Which Day 1 CPT Programs Offer a Fixed Summer Break? You Won’t Believe How Rare the Answer Is…

For international students already studying in the U.S.—especially those working full-time while maintaining F-1 status—Day-1 CPT programs are often a practical solution.

But there’s one major frustration almost everyone encounters:

Most Day 1 CPT programs do NOT allow a Summer Break.

This means:

• No time off in the summer

• No chance to step away from classes

• No travel freedom

• No CPT during a “vacation term”

Many students quickly realize that Day-1 CPT often comes with year-round academic requirements.

So, the big question is:

“Are there ANY Day-1 CPT schools that offer a fixed Summer Break with NO classes?”

Surprisingly, yes. And one school stands out more than any other: Salem University.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Reality: Most Day-1 CPT Schools Do NOT Allow Summer Break

Before we talk about the exception, it’s important to understand the standard model used by most institutions providing Day 1 CPT programs.

Typical Day-1 CPT structure:

• 3 semesters back-to-back

• Mandatory enrollment every term

• Only after completing three semesters can you take one term off

• And during that break, CPT is usually not allowed

So even when a break does exist, students cannot work on CPT, making it essentially useless for those with full-time jobs.

This is why many working international students feel “locked” into continuous study with little room to rest or travel.

2. So Which Day-1 CPT School Has a Fixed Summer Break?

— Salem University Is One of the Very Few

Among Day-1 CPT schools, Salem University is one of the rare institutions that offers a genuine, predictable, no-class Summer Break every single year.

This is unusual—and extremely valuable—for students who need flexibility.

At Salem University, the policy is simple:

• ✔ Summer = no classes
• ✔ No online lectures

In other words, students can actually take a real Summer Break while maintaining their program continuity.

This kind of flexibility is almost impossible to find at other Day-1 CPT universities.

For international students working full-time, this means:

• More time for rest
• Freedom to travel
• Easier planning for work cycles
• Better work-life balance

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3. A Stable Academic Calendar That Supports Working Professionals

Salem’s academic structure is straightforward and easy to plan around:

• Spring: classes
• Fall: classes
• Summer: fixed break, no academic requirements

Unlike programs that constantly rotate terms without pause, Salem offers predictable academic timing. This benefits students who need to coordinate:

• Full-time work commitments
• Family responsibilities
• H-1B or employment timelines
• Long-term career planning
• International travel

Predictability is rare in Day-1 CPT programs—Salem provides exactly that.

4. More Than Just Master Programs — Salem Also Offers a DBA

Many Day 1 CPT schools only provide master’s degrees. Salem University offers more variety, including:

MSIT (Master of Science in Information Technology)

A great fit for students in software engineering, analytics, IT management, cybersecurity, and tech roles.

DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)

This is a major advantage for students who want:

• A doctoral-level credential
• Advancement in business, management, or consulting
• A competitive résumé for executive roles
• A pathway toward academia
• Long-term career development in the U.S.

Having both MSIT and DBA options makes Salem one of the most flexible Day 1 CPT choices on the market.

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Final Thoughts: 

To summarize:

 • Most Day-1 CPT schools require continuous enrollment
 • Summer Break is not available at the majority of institutions
 • CPT typically stops during vacation terms
 • Students must balance work + classes year-round

Salem University breaks that pattern by offering:

 • A fixed Summer Break (no classes)
 • A predictable academic schedule
 • More freedom for travel and personal planning
 • Two solid program options (MSIT & DBA)

If you’re looking for a Day 1 CPT school that gives you room to breathe—while still supporting your professional career—Salem University is one of the strongest and rarest options available.

Click here to learn more about Salem University>