Comparing Hybrid Professional MBA Programs (East Coast)

Choosing the right MBA program as an international student and working professional is a journey of both the mind and time. On the U.S. East Coast, four hybrid MBA options stand out for those seeking a CPT-friendly education: Monroe University, New England College (NEC), and Curry College.

At-a-Glance: Best Hybrid MBA with CPT (East Coast, 2025)

Travel & Accessibility Comparison for Day 1 CPT Programs

If you have a car and do not mind driving, you can put NEC and Curry into consideration; however, if you don’t want to drive, St. Francis and Monroe are the best options for you.

Deep Dive

Monroe University (New Rochelle, New York) – MBA is best for second master's students

Location: New York (Bronx & New Rochelle).

Format: Hybrid MBA in Business Management with 12 concentration options.

• Curriculum & Concentrations: Monroe’s 36-credit MBA takes 6 semesters and lets you choose one or two from 12 career-focused areas like Finance, Marketing, Healthcare, IT, Accounting, and more. It ends with a Strategic Management project, and starting Fall 2024, the new Business Analytics & IT concentration is STEM-designated.
  
  
• Integrated Work Experience (CPT Structure): Monroe’s Professional Experience Track (PET) lets MBA students start practical training from their first day of the program, no waiting required. The program includes at least two approved 1-credit internships tied to your field, making CPT a built-in part of the curriculum.
  
  
• Program Length & Flexibility: The MBA can be finished in as fast as 16–18 months (four consecutive semesters) for full-time students. There are four intake periods (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) each year, so you can start when it suits you. Monroe even allows a short semester break after three consecutive semesters if needed, letting you pace your studies. This rolling structure and frequent start dates give working students tremendous flexibility.
  
  
• Tuition & Payment: Tuition is around $6,200 per semester or about $12,500 per year, making the total MBA cost roughly in the mid-$30,000s. If you're doing a second U.S. master’s degree, you qualify for a discount: graduate credits are billed at $595 each, bringing your estimated semester cost to $4,165 (6 credits + 1 CPT credit) and about $12,495 per year. Payment plans and scholarships make it even more affordable.
  
  
• Hybrid Format & On-Campus Requirement: Monroe’s hybrid MBA blends online learning with in-person classes once a month, usually at the New Rochelle campus, just a short train ride from Manhattan. With at least 6 credits per semester (one hybrid, one online), the light campus requirement makes it easy to work full-time, and Monroe’s strong attendance policy has earned trust from immigration officials.

Student Insight: “For me, working in the Eastern U.S., attending classes about once a month is quite feasible. Monroe provided me with a high-quality, affordable, and convenient learning environment. I’ve gained rich academic knowledge and valuable practical experience. I believe Monroe University is a wise choice for international students with dreams like mine!” – a recent Monroe MBA student.

New England College (Henniker, New Hampshire) – Most affordable MBA

Location: Henniker, NH (near Boston).

Format: Executive MBA (E.M.B.A.) in hybrid format.

• Curriculum & Learning Focus: NEC’s Executive MBA program has a small cohort, typically 20–30 students, which fosters rich dialogue. (NEC also offers Executive MS programs in Project Management, Data Analytics, IT Cybersecurity, etc., but the MBA is the broadest management program.)
  
  
• CPT Work Structure: NEC’s executive programs require a work placement/internship from the beginning of the program. In other words, practical experience isn’t optional – it’s part of the curriculum from day one. International MBA students enroll in an internship or field work course every semester.
  
  
• STEM Designation: NEC’s Executive MBA is not STEM-designated (it’s a traditional MBA in content). However, many technical management topics are embedded in the curriculum given the school’s focus on IT and analytics in other programs. (Notably, NEC’s Executive MS programs in Project Management & IT, Data Analytics, etc. are STEM, but the MBA remains a general management degree.)
  
  
• Program Length & Schedule: The program runs over 6 terms (approximately 20 months). NEC operates year-round: 3 semesters per year, each split into two 7-week terms. By taking courses every term, students finish in about 1.5–2 years. (You can choose to stretch to 6 semesters if needed, but many finish in 5 accelerated semesters.) There are 6 start dates per year, Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov, so you can jump in at almost any time. This rapid cycle means you’re never more than a few weeks away from the next start, perfect for timing around life events or visa needs.
  
  
• Tuition: New England College prides itself on being one of the most affordable options. The Executive MBA is about 40 credits total, billed at $462 per credit. This comes to roughly $18,480 for the entire program – an excellent value for a regionally accredited non-profit college. At roughly $9,240 per year, it’s budget-friendly. Payment plans are available (monthly payments help manage costs).
  
