University of the Potomac

University of the Potomac – Day 1 CPT Overview

The University of the Potomac (UOTP) is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. It also has a second campus in Falls Church, VA. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) granted UOTP regional accreditation in 2006. Founded in 1989, UOTP maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of roughly 7:1, offering a hybrid learning model that blends online coursework with mandatory biweekly on-campus sessions.

Day 1 CPT Programs & Structure

UOTP offers several Day 1 CPT-eligible programs. These allow international students to start internships or paid work immediately after enrollment. There’s no need to wait for the traditional one academic year. Graduate programs include non-STEM options such as the MBA, MS in Education, MS in Accounting, and MS in Healthcare Administration. STEM degrees include MS in Computer Science, MS in Information Technology, MS in Data Analytics, MS in Healthcare Informatics, and MS in Geospatial IT. Doctoral programs also support Day 1 CPT. These include the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Computer Science (DCS).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition starts at approximately $11,125 per year for master’s programs and around $8,880 per year for doctoral programs. A GPA of 3.0 or higher unlocks scholarship rates of $618 per credit, bringing the total master’s cost to about $22,250. International students may also qualify for scholarships such as the International Student Tuition Scholarship (up to 35% off), the Good Hope Scholarship ($1,000 per year), and alumni-based awards to help offset costs.

CPT & Enrollment Policy

UOTP structures its courses into six enrollment windows each year, using both semester and trimester-style schedules. After two semesters, students may apply for a leave of absence while maintaining CPT eligibility. CPT is renewed each semester, and full-time employment (20–40 hours per week) is permitted as long as the work aligns with the student’s academic program. In-person attendance on campus is required every other weekend.

Why UOTP Stands Out

  • Fast CPT: Day 1 authorization with renewal every semester.
  • Affordable tuition with scholarship opportunities and flexibility for students transitioning to H‑1B status.
  • Hybrid format allowing flexibility to balance study and employment.
  • Prime location in Washington, D.C., close to top employers and government institutions.

Ready to Apply?

👉 Application Link: https://potomac.edu/admissions/international-students/