Any CPT Schools in Austin?

Hey guys!

So, I live in Austin, Texas, right? And I’m looking for schools that let you, like, get a job basically as soon as you start studying. Or at least schools that are pretty cool about it. It’d be awesome if they were actually here in Austin, or maybe if they’re mostly online so I don’t have to, like, go to actual classes all the time.

It seems like all the big-name schools that do this kinda thing are in, like, New York, or California, or somewhere way up in the Midwest. But what about Austin or, you know, places nearby?

Has anyone here:

Actually GONE to a school in Austin that let you work?
Found a school that’s mostly online but is still, like, legit and good?
Heard if any schools are gonna open up in Texas soon?
Seriously, any tips or if you know someone who did this would be suuuper helpful! I’m really trying not to, like, pack up my whole life and move super far away. :folded_hands:

Thanks a ton!

I know westcliff has a campus in Texas, not sure if it is in Austin tho

Hey! Totally get where you’re coming from — trying to balance school and work without uprooting your life is the dream, especially if you’re already settled in Austin. :raising_hands:

Here’s what I’ve come across:

:white_check_mark: Day 1 CPT Programs: Most of these are based in states like California, New Jersey, and Florida — but some offer hybrid or online formats that only require you to show up once a semester (sometimes just for a weekend). That could let you stay in Austin and work full-time, as long as you’re following the school’s in-person attendance rules for compliance.

:round_pushpin: In or near Texas? Unfortunately, there aren’t many Day 1 CPT schools actually headquartered in Austin right now. But some people have enrolled in schools with satellite campuses in nearby states or cities with flexible attendance policies. You might want to look into whether any California-based schools with hybrid models allow Texas students.

:laptop: Mostly Online Schools: There are SEVP-approved schools with strong online components — just make sure they meet F-1 visa requirements (i.e., hybrid model with required in-person sessions). Be cautious with schools that promise “100% online + work” — that’s a red flag and could lead to SEVIS issues.

There’re three day 1 cpt schools in Dallas: Texas Wesleyan University, Westcliff University, and Dallas Baptist University. I think Westcliff is the best option among the three, as DBU is too expensive and TWU only has one day 1 cpt program.

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