Beyond H1B

PA · Day 1 CPT

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a leading STEM-focused institution in Pennsylvania, offering cutting-edge graduate and undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand industries. With campuses in Harrisburg, HU is known for its innovative curriculum, industry-connected faculty, and a diverse student body representing over 100 countries. The university is especially popular among international students for its Day 1 CPT programs, flexible scheduling, and strong post-graduation outcomes.

A graduate working in a U.S. office during practical training
Day 1 CPT institution

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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  • $0 application fee when applying through Beyond H1B
  • 12 STEM-designated MS programs at $955 per credit
  • One onsite residency weekend per term with no term-break restrictions

Application fee

$0

Basis: Waived through Beyond H1B partnership

Avg. annual tuition

$17,190

Basis: cost_per_credit ($955) x full-time course load

Program duration

24 months

Basis: 36-credit MS program delivered over six 8-week terms per year

Avg. processing time

5 days

Basis: Applications routed through Beyond H1B

CPT from overseas

Yes

CPT on change of status

Yes

Employment mandatory

No

01Overview

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a leading STEM-focused institution in Pennsylvania, offering cutting-edge graduate and undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand industries. With campuses in Harrisburg, HU is known for its innovative curriculum, industry-connected faculty, and a diverse student body representing over 100 countries. The university is especially popular among international students for its Day 1 CPT programs, flexible scheduling, and strong post-graduation outcomes.

Institution typePrivate nonprofit
CampusesHarrisburg
StatesPA
External rankingPending verification

We link the accreditor's own directory rather than the school's claim, so you can verify accreditation without leaving the trail we used.

02Programs

ProgramLevelSTEMCreditsPer creditTotal costConditions
MS AnalyticsMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS BiotechnologyMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Computer Information SciencesMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control ManagementMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Healthcare InformaticsMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Human-Centered Interaction DesignMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Information Systems Engineering & ManagementMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Learning Technologies & Media SystemsMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Pharmaceutical SciencesMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Project ManagementMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS TechpreneurshipMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated
MS Consumer Behavior and Decision SciencesMaster'sYes36$955$34,380None stated

Per-credit and total cost are computed from credits and total cost, never entered by hand. Programs that are not currently enrolling are removed from this table rather than listed as unavailable. Tuition conditions (for example, second-master's pricing) appear in the row they apply to.

03Terms and deadlines

TermStart dateF-1 transfer deadlineNew F-1 deadlineLate transfer
Fall 20262026-08-292026-08-152026-06-27-
Late Fall 20262026-10-172026-10-032026-08-15-
Spring 20272027-01-092026-12-262026-11-09-
Late Spring 20272027-03-062027-02-202027-01-06-
Summer 20272027-05-082027-02-222027-03-08-
Late Summer 20272027-07-032027-06-192027-05-03-

04Tuition, fees and scholarships

Payment planNot available
Proof of fundsPending verification

Additional fees

The full fee schedule (I-20 fee, recurring semester fees, CPT course fees) is not published yet. Beyond H1B sources every institution field from the school's admissions office, DSO or published catalog, so this section stays empty until it is verified and dated.

Scholarships

  • Beyond H1B Rewards - $50 - $1,000+

    Partner-routed awards for eligible applicants; contact Beyond H1B to confirm current terms.

05Format and attendance

Onsite frequencyPer term
Onsite scheduleInternational students attend one onsite residency weekend per term. The residency is typically held once per weekend on campus in Harrisburg.
Onsite locationHarrisburg, Pennsylvania
Online course limitMost coursework is online; one required onsite residency per term.
Minimum credits per termPending verification
Missed-attendance consequenceMissing the required onsite residency may affect course completion or I-20 maintenance.

Annual travel burden: about 3 round trips a year, roughly $450 - $1,200 per year. Travel is often larger than the tuition gap between two schools, so we compute it rather than leaving you to.

06CPT policy

Current F-1 / OPT Yes
Overseas applicants Yes
Change of status Yes
SEVIS reinstatement No
Excluded prior statusPending verification
Renewal cadencePer year
Required for graduation Yes
Employment mandatory throughout No
Weekly hoursPending verification
Multiple jobsPending verification
Employer agreement required Unverified
CPT during breaksNot allowed
CPT processing time5 days
GPA threshold for CPTPending verification

Current F-1 and OPT students, overseas applicants, and change-of-status applicants may obtain CPT authorization from day one of the program. CPT must be renewed every year and is required for graduation. CPT is authorized for the duration of the two-year program with no gaps, though employment itself is flexible based on each student's situation.

Integral CPT is only lawful when the employment is a required, credit-bearing part of your program of study, authorized on your I-20 by the DSO, and matched by continuous full-time enrollment. Twelve or more months of full-time CPT at one degree level removes OPT eligibility at that level.

07Admissions

Minimum GPA2.8
GPA flexibilityMinimum GPA typically falls between 2.8 and 3.0; Beyond H1B offers a flexible admission plan.
English thresholdsTOEFL 80 · IELTS 6 · PTE 59 · Duolingo 105
English waiverContact Beyond H1B to explore a waiver of the English proficiency requirement.
Interview Unverified
Transfer creditPending verification
  • All academic transcripts
  • Resume
  • Passport
  • Financial proof
  • Recommendation letters
  • Statement of purpose

Where Beyond H1B can advocate for an exception (for example an English-test waiver), we describe it as advocacy. The decision belongs to the institution.

08Institution FAQs

Can I take more than one online course per semester?
Harrisburg's hybrid format requires one onsite residency per term, while the remainder of the coursework can be completed online. The exact number of online courses varies by term and program.
What are the academic standing requirements?
Students must maintain good academic standing and meet the GPA threshold required for CPT authorization. The typical minimum GPA is 2.8 to 3.0, and Beyond H1B can help applicants with a flexible admission plan.
What is the on-site attendance requirement?
International students must attend one onsite residency per term, typically held as one weekend on the Harrisburg campus.
How does Harrisburg University compare to other CPT schools?
Harrisburg is a STEM-focused institution with 12 STEM-designated MS programs, industry-connected faculty, and a diverse international student body. It is especially popular for its Day 1 CPT authorization and strong post-graduation outcomes.
When can I start the program?
Harrisburg offers six start terms per year. The next available intake is Fall 2026 on August 29, 2026, with Spring 2027 and later terms opening for applications on August 1, 2026.
Which programs are CPT-integrated at Harrisburg University?
All listed MS programs are CPT-integrated, including Analytics, Biotechnology, Computer Information Sciences, Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management, Healthcare Informatics, Human-Centered Interaction Design, Information Systems Engineering & Management, Learning Technologies & Media Systems, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Project Management, Techpreneurship, and Consumer Behavior and Decision Sciences.

Last verified: 2026-08-15 · Owner: Beyond H1B editorial · Review cadence: Every academic term

Partnership status: signed

Beyond H1B is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Program details change; confirm accreditation, curriculum and CPT policy directly with the institution and a licensed immigration attorney.

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