I am considering a Day 1 CPT program, and the cost is an important factor for me. Therefore, I would like to understand some specific information regarding the payment plan for tuition.
Here are a few questions I have:
What is the payment schedule for the Payment Plan?
Is tuition typically paid in installments? If so, is the payment schedule based on semesters, monthly, or some other arrangement?
Does the Payment Plan for Day 1 CPT affect my visa or work authorization?
I understand that Day 1 CPT involves work, but would choosing a payment plan have any impact on my F-1 visa status or work authorization?
Which schools or programs offer flexible Payment Plans?
If you have any related experience, could you share specific payment arrangements from schools or programs, and how they are implemented?
Thank you for your thoughtful questions—these are all important considerations when evaluating a Day 1 CPT program. I’m happy to help clarify:
1. Payment Schedule for Tuition (Payment Plan)
Most Day 1 CPT universities do offer installment-based payment plans, which are designed to ease the financial burden for students.
Some schools allow payment per semester or per module (e.g., every 8–10 weeks)
Others provide monthly or bi-monthly installment options, sometimes with small processing fees
In most cases, you will be required to pay at least a portion (or one class’s worth) upfront to activate your SEVIS record and maintain status
2. Does the Payment Plan Affect Visa or Work Authorization?
Great question! Choosing a payment plan itself does not negatively impact your F-1 visa status or CPT eligibility , as long as:
You remain in good academic standing
Your SEVIS record stays active (meaning you’re enrolled and registered)
You meet the minimum course load and attendance requirements In short: your method of payment doesn’t affect your work authorization , but your academic participation does.
3. Which Schools Offer Flexible Payment Plans?
Several Day 1 CPT institutions are known for offering flexible payment options. For example:
New England College: Allows semester-based payment plans, with initial installment required to activate CPT
Westcliff University: Offers monthly payment plans and an automated portal to track due dates
Sofia University: Also supports installment payments but requires pre-registration for each term
Each school has its own rules—some may charge setup or processing fees, while others don’t.
If you’d like, I can help you compare payment plans side by side based on your budget and visa timeline. Feel free to share which schools you’re looking at, and I’d be happy to offer more tailored insight.
Hope this helps, and wishing you the best as you plan your next steps!
Payment plans are pretty common with Day 1 CPT schools, especially since the tuition can add up. Most schools let you pay per semester or monthly, but it really depends on the program. Some even offer quarterly plans.
As for your visa — choosing a payment plan doesn’t affect your F-1 status or CPT work authorization. What matters is staying enrolled full-time and keeping your SEVIS active. How you pay tuition is between you and the school, USCIS doesn’t really care about the payment method.
I’ve seen schools like Monroe, NEC, and Westcliff offer flexible payment options. Just be sure to confirm the exact schedule with their DSO or billing office.
Thank you so much — this is really helpful! I appreciate you taking the time to explain it clearly. This definitely gives me a better understanding of how the payment plans work and what to focus on for maintaining F-1 status. Thanks again!
For the payment plan, you can decide how much money you want to pay for each month, and it will be a very minimum interest rate. The payment plan would definitely not impact your F-1 and CPT or your visa, its just whether the school can accept it.
