Most Affordable Day 1 CPT Universities in the US
Updated in October 2024
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!

Top 5: CIAM (Los Angles, CA)
From $13,000/year
CIAM is a premier, high-impact learning business university in California that prepares students to become compassionate and effective executive leaders.
Available program for Day 1 CPT:
- MBA
Affordable Tuition:
CIAM's tuition is very affordable, with each credit costing only $720. Compared to other schools, CIAM's location is particularly advantageous, allowing local Southern California students to save on airfare and hotel expenses for onsite classes.

Top 4: Goldey-Beacom College (Wilmington, DE)
From $11,000/year
Located in Delaware, Goldey-Beacom College is a private, co-ed school with a rich history and high standards of educational excellence.
Available program for Day 1 CPT:
- MBA
- MS Finance
- Master of Management
- MS Taxation
Affordable Tuition:
The tuition at GBC is only $610 per credit, and the MBA and Management MS programs offer a wide range of concentrations, catering to the needs of students in the Northeastern United States, making it a highly cost-effective choice.

Top 3: Humphreys University (Stockton, CA)
From $10,500/year
Humphreys University in Stockton, California, offers affordable liberal arts education with small classes, flexible courses, and financial aid. Founded in 1896, it provides undergraduate and graduate programs, career services, and a lively campus life.
Available program for Day 1 CPT:
- MBA-IT
Affordable Tuition:
The tuition at Humphreys University is charged per semester, costing only $3,500 with no additional fees, making it very competitively priced. Additionally, its location just an hour's drive from Silicon Valley is highly convenient for many students in the Bay Area.

Top 2: Indiana Wesleyan University (Stockton, CA)
From $9,000/year
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian liberal arts institution situated in Indiana. As the largest private university in the state and the most significant member of the Council for Christian Colleges, IWU serves as the academic and spiritual hub for more than 15,000 students.
Available program for Day 1 CPT:
- MSAI
- MSCIS
- MSDA
- MSIT
Affordable Tuition:
IWU is highly praised by students for its excellent value, with tuition costing only $499 per credit. Additionally, the admission process is very flexible, offering nine entry points throughout the year, which has increasingly attracted international students.

Top 1: New England College (Henniker, NH)
From $8,800/year
New England College (NEC) in Henniker, New Hampshire, is a private liberal arts school founded in 1946. It offers a variety of programs with a focus on experiential learning and inclusivity.
Available program for Day 1 CPT:
- Executive MBA
- Executive MS Project Management and Information Technology (STEM)
- Executive MS Data Analytics (STEM)
- Executive MS Information Technology and Cybersecurity (STEM)
- Executive MS Health Informatics (STEM)
Affordable Tuition:
NEC charges only $462 per credit, with the average annual tuition being less than $10,000, making it highly cost-effective. Although NEC is a 1.5-hour drive from Boston, students only need to visit the campus once per semester, totaling three times a year, which makes attending NEC convenient even for those living in other metropolitan areas.
Note: All the information above is time sensitive. We recommend contacting professional lawyers or the school DSO before making any decisions. None of the information in this article is intended to provide legal advice.
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Reminder
The term “Day 1 CPT universities” generally refers to institutions that allow eligible 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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