Sofia University has an advantage over its competitors with its wonderful location and prestigious accreditations, including the highest form of accreditation, WASC, and recognition from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the U.S. Department of Education..
Sofia University boasts two impressive campuses. The original campus is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, just a short 15-minute drive from tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta. The second campus is located in the southern part of California, near the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
Sofia University offers both an MSCS (Master of Science in Computer Science) and an MBA program, both of which support day 1 CPT. The MBA program features four concentrations: Business Analytics, Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Management of Technology and Innovation, and a General Concentration. These concentrations are particularly popular among professionals in the tech industry.
One of the standout features of Sofia University is its inclusive CS program, which welcomes students with no background in computer science. This makes it the perfect starting point for anyone looking to embark on a tech journey. The courses are thoughtfully designed to ease students into the field and help them develop a strong foundation of knowledge. Being in such close proximity to Silicon Valley, CS students often take advantage of internships at nearby tech companies, using day 1 CPT to gain valuable practical experience alongside their academic studies.
Sofia University takes pride in its flexible CPT policy, specifically tailored to support international students. While CPT is generally recognized as a work permit by tech companies, many are reluctant to assist international students with the necessary paperwork. However, Sofia University stands out by accepting alternative supporting documents, streamlining the CPT application process and making it much smoother for students.
In addition to these benefits, students at Sofia University can also enjoy a gap semester after completing three semesters of study. During this gap semester, their CPT status remains valid. If students find themselves overwhelmed by their workload and struggling to balance work and study, they can explore the option of reducing their course load by consulting with their advisor. Sofia University is dedicated to providing personalized support to its international students and has earned a stellar reputation among this community.
When it comes to cost, Sofia University offers a reasonable tuition of $470 per credit, making each semester typically cost around $3290. Additionally, students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships of up to $1000. This affordable tuition, combined with the university's prime location and high-quality programs, makes Sofia University an excellent choice for aspiring professionals.
One potential drawback of attending Sofia University is its higher requirement for on-site study compared to other day 1 CPT universities. International students are expected to enroll in at least 6 credits (equivalent to 2 courses) each semester. This includes one online course and one on-site course. The on-site course consists of 5 study sections, with a requirement to attend three of them in person. These classes are typically held on weekends, either on a Saturday or a Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, once per month. On the other hand, online classes offer more flexibility, allowing students to access the online study platform at any time that suits them.
Despite this slight inconvenience, Sofia University remains an excellent choice for those in need of day 1 CPT. It is worth noting that to apply for day 1 CPT, proof of address in California is required. If you have any further inquiries about the university's programs or application process, feel free to reach out to us. We offer complimentary consultations and can even assist in waiving the application fee.