Which programs offer Day 1 CPT at National Louis University?

Programs include MS Business Data Analytics, MS Organizational Leadership, and the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA), which may offer CPT opportunities for eligible students.

Is the MS Business Data Analytics program STEM-designated?

Yes, the MS Business Data Analytics program at National Louis University is STEM-designated, allowing eligible students to apply for STEM OPT extension.

How often are onsite classes required?

Students are typically required to attend one onsite weekend session per quarter or semester depending on the program.

Can I apply for CPT from the first semester?

Eligible students may apply for CPT starting from their first semester if the program includes a practical training component and all requirements are met.

National Louis University (NLU) - Day 1 CPT Universities

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.

National Louis University (NLU), founded in 1886, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With a long-standing commitment to accessible, career-focused education, the university has built a strong reputation for preparing students for real-world success. In 2023, National Louis University was ranked No. 30 among Best National Universities and No. 1 for Best Bang for Your Buck (Midwest) by Washington Monthly, highlighting its academic quality and value.

Intakes: 3-5 per year

Master: Jan / Apr / Jun / Jul / Sep

DBA: Jan / May / Aug

Tuition:
from $14,976 - $18,960 / year

Pay by each term

Onsite Campus:

Tampa, FL & Chicago, IL

Onsite Frequency:

Once per term

Program Terms

The MS Business Data Analytics program is a 15-month, 5-quarter, 30-credit, STEM-designated, full-time hybrid program. Each quarter, you will take two 3-credit courses (one course is fully online, and the other includes a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session once per quarter. You will take one class at a time)—total 30 credits; 6 credits per quarter; 4 quarters per year.

The MS Organizational Leadership program is a 15-month, 5-quarter, 30-credit, full-time hybrid program. Each quarter, you will take two 3-credit courses (one course is fully online, and the other includes a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session once per quarter. You will take one class at a time)—total 30 credits; 6 credits per quarter; 4 quarters per year. The first intake will begin in the Winter Term on January 19, 2026. This program is an excellent option for students seeking to advance their leadership skills and prepare for management roles across diverse industries.

The DBA program is a 60-semester-hour program with research and capstone coursework. It is a full-time hybrid program. Each semester, you will take two 3-credit courses (one course is fully online and the other includes a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session component. You will take one course at a time—a total of 60 credits + dissertation; 6 credits per semester; 3 semesters per year.

Program Format

Hybrid format. Attend on-campus sessions one weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at the beginning of each semester/quarter. The rest of the time, you will participate in classes online via the university's learning management system.

Semester Cost

MS Quarter cost: $4740 (5 total quarters). The tuition is the same every quarter and must be paid in full by the start of each quarter. The total program cost is $23,700.00.
DBA Semester cost: $4992. (10 semesters + dissertation). The semester tuition is the same every semester and must be paid in full by the start of each semester. The total program cost is $49,920.00 (international student rate).

If you apply through us, you will get a $50 enrollment credit from us!

📅 Important Dates at National Louis University

Program Start Dates

Spring 2026 MS
04/13/2026

Summer 2025 DBA
05/12/2025

Summer 2026 MS
07/06/2026

Fall 2026 DBA
08/24/2026

Fall 2026 MS
09/21/2026

Winter 2026 DBA
01/12/2026

Winter 2027 MS
01/18/2027

Every term is open for enrollment (4 enrollment windows in an academic year).

Application Deadline:

F1 transfer students (F1/OPT/CPT): 4 weeks before the first day of the term.

Others: 3 months before the first day of the term.

(If you miss the deadline, please contact us. As the official recruitment partner of National Louis University, we can help you accelerate your application.)

The following programs at National Louis University offers CPT authorization from day 1:

Master

MS Business Data Analytics
MS Organizational Leadership

Doctor

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

The MS Business Data Analytics program at National Louis University is STEM-certified.

Multiple full-time jobs are not allowed, but one full-time job or two part-time jobs are allowed.

No, term breaks are not allowed.

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🏫 CPT Programs at National Louis University