Taking a semester break during Day 1 CPT can maximize your work period

Day 1 CPT Universities
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In my last post I realized it didn’t mention this amazing part with semester/quarter break.

Besides the money saving part where you only pay 2 semester tuitions for the 3 semester school year, another crucial thing is that if you take all semester breaks, while registered with CPT, and maintaining CPT use, you technically work 4 years, with just pay a bit over 3 years of tuition, as in a DBA program. That in detail is 10 semesters, with 3 semester breaks (1 break after 3 consecutive semester).

If you haven’t get into H1B lottery yet, this is your best bet to keep finding new jobs and sponsorships while maintaining status to work.
You can find a list of schools offering semester breaks in this post.

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thank you for this valuable information, I would like to review your post!!!

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I also heard some students decided to add more concentrations or retake some classes to extend the program.

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is it actually legal to take break?

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yo this is actually super helpful, thanks for breaking it down.

I’m in a Day 1 CPT program right now and didn’t even realize how semester breaks could stretch out work time like that. everyone talks about staying in status and keeping tuition down, but this angle of getting almost 4 years of CPT while paying for a little over 3 years? smart.

makes a big difference especially if you’re still grinding through H1B rejections or trying to switch jobs. definitely gonna look into whether my program allows this kind of setup.

appreciate the tip, fr.

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So during the semester breaks, do you just pay for the CPT fee but no tuition fee? Do all Day 1 CPT schools offer those breaks?

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Good question. I guess this is done not only by day 1 cpt schools but other us universities, where gap semesters and CPT’s also granted. You should always consult with your international advisors tho, before actually taking the semester off.

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Absolutely agree with you — the key is understanding that not all CPT policies are created equal, even among traditional universities. Some schools allow CPT during fall/spring semesters or after a certain number of credits, while others might have more flexibility depending on the program design.

And yes, 100% — always check with your DSO before making any decisions about a gap semester or CPT use. What works for one student might not apply to another, and keeping your SEVIS record in good standing is essential.

Thanks for bringing this up — it’s an important reminder for anyone trying to navigate these gray areas.

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Afaik Monroe used to offer a break like this, but doesn’t anymore