An MBA with Day 1 CPT is cheaper and lets you work full-time from the start, which helps you earn money quickly, but it comes with visa risks and the universities are usually not well known. A traditional MBA costs more and allows only limited work during studies, but it gives you better job chances, a strong university name, safer visa status, and long-term career growth.
That’s a valid perspective, but let’s not overlook the reality many international students face: affordability and the need to gain U.S. work experience quickly. Day 1 CPT programs offer a practical path — you can work full-time, earn income right away, and apply what you learn in class directly to your job. For many, that real-world integration is more valuable than theory-heavy lectures at a big-name university.
Yes, not all CPT schools are created equal — that’s why it’s important to choose an accredited, compliant program with a strong track record. Many Day 1 CPT schools are adapting to meet both academic standards and immigration expectations.
At the end of the day, not everyone can afford to put their career on hold for two years and spend $100k or more just for a name. Day 1 CPT isn’t for everyone — but for those who are strategic, resourceful, and focused on building both experience and income, it’s a smart move.
Even if one can afford a prestigious MBA, another thing to consider is how the value of that compares to work experience in your target industry. For example, in tech, unless you’re trying to do research or academics, it seems that work experience is worth a lot more than any degree now.
I think Day1CPT MBA is very useful. it’s cheap, it can also gives you a degree, and the most important you can still work.