scholarship
Up to $5,000/yr
STEM Excellence
For students enrolling in CS, AI, Data Science, or Engineering programs.
STEM Excellence
Up to $4,000/yr
Leadership Grant
For students with demonstrated leadership experience in their field.
Leadership Grant
GoElite Rewards Program
Earn points for every milestone — redeem for real cash rewards. 1 Point = $1 USD
