5 Long-Established Day 1 CPT Choices Trusted by F-1 Students

4 min read

8/11/2025

For international students in the U.S., especially those who’ve used up their OPT or didn’t win the H-1B visa lottery, Day 1 CPT schools offer a potential lifeline: the ability to begin Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the very first day of enrollment.

Unlike traditional CPT - which typically requires one full academic year of study - Day 1 CPT is commonly available in certain graduate programs where practical training is integrated into the curriculum. These programs are often hybrid or executive-format, designed to support working professionals.

Let’s explore the real history of Day 1 CPT schools, their structure, and the risks - plus introduce five long-established CPT universities known for their accreditation, program legitimacy, and cautious compliance posture.

How Did Day 1 CPT Universities Emerge?
5 Long-Established & Trusted Day 1 CPT Universities
- Humphreys University
- New England College (NEC)
- Monroe University
- Ottawa University
- Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)
Why School Legitimacy Matters in Day 1 CPT

5 Long-Established Day 1 CPT Choices Trusted by F-1 Students in the U.S.

1. How Did Day 1 CPT Universities Emerge?

While CPT has existed for decades under the F-1 visa category, the rise of Day 1 CPT is relatively recent — largely fueled by:

The H-1B visa lottery cap and rising unselected rates
Backlogs in green card processing
A growing number of working professionals on F-1 visas, looking to legally stay employed while continuing education

In response, some smaller, private U.S. colleges began launching hybrid-format graduate programs that included CPT from the start — a model permissible under SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) guidance when the CPT is an “integral part of the established curriculum.”

Not all schools, however, follow the rules carefully. That’s why school accreditation, structure, and compliance behavior matter immensely for students seeking low-risk, long-term immigration outcomes.

2. 5 Long-Established & Trusted Day 1 CPT Universities

Below are five universities offering Day 1 CPT programs with long institutional track records, regional accreditation, and hybrid formats designed to stay compliant with F-1 visa rules.

2-1. Humphreys University

📍 Stockton, California
🗓️ Founded: 1896
🎓 Popular Programs: MBA
✅ Accreditation: WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
✅ SEVP Certified: Yes

History Snapshot:

Humphreys has served California’s Central Valley for over a century. Originally a family-founded school focused on practical business training, it gradually expanded into graduate education. In recent years, it began offering hybrid-format programs — without the marketing hype of newer CPT schools.

Behind the Scenes:

Low profile: Doesn’t aggressively advertise CPT; tends to attract local or referral-based students.
Compliance-conscious: Because it doesn’t operate large-scale satellite campuses or cut corners, it’s viewed as relatively safe by cautious applicants.

2-2. New England College (NEC)

📍 Henniker, New Hampshire
🗓️ Founded: 1946
🎓 Popular Programs: MBA, MBA Healthcare Management, MS Artificial intelligence, MS Data Science and analytics, MS Health Informatics, MS IT Cybersecurity, MS Project Management
✅ Accreditation: NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education)
✅ SEVP Certified: Yes

History Snapshot:

NEC was established in the aftermath of World War II to educate returning veterans. Originally a small liberal arts college in rural New England, it gradually evolved into a career-focused university. In the 2010s, NEC expanded its graduate offerings and introduced hybrid formats, opening the door to working international students across the U.S.

Behind the Scenes:

Affordability: One of the most affordable CPT schools (approx. $9,000/year)
Flexible format: “Hybrid” programs require limited in-person attendance, typically just once per semester.
Program diversity: Broad range of STEM and business degrees ideal for H-1B specialty occupation alignment.

2-3. Monroe University

📍 New Rochelle, New York
🗓️ Founded: 1933
🎓 Popular Programs: MBA, Master in Public Administration, MS Computer Science,MS Forensic Psychology, MS in Accounting, MS in Criminal Justice, MS in Data Science, MS in Health Care Administration, MS in Public Health, MS of Public Health Data Science, MS of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology
✅ Accreditation: MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education)
✅ SEVP Certified: Yes

History Snapshot:

Founded during the Great Depression, Monroe began as a career-focused business institute. Over the decades, it expanded into healthcare, technology, and public administration fields while maintaining its focus on applied education. Today, it’s a regionally accredited college that blends academic rigor with workforce preparation—making it attractive to F-1 students seeking CPT.

Behind the Scenes:

- Location advantage: Based in the New York City metro area, one of the U.S.’s largest job markets
- Tuition discount: Offers reduced tuition for students who already hold a U.S. master’s degree.
- Scholarships: Provides $1,000–$3,000 scholarships specifically for international students, easing financial burden.

2-4. Ottawa University

📍 Ottawa, Kansas & Surprise, Arizona
🗓️ Founded: 1865
🎓 Popular Programs: MBA, MS Computer Science, MS Nuring, DBA
✅ Accreditation: HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
✅ SEVP Certified: Yes

History Snapshot:

Ottawa University was established in the 19th century with a focus on liberal arts and faith-based education. Over the years, it evolved into a multi-campus institution offering online and adult-focused programs. Its hybrid graduate degrees now serve a growing number of international professionals seeking CPT through a structured academic route.

Behind the Scenes:

Historic credibility: One of the oldest operational CPT universities with 150+ years of legacy.
Hybrid compliance: Requires periodic in-person sessions to meet SEVP and USCIS expectations.

2-5. Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)

📍 Marion, Indiana
🗓️ Founded: 1920
🎓 Popular Programs: MS Artificial Intelligence, MS Data Analytics, MS Computer Information Systems, MS IT Program Management
✅ Accreditation: HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
✅ SEVP Certified: Yes

History Snapshot:

IWU started as a faith-based college and became one of the Midwest’s largest private universities. Its National & Global division offers flexible, hybrid-format graduate programs that align with F-1 CPT requirements, drawing students from across the U.S.

Behind the Scenes:

Most affordable: Currently the lowest-cost Day 1 CPT university in the U.S., with tuition around $8,000 per year.
Geographic advantage: Learning center is just 40 minutes from downtown Chicago, near top employers in Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Madison.
Hybrid format: Requires regular in-person classes, satisfying regulatory standards.
Stable and compliant: Conservative CPT rollout makes it ideal for students seeking long-term immigration benefits.

3. Why School Legitimacy Matters in Day 1 CPT

Choosing a CPT school isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your immigration record, future H-1B approval, and green card eligibility. USCIS now closely reviews:

The school’s accreditation history
Whether CPT was tied to your academic program
Your class attendance, CPT employer records, and course alignment

✅ The five schools above offer credible hybrid programs that meet F-1 and SEVP standards — minimizing risk while supporting your career.

📩 Need Help Choosing the Right CPT program?

With dozens of Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S. - and growing regulatory scrutiny - choosing a school without proper guidance is risky. Our team can help you:

Evaluate compliance and accreditation

Compare tuition, program formats, and entry dates

Match your work background to the right academic program

Avoid blacklisted or non-compliant schools