Cheapest Day 1 CPT Universities in the US 2026

When selecting a university, the cost is frequently a crucial consideration, particularly for students without employer-provided tuition support. For many, reducing tuition expenses not only aids in financial management but also provides a sense of security and tranquility during their academic experience. Every dollar saved is valuable!

Here are the five universities offering professional hybrid CPT programs with the most affordable tuition fees in the United States! Want more information? Consult with us for free!

Monroe University is a private institution recognized for its career-focused programs and flexible learning. Offering a range of graduate degrees in business, technology, healthcare, education, and public service—including STEM-designated programs—Monroe integrates academic excellence with practical experience.

Available programs for Day 1 CPT:
- Master in Public Administration
- Master of Business Administration (Concentrations: Finance, Marketing, Healthcare, Human Resources, Information Technology, Accounting, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, International Business)
- STEM Master of Business Administration in Business Management, Analytics, and Information Technology (Concentrations: Business Management, Analytics & Information Technology)
- STEM MS Computer Science
- MS Forensic Psychology
- MS in Accounting
- MS in Criminal Justice
- STEM MS in Data Science
- MS in Health Care Administration
- MS in Public Health
- STEM MS of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Affordable Tuition:
Monroe's tuition is very affordable, with each credit costing only $630. Compared to other schools, Monroe's location is particularly advantageous, with proximity to New York City’s diverse professional landscape.

Bay Atlantic University (BAU) is a private, non-profit university offering affordable, career-focused programs in Politics, Business, and Information Sciences. Its diverse global campus connects students to top U.S. agencies, embassies, and international organizations, with a dynamic curriculum reflecting today’s market.

Available programs for Day 1 CPT:
- STEM Dual Master Program - MBA & MS Big Data Analytics
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- STEM Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering
- STEM Master of Science in Big Data Analytics
- STEM Master of Science in Cloud Computing Engineering
- STEM Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- STEM Master of Science in Software Engineering

Affordable Tuition:
The tuition at BAU is only $630 per credit, and the MBA and MS programs offer a wide range of concentrations, catering to the needs of international students, making it a highly cost-effective choice.

New England College (NEC) is a private liberal arts college that offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with strengths in business, education, arts, sciences, and technology. The college is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and an emphasis on experiential learning.

Available programs for Day 1 CPT:
- Executive MBA
- Executive MBA Healthcare Management
- Executive MBA in Software Engineering
- STEM Executive MS Artificial Intelligence
- STEM Executive MS Data Science and Analytics
- STEM Executive MS Health Informatics
- STEM Executive MS IT Cybersecurity
- STEM Executive MS IT Project Management

Affordable Tuition:
The tuition at NEC costs only $510 per credit, making it very competitively priced. Additionally, its scenic campus along the Contoocook River provides a vibrant community that fosters academic excellence.

Avila University Arizona (AUA) is a prestigious institution with a legacy of providing excellence in education, offering innovative programs that cater to the evolving needs of students from around the world.

Available programs for Day 1 CPT:
- STEM Master of Business Administration: Healthcare Administration
- STEM Master of Business Administration: Project Management
- STEM Master of Science in Technology Management: Artificial Intelligence
- STEM Master of Science in Technology Management: Business Analytics
- STEM Master of Science in Technology Management: Data Science

Affordable Tuition:
AUA is highly praised by students for its excellent value, with tuition costing only $508 per credit. Additionally, the admission process is very flexible, and occasionally offers exclusive special travel incentives.

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)is the largest private university in Indiana and has a century-long history of academic excellence and innovation, helping students build in-demand skills, expand their professional networks, and achieve long-term career success.

Available programs for Day 1 CPT:
- STEM Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, specializing in Data Analytics
- STEM Master of Business Administration - Data Analytics
- STEM Master of Business Administration - IT Management
- Master of Business Administration
- STEM Master's in Management – Data Analytics
- Master's in Management – Healthcare Administration Specialization
- STEM Master's in Management – Healthcare Informatics Specialization
- STEM Master's in Management – Information Technology Specialization
- STEM MS Data Analytics
- STEM MS in Computer Information Systems－Artificial Intelligence
- STEM MS in IT Project Management

Affordable Tuition:
IWU charges only $499 per credit, with the average annual tuition being less than $10,000, making it highly cost-effective. Students only need to visit the campus once per semester, totaling three times a year,.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of the five schools mentioned, Indiana Wesleyan University has the lowest published graduate rate: $499 per credit for STEM hybrid programs.

Total cost also depends on program length, fees and campus visits.

No. Schools add fees, and hybrid programs add travel for campus weekends or intensives.

Use the program total the school publishes, where it gives one.

They can. Scholarships and fee waivers are separate from list tuition; see Scholarships or ask our expert advisors by booking a free consultation!

Short version: CPT is a form of F-1 work authorization tied to your curriculum and approved by your school's DSO.

Rules and court cases are changing, so read a comprehensive guide: What is Day 1 CPT?

Reminder

The term “Day 1 CPT universities” generally refers to institutions that allow eligible international students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) beginning in their first semester of study, provided that the program includes an integrated practical component. While some schools may support early CPT access, approval is not guaranteed on the first day and depends on the timely and accurate submission of required documentation. CPT authorization typically takes 5 to 15 business days after the complete application is submitted and reviewed.

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Most Affordable Day 1 CPT Universities in the US

Top 5: Monroe University (New Rochelle, NY)

Top 4: Bay Atlantic University (Washington, DC)

Top 3: New England College (Henniker, NH)

Top 2: Avila University Arizona (Goodyear, AZ)

Top 1: Indiana Wesleyan University (Indiana ; Texas)