List of Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for 2026

List of Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for 2026

Did you know that the Duolingo English Test is now accepted at hundreds of universities across the USA? Gone are the days when students had to rely solely on traditional tests like TOEFL and IELTS for admissions. For international students, this shift brings a more accessible and affordable path to fulfilling English language requirements.

This article dives into the growing list of Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA, explaining why more institutions are embracing this test and what that means for aspiring students. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which universities accept Duolingo, the benefits of choosing this test, and how it could ease your journey to studying in the USA.

Understanding the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online language proficiency exam used to evaluate a person's English language skills. It estimates the reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities of a test-taker in real time.

This test is cost-effective, accessible from anywhere, and provides quick results within 48 hours. Many educational institutions accept it as a valid measure of English proficiency. The test offers a flexible and efficient way for individuals to showcase their language skills for academic, employment, or visa-related purposes.

The Duolingo English Test differs from other English proficiency tests, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), in several ways:

Feature	Duolingo English Test (DET)	IELTS	TOEFL iBT
Test format	Online, adaptive	Paper-based or computer-based	Computer-based
Duration	Approx. 60 minutes	2 hours 45 minutes	4 hours (Reading: 60 min, Listening: 41 min, Speaking: 20 min, Writing: 50 min)
Skills tested	Reading, writing, listening, speaking	Reading, writing, listening, speaking	Reading, writing, listening, speaking
Test components	Multiple choice, open-ended writing, video interview	Reading, writing, listening, speaking (including an independent speaking task)	Reading, listening, speaking, writing (including an integrated writing task)
Scoring	Scale of 10-160 with sub-scores for each skill	A band score of 0-9 for each skill and an overall band score	The score of 0-30 for each skill and an overall score of 0-120
Cost	$49 USD	$215 - $285 USD	$230 - $250 USD
Results turnaround	2 days	13 days	6-8 days
Accessibility	Take from anywhere with a computer, camera, and microphone	Requires travelling to a test centre	Requires travelling to a test centre
Validity	2 years	2 years	2 years
Focus	Basic and real-world English communication	Academic and general English proficiency	Academic and general English proficiency

Benefits of the Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Online and anytime: Complete the test from anywhere with a computer, microphone, and webcam. You don't have to go to an examination facility.
• Flexible scheduling: Schedule the test at your convenience 24/7.
• Fast results: Receive your results within two business days.
• Cost-effectiveness: Significantly cheaper than other major English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
• AI Scoring: The Duolingo English Test utilises artificial intelligence for scoring. This ensures the fairness and consistency of the review process.
• Global Recognition: Many educational institutions, employers, and immigration agencies worldwide recognise the Duolingo English Test as a valid measure of English language proficiency.
• Two-Year Validity: The test results are valid for two years, offering a reasonable timeframe for individuals to use their scores for various applications.
• Video interview: Demonstrates your spoken English fluency and ability to express yourself in real-time.
• Adaptive format: Personalised test experience as the difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
• Widely accepted: Over 4,000 universities and institutions worldwide accept the DET.
• Transparency: The official score report provides detailed sub-scores for each skill.

Now, you might have a question about how many universities in the USA accept Duolingo? Yes, the good news is that over 1700 universities and institutions in the USA now accept the DET, and this number is steadily growing.

While not all universities accept the DET, it is particularly embraced by public universities, community colleges, and smaller private institutions. Some prestigious universities, such as Stanford, Yale, and MIT, also accept the DET, although they may require higher score thresholds.

University Name	Minimum Duolingo Score (Typical Range)	Key Notes
Harvard University	125	Accepted for master's programs at Harvard Medical School. Competitive applicants often score higher.
Yale University	120	Most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120. Widely accepted for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	120	Accepted for undergraduate admissions. The recommended score for competitive applicants is 125 or higher.
Stanford University	Not specified (competitive applicants aim for 120+)	Duolingo accepted; no specific minimum score stated, but competitive applicants typically score 120 or higher.
Columbia University	135	Minimum score required for undergraduate admission. Graduate programs may vary.
University of Pennsylvania	120-130	Applicants must designate Penn as a recipient when registering for the exam. Does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores.
Cornell University	130	Minimum score for admissions consideration. Some programs may require higher scores.
University of Chicago	105-120	Accepted; no specific minimum score stated. Competitive programs may expect higher scores.
University of California, Berkeley	115	Minimum score required for admission. Competitive programs may expect higher scores15.
Duke University	125 (graduate), 130 (undergraduate)	Graduate School generally seeks 125+, while undergraduate admissions recommend.

 

Important Considerations for 2026 Applications:

1. Competitive Scores: For top-tier universities (e.g., Ivy League schools), achieving a score above the minimum (e.g., 125+) strengthens your application.
2. Program-Specific Requirements: Always check the specific requirements for your intended program. For example:
   • Columbia University requires a minimum of 135 for undergraduate admission.
   • Harvard Medical School accepts Duolingo for master's programs with a score of 125.
3. Additional Requirements: Some universities may have sub-score requirements (e.g., Johns Hopkins prefers a score of 125 in Literacy, 120 in Conversation, 135 in Comprehension, and 105 in Production).
4. Score Validity: Duolingo scores are typically valid for two years. Ensure your test date aligns with application deadlines.
5. Alternative Tests: Most universities also accept TOEFL or IELTS. For example:
   • Stanford requires a TOEFL 90 or an IELTS 7 for graduate admission.
   • Duke University requires a TOEFL 90 or an IELTS 7 for graduate programs.

