Most Affordable Day 1 CPT Universities in the US

Updated in May 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!

5
Monroe University

Top 5: Monroe University (New Rochelle, NY)

From $11,340/year

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 Management, Hospitality, Human Resources, Information Technology, Accounting, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, International Business)
- MS Computer Science (STEM)
- MS Forensic Psychology
- MS in Accounting
- MS in Criminal Justice
- MS in Data Science (STEM)
- MS in Health Care Administration
- MS in Public Health
- MS of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology (STEM)

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.

4
Bay Atlantic University

Top 4: Bay Atlantic University (Washington, DC)

From $11,340/year

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:
- Dual Master Program - MBA & MS Big Data Analytics (STEM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- 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 (sTEM)

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.

3
New England College

Top 3: New England College (Henniker, NH)

From $9,700/year

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
- 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 (STEM)

Affordable Tuition:
The tuition at NEC costs only $485 per credit, making it very competitively priced. Additionally, its scenic campus along the Contoocook River provides a vibrant community that fosters academic excellence.

2
Avila University Arizona

Top 2: Avila University Arizona (Goodyear, AZ)

From $9,144/year

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:
- 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 (STEM)

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.

1
Indiana Wesleyan University

Top 1: Indiana Wesleyan University (Indiana ; Texas)

From $8,982/year

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:
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, specializing in Data Analytics (STEM)
- Master's in Management – Data Analytics (STEM)
- Master's in Management – Healthcare Administration Specialization
- 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,.

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.

Reminder
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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