Avila University Arizona
Day 1 CPT Programs — Complete Guide
5 STEM-designated master's programs. Work authorization from Day 1. Located in Goodyear, AZ. Here's everything you need to know before you apply.
If you are an international student on an F-1 visa looking to work in the U.S. while studying, Avila University Arizona (AUA) is one of the very few options in the entire state of Arizona offering Day 1 CPT.
Let us be honest — not every school that claims "Day 1 CPT" actually delivers it properly. Some schools have confusing rules, questionable programs, or shaky CPT authorization processes that can put your immigration record at risk.
Avila University Arizona is different. It is a HLC-accredited, private non-profit institution with a proper academic structure built around STEM-designated graduate programs. Their CPT follows USCIS, ICE, SEVP, and DHS guidelines — which matters a lot when you apply for H-1B down the road.
This guide covers everything: programs, tuition, CPT rules, admission requirements, and upcoming deadlines. No fluff, just facts.
What Is Day 1 CPT?
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It is an F-1 visa benefit that lets international students work off-campus while enrolled in their degree program — but only when the job is directly tied to their field of study.
"Day 1 CPT" simply means the university allows you to apply for CPT authorization from the very first day of your program — no waiting a full academic year like regular CPT rules require at most schools.
This is a big deal. Without Day 1 CPT, you would have to wait one full year before working legally. With it, you can start earning from Month 1.
Day 1 CPT is legal when the school has a genuine curriculum-integrated internship model. Per ICE SEVP guidelines, CPT must be an integral part of the established curriculum. AUA's internship model satisfies this requirement. However, you should also know — if you use 12 or more months of full-time CPT, you lose OPT eligibility. Plan carefully.
About Avila University Arizona
Avila University Arizona (AUA) is an additional location of Avila University, a well-established institution based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Arizona campus is located in Goodyear — a fast-growing suburb of Phoenix — and focuses entirely on graduate STEM programs for working professionals and international students.
The campus launched to meet the growing demand for tech-focused business education in the Southwest. Goodyear, AZ is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., which means you are not just getting a degree — you are planting yourself in a job market that is actually expanding.
5 STEM Day 1 CPT Programs at AUA
All five programs at Avila University Arizona carry the STEM designation. This is important not just for Day 1 CPT — it also gives you access to a 24-month STEM OPT extension after graduation, giving you up to 3 years of total work authorization in the U.S.
Each program runs for 12 to 24 months, depending on your pace. A semester is 4 months and consists of two 2-month academic terms. You can take 3 CPT credits in Year 1 and another 3 CPT credits in Year 2.
If you completed 15 or more undergraduate credits in computer science, cybersecurity, or business analytics, AUA may waive your introductory courses (CS 600, CY 600, or BA 600) after a transcript review. MBA students with prior statistics coursework may also get EC604 Statistical Analysis waived.
How CPT Works at Avila University Arizona
AUA's CPT model is internship-based. You do not just sign up and start working anywhere. The internship must be tied directly to your academic program — and that's exactly how it should be.
Enroll full-time (minimum 6 credits per semester)
Full-time enrollment is non-negotiable for CPT eligibility at AUA.
Find a qualifying job or internship
The job must be related to your field of study. Your hiring manager and academic advisor must both send employment verification directly to the office.
Submit your CPT request form
Submit the completed CPT request form each term. If your employer, job title, or duties change, you need a new application — not just a renewal form.
Receive CPT authorization (within 1 business week)
Processing takes about one week after all documents are received. Don't submit duplicate requests — it slows things down for everyone.
Renew CPT every term
CPT authorization is not automatic. You must renew it each academic term. No renewal = no work authorization for that term.
On-Site Attendance Requirement
AUA uses a hybrid (low-residency) model. That means most of your classes are online — but you must attend one on-site session per 2-month term, which works out to twice per semester. Think of it as flying into Goodyear, AZ two weekends per semester. Missing these without an excuse can affect your student status.
Current F-1 students transferring their SEVIS from another school can start CPT on Day 1. Overseas applicants and Change of Status applicants (changing from another visa to F-1) cannot start CPT on Day 1 — they must first complete one academic year inside the U.S.
