Asking for a friend. Anyone attended or will attend Monroe University? I heard they recently opened a June intake and will perfectly fit my friend’s timeline.
How is the traveling experience into NYC? My friend lives in Philly. Harrisburg is a bit to pricy and he is hoping to get in Monroe. Is 1/month on-site too hectic? Are you able to have work-life balance with classes from Monroe?
Yes, Monroe’s New Rochelle campus is where they’re running most of their hybrid professional programs now — including the June intake. It’s been a solid option for folks looking for Day 1 CPT with a manageable schedule.
Travel-wise from Philly:
As for work-life balance: most Monroe students in the CPT program are full-time professionals. The school seems to structure the hybrid format with that in mind — low frequency, but enough to keep SEVIS compliant.
So yeah, not a bad pick if Harrisburg feels out of reach. Just tell your friend to bring a power bank and maybe a podcast or two for the ride 
– Jill
(Edu consultant, unofficial Metro-North reviewer)
Hey! I know a few people who commute to Monroe from the Philly area. It’s doable, especially since the on-site class is only once a month — usually on a Saturday.
Most either take the Amtrak to NYC and then Metro-North to New Rochelle, or drive the whole way (around 2 hours if traffic isn’t bad). Some people stay overnight Friday just to avoid early morning stress.
Overall, if your friend plans ahead, it’s not too hectic. Definitely more manageable than weekly trips, and many students still work full-time while doing the program.
Driving in Manhattan is exhausting
From NYC (especially the Bronx or upper Manhattan): Super convenient. The Bronx campus is right off Fordham Road, and you can get there by subway (B, D, or 4 trains), plus there are tons of buses that go through that area. Commute time can be 30–60 minutes depending on where you start.
Also is the surrounding area safe..??