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.
.png?width=450&height=450&name=Logo%20of%20D1CU%20(2).png)
Reminder
The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" is not officially recognized. Instead, it typically refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from their first semester. However, obtaining CPT approval at the day one of the program is not guaranteed and depends on the timely submission and completeness of the application documents. Typically, it takes 5-15 business days to receive CPT approval after the documents have been received.
Full Day 1 CPT Universities List
Click here to view 30+ Day 1 CPT universities in different states
Scholarships & Payment Plans
Click here to explore extensive scholarships and financial aid
Get Free Assistance Now
We can help you with admission, fee waiver, and scholarships
Featured Articles
Studying and Working in the US

Day-1 Green Card Support: How? Who? and Why?

Navigating Visa Challenges: How Day 1 CPT Can Keep Your Dreams Alive

What Could Trump’s Return Mean for U.S. Immigration Policies?

How to Choose the Right Day 1 CPT University
Upcoming Events
-
Mar 11 5:00PM PT / 8:00PM ET
F1 Visa Trends under Trump 2.0: What You Need to Know
- F1 visa stamping under new political climate
- International travel with F1: tips and pitfalls to avoid
- Visa renewal for OPT/Day 1 CPT
- Live Q&A with former US visa officer
-
Mar 18 4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET
OPT to CPT SEVIS Transfer: How to Navigate Every Step?
- OPT to hybrid professional program: how to transition?
- Accreditations, RFE support, scholarships, payment plans
- CPT application steps break down
- Live q&a with international admissions director
-
Mar 25 5:00PM PT / 8:00PM ET
Tax Pro Tips for F1(OPT/CPT) and H1B
- Determine your tax status, forms and deductions
- Tax guide for W2 employee, 1099 contractor & Remote Work
- Best tax filling apps for OPT, CPT and H1B
- Live Q&A with Certified CPA
-
Mar 27 4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET
Harrisburg University Executive Hybrid Program Info Session
- No.1 destination for STEM field, 12 STEM programs
- Popular majors: AI, Project Mgmt, Engineering and more
- CPT policy, tuition and fees, and application details
- Live Q&A with university admissions