Monroe College Day 1 CPT — Complete 2025 Guide
New Rochelle, NY • Day 1 CPT policies, tuition, programs, deadlines, and FAQ
1. What Is Monroe College Day 1 CPT?
Monroe University offers a hybrid model where students take most classes online and attend required sessions on campus in New Rochelle, NY. This model allows eligible F-1 students to apply for CPT from the first semester. CPT approval depends on the course load, job relevance, and advisor approval.
Monroe does NOT give Day 1 CPT to students changing status from a B-1/B-2 visa. Only students who already have an active SEVIS record or students transferring from another F-1 school can qualify.
2. Campus Location
New Rochelle Campus
434 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801. New Rochelle is about 25–30 minutes from Manhattan using the Northeast Regional train. Students can reach the station by walking from the campus. Many students live in NYC and travel for the monthly visit.
434 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801. New Rochelle is about 25–30 minutes from Manhattan using the Northeast Regional train. Students can reach the station by walking from the campus. Many students live in NYC and travel for the monthly visit.
3. Accreditation
Monroe University is accredited by MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education). Some programs also hold program-specific accreditation: ACBSP, ACEN, ACPHA, CAEP, ARRT. Accreditation increases trust with USCIS during OPT or H-1B filings.
4. Monroe College Day 1 CPT Policy
Monroe follows a hybrid teaching model with a CPT-friendly structure. The school requires:
• At least 6 credits per semester
• Hybrid format (online + on-site visit)
• Valid F-1 status
• CPT job offer related to the program
• Advisor approval
5. On-Site Class Requirement
On-site visit frequency varies by program:
• Some programs require once per month
• Some require once every 2 weeks
• A few technical programs require weekly visits
Monroe follows strict attendance rules. Many students report USCIS trusts Monroe CPT because of the on-site structure.
Quick Snapshot
Campus: New Rochelle
Address: 434 Main St
Min credits: 6
Hybrid: Yes
Need help?
If you'd like a personalised plan for Day 1 CPT, use our consultation link below (we review documents and timelines).
6. Vacation & Course Load Rules
Students must take 6 credits each term. Vacation is allowed only after completing required credits. CPT continues only if a student remains enrolled. Dropping below full load may break F-1 rules. A small mistake here may delay CPT, so students follow advisor instructions closely.
7. Day 1 CPT Eligible Programs (Master's & Certificate)
Monroe University offers one of the largest CPT program lists in New York.
MS Computer Science (STEM)
Duration: 24–30 months
MS Data Science (STEM)
Duration: 24–30 months
Data Science Certificate (12 months)
Fast certificate path
MBA (multiple concentrations)
STEM & Non-STEM options
MS Public Health / MPH
Public health specializations
MS Forensic Psychology
Non-STEM forensic path
MS Criminal Justice
Criminal justice focus
MS Health Care Administration
Healthcare management
8. Program Duration
Master's degree: 24–30 months. Certificate: 12 months. Bachelor's programs: 48 months (rare for CPT schools).
9. Tuition & Fee Structure (2025)
Simple summary of expected costs. These are approximate and may vary by program and credit load.
First U.S. Master's
Total estimated
~$37,500
~$18,750 per year (approx.)
Second Master's
Total estimated
$27,588
$13,794 per year (approx.)
Certificate — Data Science
12 months
$14,994
$1,250 per month (approx.)
Application Fee
$50 (may be waived via partners)
Confirmation / Admin
Acceptance fee $100; Admin fees $313–$363; Resource fee $75
Special Fees
CPA Becker review (Accounting): $850
10. Academic Calendar (2025–2026)
Monroe accepts students multiple times in a year.
Summer 2025
Start: June 20, 2025 — Deadline: May 20, 2025 — CPT Start: June 20, 2025
Fall 1 2025
Start: Sept 8, 2025 — Deadline: Aug 8, 2025 — CPT Start: Sept 8, 2025
Fall 2 2025
Start: Oct 25, 2025 — Deadline: Oct 15, 2025 — CPT Start: Oct 25, 2025
Winter 2025
Start: Jan 8, 2026 — Deadline: Dec 8, 2025
Spring 2026
Start: Apr 29, 2026 — Deadline: Mar 29, 2026
*Some programs (MSCS, MSDS, MBA, MPH, MS HCA) follow Fall 2 schedule. Always confirm with admissions.
11. Application Process (Step-By-Step)
A clear step-by-step process improves application speed and reduces problems.
Before admission
- Fill the online application
- Pay the $50 fee (some partners can waive it)
- Upload passport, transcripts, SOP, resume, 2 LORs
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit financial documents
After admission
- Confirm admission
- Transfer SEVIS (if changing school)
- Register for classes
- Pay initial deposit
- Apply for CPT
- Submit job offer letter
- Wait for CPT approval
12. Financial Proof Requirement
Monroe asks for a bank balance $34,134 or higher. Statement within last 3 months. Sponsor allowed (family or employer). If sponsor name differs, an affidavit letter needed. Financial proof must be correct, or processing can slow down.
13. Admission Documents Checklist
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
I-20 copy
Resume
Statement of Purpose
2 LORs
Official Transcript
Evaluation (NACES or US Degree)
Bank statement
Affidavit (if sponsor)
14. Pros & Cons of Monroe Day 1 CPT
Pros
- Strong NYC location
- Many CPT-eligible programs
- STEM options
- Only one on-site visit per month in most programs
- Certificate + bachelor + master path
Cons
- No CPT for B-1/B-2 to F-1 changes
- Strict attendance rules
- First master's pricing higher than second
- Requires multiple documents, interview may be required
15. Who Should Choose Monroe
F-1 transfers with valid SEVIS, students wanting NYC access, those needing hybrid flexibility, public health, psychology, data science, or business majors, students who want structured CPT rules.
16. Who Should Avoid Monroe
Students trying to change status from B-1/B-2, students who cannot attend monthly visits, students with low GPA or weak documents, students looking for very low tuition.
17. Alternatives to Monroe College (NYC Area)
Saint Peter's University, Harrisburg University, University of the Potomac, Westcliff University, New England College. These help you build topical authority.
18. Monroe College Day 1 CPT – Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monroe College offer Day 1 CPT?
Yes, for eligible F-1 students in approved programs.
Can I get CPT in the first semester?
Yes, but only after registration and advisor approval. SEVIS record must be active or transferred.
Is there an on-site attendance rule?
Yes. Most programs need one visit per month; some technical programs require weekly visits.
Does Monroe accept B-1/B-2 COS students for CPT?
No, they don't.
How much does the program cost?
First master's ~ $37k. Second master's ~ $27k. Certificate (Data Science) $14,994.
Is Monroe safe for H-1B?
Yes, because of its hybrid structure and strong attendance rules. Many students report fewer USCIS questions when the school shows proper attendance records.
What documents are required for applications?
Passport, visa (if any), I-20, transcripts, evaluation, SOP, resume, 2 LORs, bank statements, affidavit (if needed).
When should I apply?
Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended term to allow time for transcript evaluation, SEVIS transfer, and CPT processing.
How long does CPT approval take?
CPT approval processing usually takes 5–15 business days after the university receives the required documents, though timing may vary.
Need help choosing between programs?
Get a free consultation — we help you check eligibility, documents, and best start date.
Note: Information above is compiled to help planning and may change. Always confirm with Monroe University admissions. Minor human typos might be inside — checked but not critical.