This Abroadin guide explores day one CPT universities and colleges. The Curricular Practical Training allows F-1 visa holders to gain valuable work experience in their field, all while funding their studies. The following includes 20 work-study programs for international students in the US.

In this guide:

• Dallas Baptist University
• University of the Cumberlands
• Trine University
• Saint Peter’s University
• Harrisburg University of Science & Technology
• New England College
• McDaniel College
• Westcliff University
• Monroe College
• California Institute of Advanced Management
• Sofia University
• Campbellsville University
• Humphreys University
• Ottawa University
• International Technological University
• Sullivan University
• National Louis University
• Computer Systems Institute
• Francis College
• American National University

1. Dallas Baptist University

• Main Campus: Dallas, Texas
• Tuition range: $21-24K/year
• Official website

Dallas Baptist University (DBU), a university in Dallas, Texas, has been around since 1898. It offers programs for all stages of education, from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates.

With a focus on leadership, DBU integrates faith into its curriculum across various fields like business, science, and even the arts. It boasts small class sizes for more interaction with professors and even has programs to help students find internships.

2. University of the Cumberlands

• Main campus: Williamsburg, Kentucky
• Tuition range: $12K/year
• Official website

The University of the Cumberlands, a university in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is a great option for work-study programs for international students in the US. This educational institution is one of the day one CPT universities that allows you to work while you study.

They primarily focus on liberal arts programs but also offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Doctorate degrees. From Business Administration to Psychology and Physician Assistant Studies, there’s a wide range of programs to choose from.

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3. Trine University

• Main campus: Angola, Indiana
• Tuition range: $8-15K/year
• Official website

Trine University, established in 1884 in Indiana, has a wide range of programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates can choose from majors in fields like arts, business, education, engineering, and healthcare.

If you’re looking for advanced degrees, Trine offers MBAs, Master’s programs in Criminal Justice, Engineering Management, Information Studies, and even doctoral programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Physical Therapy.

4. Saint Peter’s University

• Main campus: Jersey City, New Jersey
• Tuition range: $14-15K/year
• Official website

Saint Peter’s University, a university in Jersey City, New Jersey, dates back to 1872. It offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to a student body of more than 3,300.

Focusing on business and technology fields, Saint Peter’s also boasts programs in arts and sciences, education, and nursing. Its curriculum emphasizes a well-rounded education, and its location provides easy access to all that New York City has to offer.

5. Harrisburg University of Science & Technology

• Main Campus: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Tuition range: $16-17K/year
• Official website

Established in 2001, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is a relatively young university focusing on STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with another location in Philadelphia, HU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. They also have certificate programs for those seeking focused training.

With a strong emphasis on practical applications, HU boasts programs in engineering, computer science, and game design alongside more traditional options. They even have work-study programs for international students.

6. New England College

• Main campus: Henniker, New Hampshire
• Tuition range: $8-9K/year
• Official website

Nestled in Henniker, New Hampshire, New England College (NEC) boasts a rich history dating back to 1946. This private liberal arts college offers a blend of undergraduate and graduate programs, catering to over 5,000 students.

NEC prides itself on experiential learning, allowing students to gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Their program options are diverse, with over 60 associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, over 20 master’s programs, and even a doctoral program.

From business and art to science and education, NEC offers a well-rounded curriculum for students seeking a traditional liberal arts experience with a focus on real-world application.

7. McDaniel College

• Main Campus: Westminster, Maryland
• Tuition range: $12K/year
• Official website

Steeped in tradition since 1867, McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, offers a classic college experience and work-study programs for international students.

Originally known as Western Maryland College, it boasts a close-knit community with a fierce dedication to its students’ academic journeys.

McDaniel College emphasizes undergraduate programs with a strong focus on the liberal arts. Their curriculum fosters well-rounded individuals with majors ranging from classics and English to biology and computer science.

The average class size is small, allowing for personalized attention from professors, and their beautiful 160-acre campus offers a welcoming environment for students.

8. Westcliff University

• Main Campus: Irvine, California
• Tuition range: $13K-$20K/year
• Official website

Westcliff University, another California school, joins the others by offering a program that lets international students work right away (CPT). Their focus, according to their website, is to prepare students globally for success through practical and innovative programs, both online and on campus.

9. Monroe College

• Main Campus: New York City
• Tuition range: $12-19K/year
• Official website

Monroe College isn’t quite located in New York City itself, but it’s a great option for those seeking a college experience close by. Founded in 1933, Monroe College has campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, New York.

They offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on career-ready fields. Popular options include business, criminal justice, and human services. Monroe College prides itself on being affordable and offers opportunities for international students.

10. California Institute of Advanced Management

• Main campus: Alhambra, California
• Tuition range: $12K/year
• Official website

Aiming to equip responsible business leaders, the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) offers MBA programs in Project Management, Business Analytics, and Executive Management.

This Alhambra, California-based nonprofit university emphasizes practical applications of management principles founded by Peter Drucker. CIAM keeps affordability in mind, making its MBA programs accessible to a wider range of students.

