Best Day 1 CPT Schools in the DMV - Here’s Why BAU Excels

Written by Eve Wu | 8/13/2025

Are There Any Reliable Hybrid CPT Schools Around DC, Maryland, Virginia or Pennsylvania?

If you’re an international student on an F-1 visa, working full-time in the DMV region (DC–Maryland–Virginia), you’ve probably asked yourself this question.

To help you navigate your options wisely, we’ve reviewed and compared four Hybrid CPT eligible, regionally accredited universities in the DMV area. These schools are known for:

✅ Clear and transparent CPT policies
✅ SEVP certification and regional accreditation
✅ Hybrid-format graduate programs with well-defined onsite class requirements
✅ Support for tuition payments (at some schools — huge relief for working students!)

1. What Makes a CPT Hybrid Program Reliable?

Before jumping into recommendations, here’s what to look for in a trustworthy Day 1 CPT school

2. Overview: 4 Trusted Day 1 CPT Choices in the DMV area

3. Why Bay Atlantic University (BAU) Is Our Top Pick for 2025

Location Advantage:

BAU is located in the heart of Washington, DC, just minutes from the White House and surrounded by top employers in tech, consulting, healthcare, policy, and international organizations. It’s ideal for students who work in the DC metro area and want short commutes to weekend classes.

STEM-Focused Programs:

The following programs are offered in hybrid format and integrate CPT into the curriculum.

MS in Artificial Intelligence Engineering
MS in Software Engineering
MS in Cloud Computing
MS in Cybersecurity

These are highly employable specialties that meet the “specialty occupation” requirement for future H1B visa or green card filings.

CPT Flexibility:

Onsite class requirement: only twice per semester (typically on weekends or evenings)
CPT is authorized per semester, and students must maintain valid enrollment and submit employer documentation
No full-time employment requirement — ideal for students with flexible or part-time work arrangements

Reasonable Tuition:

Tuition per credit: $800
Total program credits: 36
Total estimated tuition: ~$28,800

BAU offers better value than higher-priced STEM schools like Harrisburg, while still delivering a central location and career-relevant programs.

4. Other DMV CPT Options (In Brief)

🎓 Harrisburg University

📍 Harrisburg, PA

- Strong in STEM: biotechnology, analytics, healthcare, design, etc.
- High cost (~$34K total), no payment plan
- Onsite required 2 times per term
- Best for students with steady full-time jobs and higher budgets

🎓 Goldey-Beacom College (GBC)

📍 Wilmington, DE (with access to DC and NYC)

- One of the earliest CPT-approved schools, with decades of history
- Low tuition (~$22K total), tuition payment plans available
- Business-heavy programs: MBA (Finance, Taxation, Analytics), MS Management
- Ideal for students with business backgrounds and tighter budgets

🎓 McDaniel College

📍 Westminster, MD

- Only offers one CPT-eligible program: MS in Data Analytics
- Very low total tuition (~$20K)
- Onsite only once per semester
- Great fit for data professionals seeking a low-cost, low-travel option

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