  
• Hybrid Format & On-Campus Residencies: NEC’s hybrid format is extremely flexible, with most classes online and just one campus visit per semester. International students attend a three-day weekend residency (Friday–Sunday) in Henniker, NH, for hands-on workshops and networking, usually only twice a year if timed right. The rest of the coursework fits around your job. With Henniker just 90 minutes from Boston, many students fly or drive in for the weekend, then continue learning remotely. This light in-person requirement makes NEC a great fit for full-time working professionals near the New York or Pennsylvania region.

Student Insight: “At New England College, each of my residency classes had 20–30 students... I preferred the professors at NEC because they gave clearer instructions and were more accommodating. They often allowed a second chance to improve work that wasn’t initially done well, and were always prompt in responding to us.” – an NEC Executive MBA student

Curry College (Massachusetts) – One-Year Hybrid MBA with STEM Edge

Location: Milton/Boston, MA.

Format: Hybrid Professional MBA (STEM-Designated) in an accelerated cohort model.

• Curriculum & Concentration: Curry College’s MBA is a 36-credit, fast-paced program that blends leadership, hands-on learning, and strong data skills. With courses like Business Intelligence, Accounting Analytics, and Operations & Data Science, the STEM-certified curriculum focuses on smart, data-driven decisions. The final capstone—an internship, externship, or real-world project—lets you apply what you’ve learned directly to your career.
  
  
• CPT & Practical Training: Curry supports international students in doing Curricular Practical Training in line with USCIS rules. Curry authorizes CPT one semester at a time, and you can even start mid-semester if an opportunity arises (with quick 10-day processing).
  
  
• STEM Designation: Curry’s MBA is proudly STEM-designated. It infuses analytics and technology throughout the curriculum, which not only enriches your skill set but also means international graduates qualify for up to 3 years OPT (12 months + 24-month STEM extension).
  
  
• Program Length & Pace: This hybrid MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months. Curry operates on an accelerated schedule: three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer), each divided into two terms (making 6 terms per year). The program is often structured across 5 consecutive terms for full-time students – which is just over one year. With rolling 8-week entry points, you can start at six different times per year (Jan, March, May, July, August, October). This means no long wait to begin; you can align your start If you're in the middle of your own visa mess, you’re not alone. Reading these stories actually helped me feel a little less isolated.
  
  
• Total Tuition & Payment Options: Curry’s MBA tuition is $860 per credit. At 36 credits, that was about $30,960 for the entire program (2024-25). However, Curry has recently offered an accelerated track of 30 credits for experienced professionals (5 semesters) at roughly $25,800 – check with admissions which track applies to you. The annual cost if spread over three terms is about $15,480/year. There are no additional fees for the program (application fees are often waived by us, and textbooks might be the only extra cost). The college provides scholarship assistance for qualifying students and even offers rebates or discounts through partners. Payment plans can be arranged to pay in installments each term. And as a non-profit institution, Curry focuses on value: they highlight “affordable tuition for your budget” with no hidden fees.
  
  
• Hybrid Schedule & On-Campus Requirements: Curry’s hybrid format is well-structured for working students. Each semester, you take one online course and one hybrid course. Onsite requirement: one weekend per term from Friday to Sunday at Curry’s Milton, MA campus (just outside Boston). Attendance is mandatory – missing an on-campus weekend could jeopardize your status, so Curry is serious about students showing up.
  
  Student Insight: “The hybrid format is perfect for working professionals like me. The one-weekend residencies are intense but incredibly rewarding – they turn campus into a place of inspiration and focus. Outside of that, everything is online, so I can keep up with my job. Professors give us one-on-one attention and endless support, understanding that we juggle work and study. In just a year, I’m on track to earn a STEM-designated MBA that’s both practical and powerful.” – a Curry MBA student (on balancing work and Curry’s program)

Wrap Up of the Comparison: Which Program Offers the Best Value?

• Lowest Overall Tuition: New England College (~$18.5K)
• Best for Second Master’s Students: Monroe University ($595/credit)
• Most Scholarships: St. Francis College (up to $8,400)
• Fastest Finish (12 Months): Curry College

Quick Highlights:

• Most Affordable: ✅ New England College ($18.4K)
• Fastest STEM MBA: ✅ Curry College (12–15 months)
• Best NYC Access + 2nd Master’s Discount: ✅ Monroe University

FAQ: What International Students Ask

Q: Can I start working on CPT from the first semester?

Yes, but make sure you apply for the CPT following the schools’ timelines.

Q: Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree from a U.S. university?

Absolutely. In fact, programs like Monroe University even offer discounted tuition for students pursuing a second master’s degree.

Q: Can I pay tuition in monthly installments?

Yes, depending on the university. Currently, NEC offers a monthly payment plan to lower students’ burden.

Q: How long does it take to get an I-20?

Most schools can issue an I-20 within 1 to 3 weeks of receiving all documents. For more details, you can look up: https://goelite.com/free-consultation

Q: Can I work full-time while studying in a hybrid CPT program?

Yes, you can choose to work either part-time or full-time.