Trine University
Private Indiana university founded in 1884, HLC-accredited, offering hybrid graduate degrees at its Detroit, Phoenix, and Reston education centers with CPT available from the first semester through its Experiential Learning Track.
About Trine University
Trine University is a private institution founded in 1884 as Tri-State Normal College, based in Angola, Indiana, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its hybrid graduate programs for international students are delivered through education centers in Detroit, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Reston, Virginia — not the Angola main campus. Graduate study runs on accelerated eight-week terms, five per year, combining online coursework with mandatory seated class sessions at your assigned education center. Trine is one of the few universities that documents its early-CPT mechanism publicly: the Experiential Learning Track lets eligible graduate and doctoral students begin CPT-authorized internships as early as their program start date, subject to a 3.0 GPA, a signed Education Agreement with the employer, and continuous enrolment in the Graduate Internship course.
Campus locations
- Detroit Education Center — Detroit, Michigan
- Phoenix Education Center — Phoenix, Arizona
- Reston Education Center — 1881 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 203, Reston, VA 20191
- Main campus — Angola, Indiana (undergraduate and residential programs)
Academic calendar: Accelerated 8-week terms: two fall, two spring, one summer
Programs Offered at TU
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Master of Science in Information Studies
Doctor of Information Technology
CPT at Trine University
CPT Availability
Trine University publishes a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process for eligible F-1 students. Earliest published timing: Day 1 (Experiential Learning Track). A DSO must approve each request, and employment cannot begin before the student receives the CPT-endorsed I-20.
Academic Format
Published in-person attendance: Mandatory seated class dates each term at your education center. Delivery format can vary by program, campus, and student status; confirm the exact schedule and location with the university before enrolling.
Academic Integration
Published curricular requirement: BA 6000Z — Graduate Internship (required every semester of CPT authorization). Renewal timing: Authorizations last one year; reapplication required. Approval is not automatic.
Student Responsibilities
F-1 students must maintain lawful enrollment, work only for the employer and at the location and dates authorized on page 2 of the I-20, and obtain DSO approval before beginning or changing employment. School-specific rules are listed below when the university publishes them.
TU CPT Rules in Detail
Drawn from Trine University’s own published policy pages. Confirm details with the university’s international office before relying on them.
- Curricular mechanism
- Experiential Learning Track
- Required course
- BA 6000Z — Graduate Internship (required every semester of CPT authorization)
- Authorization length
- One year per authorization; not renewed automatically
- Minimum GPA
- 3.0 cumulative
- When to apply
- 14–30 business days before the intended start date; 30–60 days if you do not yet have an SSN
Eligible programs
Restrictions and conditions
- Employment must be directly related to your major field of study
- A job offer is required at the time of application
- Self-employment is not permitted
- 1099 and independent contractor positions are not accepted
- CPT must end before your graduation date
- CPT cannot begin during the last month of a semester
- Maximum two concurrent authorizations (one full-time plus one part-time, or two part-time)
- A signed Education Agreement with your employer is required
Investment Overview
Published cost breakdown
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition — master's programs | $575 per credit hour | — |
| Tuition — Doctor of Information Technology | $700 per credit hour | — |
| Enrollment fee — master's | $500 | Refundable only on proof of visa denial |
| Enrollment fee — doctoral | $1,000 | $500 processing, $500 applied to tuition |
| Health insurance — fall | $490 | — |
| Health insurance — spring/summer | $780 | — |
| Estimated annual cost — master's | $8,170 | Based on 6 credit hours per semester |
| Estimated annual cost — doctoral | $9,670 | — |
Figures published by Trine University and last checked August 8, 2026. Tuition and fees change — confirm current amounts with the university before applying.
How to Apply to TU
Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Current I-20 (transfer students)
- F-1 visa copy
- Official transcripts with English translation and grading scale explanation
- Resume
- Proof of financial support (International Student Certification of Finances)
- English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS) where required
- Intent to Enroll form and enrollment fee
Application Process
- Review Program RequirementsConfirm the program, campus, delivery format, attendance schedule, tuition, and current application deadline with the university.
- Gather DocumentsPrepare the academic, identity, immigration, English-proficiency, and financial documents listed for your applicant type.
- Submit ApplicationApply online for one of the intake dates: Accelerated 8-week terms — 2 fall, 2 spring, 1 summer.
- Complete F-1 Onboarding and Apply for CPT SeparatelyAdmission and CPT authorization are separate decisions. After completing the university’s F-1 onboarding steps and obtaining a qualifying offer, submit the CPT request and wait for a DSO-issued CPT I-20 before working.
Common Questions about TU
Yes, through its Experiential Learning Track. Trine states that students enrolled in the track "can start their internship experiences as early as their program start date." Eligibility requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, a signed Education Agreement with your employer, and registration in the Graduate Internship course each semester you are authorized. Students not on the Experiential Learning Track must complete a full academic year before CPT approval.
Sources & verification
- Trine University — CPT Information
- Trine University — Experiential Learning Track
- Trine University — Investment and Cost, Hybrid Degrees
- Trine University — Seated Class Attendance Requirement
- Trine University — Degree Programs for International Students
- Trine University — Accreditation
- Trine University — Reston Education Center
Last verified: August 8, 2026 against the sources listed above.
Not yet confirmed by the institution. This page is compiled from Trine University's published materials and has not been reviewed by the university. Tuition, program availability, and CPT policy change frequently. Always confirm current details directly with the university’s international office and your DSO before making enrolment or immigration decisions. CPTGuru is not affiliated with Trine University.
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