Tuition and Fees — Full Breakdown
Let's talk money. AUA is genuinely one of the more affordable Day 1 CPT options in the U.S. — especially for a STEM-designated, accredited master's program. Here is a clean breakdown:
| Fee Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tuition (full program) | $15,873 | Tuition only |
| Health Insurance | $2,415 | ✓ Can be waived |
| Application Fee | $100 | One-time, non-refundable |
| Document Processing Deposit | $500 | ✓ Applied toward tuition later |
| One-Time Fees (program + graduation) | $225 | Program fee + degree conferral |
| Per-Term Recurrent Fees | $290/term | Activity fee + electronic resource fee |
| Total Estimated Program Cost | ~$18,288 | Includes all fees listed above |
Annual tuition works out to about $9,144/year at $508 per credit. The $500 deposit is not lost money — it gets applied toward your tuition. And if you already have health insurance, you can waive the $2,415 health insurance fee and bring your total cost down considerably.
AUA currently does not offer installment payment plans. Make sure your financial proof covers the full program cost before applying. Bank statements are the accepted form of financial proof.
Admission Requirements
AUA keeps the entry bar reasonable. You do not need a perfect academic record — just a solid one. Here's what you need according to the official AUA admissions page:
If your GPA falls between 2.50 and 2.74, you can still apply for provisional admission. Under provisional status, you need to hit a 3.0 GPA in your first 9 credits to continue in the program.
English Proficiency Requirements
Non-native English speakers must submit proof of proficiency. Accepted tests include TOEFL iBT (75+), IELTS (6.0+), Duolingo (105+), or PTE Academic. If you completed your undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt.
Application Checklist
✅ What You Need to Submit
❌ Not Required
That last one is worth repeating. You do not need a job offer before applying. Most Day 1 CPT programs require this and it stresses students out before they even start. AUA does not — which makes the application process far less stressful.
Upcoming Intakes & Deadlines
AUA runs six intake terms per year. This is great because if you miss one, you are not waiting 6 months for the next cycle. CPT authorization starts on Day 1 of each term.
| Term | Start Date | Application Deadline | SEVIS Transfer Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2 2026 | 03/16/2026 | 02/26/2026 | Check with advisor |
| Summer 1 2026 Upcoming | 05/11/2026 | 04/20/2026 | 04/27/2026 |
| Summer 2 2026 Upcoming | 06/29/2026 | 06/05/2026 | 06/15/2026 |
If you are applying for a new F-1 visa from outside the U.S., submit your application at least 3 months before the term start date. This gives enough time for I-20 processing, visa appointment, and travel arrangements. According to Day1CPT.org, AUA is the official Day 1 CPT recruitment partner if you need guided application support.
After CPT — STEM OPT Extension Benefits
Here is what makes STEM programs genuinely worth it. After you graduate, you get:
That is a potential total of 3 years of work authorization post-graduation through OPT + STEM OPT. If your employer sponsors your H-1B during this time, you can continue working legally in the U.S. without a gap.
Per USCIS, STEM OPT gives eligible F-1 graduates a 24-month extension beyond the standard 12-month OPT period — a massive advantage when building a long-term career path in the U.S.
Applying from Inside the U.S. — Change of Status to F-1
If you are already in the U.S. on a different visa and want to change to F-1 status at AUA, the process has one extra step. You must provide a Letter of Intent to the DSO before an I-20 can be issued.
This letter must clearly state:
- You did not enter the U.S. with the intention of changing to F-1 status on your current visa
- A clear reason why you are applying for F-1 status while remaining in the U.S.
Keep in mind — Change of Status applicants cannot get Day 1 CPT. You will need to complete one academic year first before CPT becomes available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Avila University Arizona is one of the most straightforward Day 1 CPT options available in the U.S. right now. It is accredited, STEM-designated, properly structured, and located in a growing metro area with real job opportunities.
The total cost of ~$18,288 for a full master's program — with STEM OPT and potential H-1B sponsorship on the other side — is a reasonable investment for most international students thinking long term.
That said, Day 1 CPT is not a magic shortcut. You still have to study, attend bi-monthly on-site sessions, maintain enrollment, and renew your CPT every term. But if you are willing to put in the work, AUA gives you a genuine, legal path to build your career in the U.S. from Day 1.
Check if you qualify and get a personalized universities list through Day1CPTHub's free consultation service. Or contact the AUA admissions team directly to start your application.