Day 1 CPT Master Programs

With or Without Application Fee, What is the Difference?

4 min read

5/1/2025

If you are going through the nerve-wracking process of applying to colleges or graduate schools, you are likely dealing with the lengthy forms, countless required documents, challenging entrance exams, and, above all, the application fees that are just costly enough to cover two proper meals. Luckily, you sometimes find an application fee waiver lying in your email inbox — you are very tempted to click open and apply, but then you wonder, is there ever a free lunch?

And the answer is, yes, there happens to be application fee waivers with some schools and eventually the schools benefit from that "free lunch" as well. Once you understand the mechanism behind school admission and have thorough research on the school's background, you will be an expert at finding good schools with no application fee.

Table of Content

Why do schools charge application fees?
How to make a cost-effective choice for Graduate School?
Top 6 Graduate Schools with application fee waivers and CPT

1. Why do schools charge application fees?

In the U.S., the average university application fee ranges from $50 to $250. These fees are intended to cover the administrative costs associated with reviewing each application. Additionally, charging an application fee helps universities limit the number of submissions and discourage students from applying to an excessive number of schools—since, at the end of the day, a student will enroll in only one institution.

However, the downside is significant: many students are deterred from applying to schools with higher application fees, potentially screening out qualified candidates before the admission process even begins.

While $50 may not seem like a large amount, if a student plans to apply to more than five schools, the total cost can quickly become an unnecessary financial burden. As a result, students from financially constrained backgrounds are often filtered out early, limiting their access to better educational opportunities. Their choices become restricted, and they are forced to place all their hopes on just one or two applications, instead of having a broader range of options.

But there is always a solution: many schools offer application fee waivers. Choosing the right school and program with an application fee waiver is not only a cost-effective decision but also a smart strategic step in planning your future career.

2. How to make a cost-effective choice for Graduate School?

For international students who want to to launch a successful career in the US, hybrid professional Master programs that offer CPT (Curricular Practical Training) are a highly cost-effective and often overlooked opportunity. Different from traditional programs, these graduate programs embed practical experience in their curriculum and allow students to start full-time, off-campus employment or internship from the very beginning of their studies.

In addition to classroom knowledge, hybrid professional programs offer invaluable real-world experience and significant financial benefits. Combined with affordable tuition rates, many of these programs also provide an application fee waiver, giving you maximum flexibility and more options during the application process.

Hybrid professional programs are an increasingly popular branch of graduate education. They often offer application fee waivers to encourage more students to blend their careers with their studies, applying classroom theories to real-world scenarios. As students gain practical experience through work, they become even greater assets in the classroom, contributing fresh perspectives and enriching discussions with their peers.

In the next section, we'll showcase the top 6 hybrid professional schools on both the East and West coast with the highest accreditation in the US and quality programs to boost your career. They not only offer immediate CPT authorization but also waive application fees helping you save money while jumpstarting your professional journey.

3. Top 6 Graduate Schools with application fee waivers and CPT

1) New England College

Location: Henniker, New Hampshire

Key Highlights:

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Offers Day 1 CPT for master's programs in IT, Business, and Healthcare Management and more.
Flexible hybrid course formats.

New England College is recognized for its supportive academic structure and flexible CPT policies, making it a top choice for cost-conscious students.

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2) Monroe University

Location: Bronx, New York

Key Highlights:

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Provides CPT options from the first semester primarily in Business, Healthcare, and IT fields.
Small class sizes with personalized support services.

Monroe College stands out for its commitment to career-driven education and strong support for international students, making it a smart and cost-effective choice.

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3) Goldey-Beacom College

Location: Wilmington, Delaware

Key Highlights:

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Strong Day 1 CPT program in Management, Finance, and IT disciplines.
Evening and weekend classes for working students.

Goldey-Beacom College combines academic excellence with practical experience opportunities, making it a leading option for students in finance and management fields.

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4) Westcliff University

Location: California, Texas, and Florida

Key Highlights:

Accreditation: WUSC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Day 1 CPT available for MBA, AI, and engineering programs.
Classes are offered in hybrid mode with 1/semester on-site frequency.

The main campus located in the heart of Southern California, Westcliff provides a blend of academic excellence and career readiness, emphasizing affordability and practical experience.

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5) California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM)

Location: Alhambra, California

Key Highlights:

Accreditation: WUSC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Focuses on MBA programs with a strong emphasis on practical training and leadership skills.
Designed for working professionals with flexible schedules.

CIAM is dedicated to empowering students through practical, real-world business education, offering immediate CPT opportunities to maximize learning and earning potential.

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6) Sofia University

Location: Palo Alto, California; Costa Mesa, California

Key Highlights:

Accreditation: WUSC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Offers Day 1 CPT programs in Business, Psychology, and Computer Science.
Long history since 1998 with mature MSCS and MBA programs.

Sofia University blends academic rigor with flexibility, catering to international students seeking an affordable and enriching education combined with early career opportunities.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right graduate school is crucial for balancing work opportunities with academic growth. Without an application fee, students can explore all their options to find the best career and academic path. When considering cost effectiveness, institutions with hybrid professional programs are top contenders for students aiming to maximize their educational investment in the U.S.

Whether you're focused on saving money, gaining early work experience, or both, these universities provide a strong foundation for your academic and professional journey. Click here to find the best option in your area and waive the application fee today!