11. Sofia University

• Main campus: California
• Tuition range: $12K/year
• Official website

Sofia University, with campuses in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, is a unique option for work-study programs for international students.

Founded in 1975, it originally focused on transpersonal psychology, exploring the full spectrum of human experience. Today, Sofia University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including psychology and business, while still incorporating a transpersonal perspective.

They cater to adult learners, typically those in their mid-20s to 60s, and promote a well-rounded approach to education that integrates intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

12. Campbellsville University

• Main campus: Campbellsville, Kentucky
• Tuition range: $10K/year
• Official website

Campbellsville University (CU) is a private Christian university located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Established in 1906, it has a long history of providing religious education.

CU offers a variety of programs for all levels, from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Their curriculum integrates faith with academics across various fields like business, education, and even nursing.

13. Humphreys University

• Main campus: California
• Tuition range: $9K/year
• Official website

Humphreys University, originally Humphreys College, is a non-profit university with over 120 years of experience providing education in California. They have campuses in Stockton and Modesto and offer a range of programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.

These programs span various fields, including law, business, education, human services, and liberal arts, leading to certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even Juris Doctor degrees.

14. Ottawa University

• Main campus: Ottawa, Kansas
• Tuition range: $15-18K/year
• Official website

Ottawa University (OU) is a university in Kansas with a long history dating back to 1865. Their main campus resides in Ottawa, Kansas.

Still, they also have a residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, and additional locations focused on adult learners scattered across the Kansas City, Phoenix, and Milwaukee areas.

OU offers a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on the fields of business and technology. Popular options include Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Biology, and Business Administration.

They offer work-study programs for international students and emphasize a balance between academics and a vibrant campus life, with opportunities for athletics and extracurricular activities.

15. International Technological University

• Main campus: San Jose, California
• Tuition range: $14-23K/year
• Official website

The International Technological University (ITU) is a California school founded in 1994. They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and tech fields, like computer science and digital arts.

ITU is involved in STEM education and helps students get internships through their Academic Internship Program. They even have a program that lets international students start working right away.

16. Sullivan University

• Main campus: Louisville, Kentucky
• Tuition range: $16-19K/year
• Official website

Located in Kentucky with campuses in Louisville, Lexington, and Fort Knox, Sullivan University is a private for-profit institution established in 1962.

They offer programs designed for quick career entry, with certificates and diplomas alongside traditional associate’s, bachelor’s, and even graduate degrees.

The university focuses on career-oriented programs across various fields, including business, technology, and healthcare. They also cater to busy adults by providing flexible learning options, including online and hybrid formats.

Students can potentially begin earning while they learn through Sullivan University’s day 1 CPT program for international students.

17. National Louis University

• Main Campus: Chicago, Illinois
• Tuition range: $15K/year
• Official website

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university with a focus on adult learners. Founded in 1886, it boasts a long history in Chicago, Illinois, with a secondary campus in Tampa, Florida. NLU offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges, catering to a diverse student body.

Their programs range from education and human services to business and culinary arts, all designed to help students achieve their professional goals.

NLU prides itself on its student-centered approach, providing features like personalized success coaches, work-study programs for international students and flexible learning options.

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18. Computer Systems Institute

• Main campus: Skokie, Illinois
• Tuition range: $12K/year
• Official website

Located in Skokie, Illinois, the Computer Systems Institute (CSI) is a private for-profit school founded in 1989. They specialize in career-focused programs and certificates in fields like computer science, business, and healthcare.

CSI caters to those looking to start a new career, improve existing skills, or prepare for further studies. Their website highlights convenient access to public transportation and student parking for those on campus.

They also offer work-study programs for international students, which allows them to begin working upon arrival (CPT).

19. St. Francis College

• Main campus: Downtown Brooklyn, New York City
• Tuition range: $10K/year
• Official website

St. Francis College, located in Brooklyn Heights, New York City, is a private college with over 160 years of history. Founded in 1859, it began as a small, all-boys academy and has grown into a respected liberal arts college.

St. Francis College offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with 72 majors and minors across 19 academic departments. These include traditional liberal arts subjects alongside relevant fields like business administration, computer science, and digital arts.

The college emphasizes a well-rounded education and boasts a strong focus on the American STEM Initiative, encouraging students in science, technology, engineering, and math. They even provide an Academic Internship Program to help students gain practical experience.

20. American National University

• Main Campus: Roanoke, Virginia
• Tuition range: $21K/year
• Official website

American National University (ANU) is a private, for-profit university with a focus on career-oriented programs. Established in 1886, it has a long history and offers degrees at multiple campuses across several states, including Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky.

ANU caters to students seeking a quicker path to a job with programs ranging from associate degrees and diplomas to bachelor’s and even master’s degrees. They specialize in fields like healthcare, business, and information technology.

Their website emphasizes features like low tuition, accelerated programs, and credit for life experiences, all designed to help students graduate faster and enter the workforce sooner.

Resources:

https://day1cptuniversities.com/day-1-cpt-universities

https://www.novacredit.com/resources/day-1-cpt-universities