FL · Day 1 CPT

National Louis University

National Louis University, founded in 1886, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With a long-standing commitment to accessible, career-focused education, the university has built a strong reputation for preparing students for real-world success. In 2023, National Louis University was ranked No. 30 among Best National Universities and No. 1 for Best Bang for the Buck (Midwest) by Washington Monthly, highlighting its academic quality and exceptional value.

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Day 1 CPT institution

Florida and Illinois

Beyond H1B Rewards ($50 - $1,000+)

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$0 application fee when applying through Beyond H1B
Three hybrid programs with Day-1 CPT eligibility
One onsite weekend per term with no term-break restrictions

Application fee

Basis: Waived through Beyond H1B partnership

Avg. annual tuition

$17,600

Basis: Average annual tuition across MS Business Data Analytics ($18,960), MS Organizational Leadership ($18,960), and DBA ($14,976)

Program duration

23 months

Basis: Average program length across the MS programs (15 months) and the DBA program (40 months)

Avg. processing time

5 days

Basis: Applications routed through Beyond H1B

CPT from overseas

Yes

CPT on change of status

Yes

Employment mandatory

Yes

01Overview

AccreditorHLC directory entry

Institution typePrivate nonprofit

CampusesTampa · Chicago

StatesFL, IL

External rankingNo. 30 among Best National Universities and No. 1 for Best Bang for Your Buck (Midwest) by Washington Monthly, 2023

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

Program	Level	STEM	Credits	Per credit	Total cost	Conditions
MS Business Data Analytics	Master's	Yes	30	$790	$23,700	None stated
MS Organizational Leadership	Master's	No	30	$790	$23,700	None stated
Doctorate of Business Administration	Doctoral	No	60	$832	$49,920	None 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

Term	Start date	F-1 transfer deadline	New F-1 deadline	Late transfer
DBA Fall 2026	2026-08-24	2026-08-10	2026-06-24	-
MS Fall 2026	2026-09-21	2026-09-07	2026-07-21	-
MS Winter 2027	2027-01-18	2027-01-04	2026-11-18	-
DBA Winter 2027	2027-01-18	2027-01-04	2026-11-18	-
MS Spring 2027	2027-04-12	2027-03-29	2027-02-12	-
DBA Summer 2027	2027-05-10	2027-04-26	2027-03-10	-
MS Summer 2027	2027-07-05	2027-06-21	2027-05-05	-

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 full onsite weekend per term at the beginning of each semester or quarter. Sessions are held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. All other classes are completed online through the university's learning management system.

Onsite locationTampa, Florida and Chicago, Illinois

Online course limitMost coursework is online; one required onsite weekend 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 $600 - $1,500 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 Yes

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 an integral part of the MS and DBA programs and is authorized from day one for the duration of the program with no gaps or breaks.

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.

Day 1 CPT pathway Read the full guide

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 6.5 · PTE 54 · 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

What is the format and on-campus requirement of these programs?: National Louis University delivers these programs in a hybrid format. International students must attend one full onsite weekend per term at the beginning of each semester or quarter, typically on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The remaining coursework is completed online.
How frequently can I begin these programs?: National Louis University offers multiple start terms each year for the MS and DBA programs, including Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer intakes. The next available terms and deadlines are listed in the Terms and Deadlines section.
What is required for Day 1 CPT eligibility and renewal?: Current F-1 and OPT students, overseas applicants, and change-of-status applicants may begin CPT from day one of the program. CPT authorization must be renewed every year, is required for graduation, and is authorized for the duration of the program with no gaps or breaks.
Does National Louis University support F-1 SEVIS transfer and visa applications?: Yes. National Louis University supports F-1 SEVIS transfer students and issues the I-20 needed for new F-1 visa applications. Application deadlines differ for F-1 transfer students and new F-1 students; review the Terms and Deadlines table for exact dates.
When can CPT begin and how is it renewed?: CPT can begin from day one of the program for eligible students. CPT authorization must be renewed every year. CPT is required for graduation and is an integral part of the MS and DBA programs.
Where are the campuses located?: National Louis University operates campuses in Tampa, Florida and Chicago, Illinois. The hybrid programs use the onsite locations for the required residency weekends.

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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