List of Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA

Below is a table summarising some of the key universities that accept Duolingo scores, along with their typical minimum score requirements and notes:

University Name	Minimum Duolingo Score	Notes
Harvard University	125	Accepted for master's programs at Harvard Medical School
Yale University	120	Most competitive applicants have scores of at least 120
Princeton University	125	Accepted for Ph.D. and MSE programs in Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	120	Accepted for undergraduate admissions
Stanford University	Not specified	Duolingo accepted; no specific minimum score stated
University of Pennsylvania	120-130	Applicants must designate Penn as a recipient when registering
Columbia University	135	Minimum score necessary for admission
Cornell University	120-130	Minimum score for admissions consideration
Dartmouth College	135	Minimum for Guarini School graduate programs
University of Chicago	105-120	Accepted; no specific minimum score stated
University of California, Berkeley	115	Minimum score required for admission
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	130	Competitive score expected for admission
New York University (NYU)	125	Minimum for Tandon School of Engineering
Northwestern University	105	Duolingo accepted
Johns Hopkins University	120	Preferred sub-scores: Literacy-125, Conversation-120, Comprehension-135, Production-105
Purdue University	110	Minimum for graduate admissions
University of Washington	105 (min), 125+ (recommended)	Minimum 105; recommended 125 or higher
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	115	Not accepted for teaching assistantship eligibility
Northeastern University	105	Accepted
Vanderbilt University	130	Minimum for most graduate programs
Rice University	115	Some programs may have more stringent requirements
University of Wisconsin-Madison	120	Accepted for graduate programs starting Spring 2025
University of Maryland	120	Scores between 115 and 119 may require the English Bridge Program
Arizona State University	95	Acceptance rate 90%
California State University, Northridge	95	Acceptance rate 68%
Kent State University	100	Acceptance rate 88%
University of Michigan	115-120	Prestigious public research institution
Boston University	130	Private research university
Duke University	115-130	Recommended minimum of 130 for undergraduate admissions
Carnegie Mellon University	105-135	Varies by program (e.g., 105 for Chemistry, 120 for others)
Ohio State University	120	Accepted for graduate admissions
University of Texas at Arlington	100	Accepted
University of Connecticut	100	Accepted
University of Arizona	105 (undergraduate), 100 (graduate)	Engineering, Business, Health Science
University of Colorado Boulder	100	Environmental Studies, Aerospace Engineering, Psychology
Michigan State University (MSU)	105	Journalism, Business, Computer Science
University of South California (USC)	120	Business, Computer Science, Media Studies
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	120-125	Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science
Florida International University	105	Public university in Miami
Temple University	90-110	CAP is eligible for scores 90-95
University of Houston	105	Public university in Texas
Indiana University Bloomington	115	Public university
Washington University in St. Louis	115	Private university
Amherst College	120	Liberal arts college
Williams College	125	Liberal arts college
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)	115	AI, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering

Key Points to Note:

1. Score Variability: The minimum score requirements can differ significantly between universities and even within programs at the same university. For example:
   • Carnegie Mellon requires 105 for Chemistry but 120 for other programs.
   • Some universities, like the University of Maryland, may offer conditional admission or require additional English courses if scores are slightly below the minimum.
2. Competitive Scores: For highly competitive universities (e.g., Ivy League schools), achieving a score above 120 is often necessary to strengthen your application.
3. Graduate vs. Undergraduate: Graduate programs typically have higher score requirements than undergraduate programs. For instance:
   • The University of Arizona requires 105 for undergraduates but 100 for graduates.
4. Additional Requirements: Some universities may have sub-score requirements (e.g., Johns Hopkins) or may not accept Duolingo for specific purposes, such as teaching assistantships (e.g., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
5. Validity and Acceptance: Duolingo scores are generally valid for two years and are accepted by over 5,500 universities worldwide, including many in the USA 16. They are also recognised for U.S. student visa applications (F-1 visa) as long as the university accepts them.

How to Verify and Send Your Scores:

1. Check Official Sources: Always verify the latest requirements directly on the university's official website or through Duolingo's institution portal (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions).
2. Send Scores Electronically: After taking the test, you can send your scores to universities directly from your Duolingo account. This process is usually fast (within 48 hours) and allows you to share results with an unlimited number of institutions at no extra cost. 

Duolingo Test Preparation

How to Take the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) involves several steps, including registration, understanding the test format, and ensuring minimum technical requirements. Here's a detailed guide on how to take the Duolingo English Test:

• Create an Account: Visit the official Duolingo English Test website and create an account using your email address or sign in with an existing Duolingo account.
• Schedule the Test: After creating an account, schedule your test session by selecting a date and time that is convenient for you. The test can be taken online at any time, as it is available 24/7.
• Pay the Fee: Pay the test fee using a credit/debit card, or one of the other accepted payment methods. The fee may vary depending on your location and any promotional offers available during registration.
• Check Confirmation: Once you've successfully registered and paid for the test, you'll receive a confirmation email with details about your test session, including the date, time, and instructions for accessing the test.

• Speaking: In this section, you'll be prompted to respond to various spoken prompts, such as describing images, expressing opinions, or answering questions.
• Writing: You'll need to write responses to prompts or essays within a given time frame. This section evaluates your writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
• Listening: You'll listen to recordings of conversations, lectures, or interviews and answer questions based on the audio content. This section assesses your listening comprehension skills.
• Reading: You'll read passages on different topics and answer comprehension questions to demonstrate your understanding of the text. This section evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills.

Each section of the test is adaptive, meaning the difficulty level adjusts based on your responses, ensuring a personalised assessment experience.

Also Read:

• Health Insurance for International Students in the USA
• How To Get PR In USA After Study?
• How Much Gap Is Accepted For Study In USA?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do universities in the USA accept Duolingo?

Yes, over 1,700 universities in the USA accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative to traditional exams like TOEFL and IELTS. The increasing acceptance provides a more accessible option for international students seeking admission.

How long is the Duolingo English Test score valid?

The DET score remains valid for two years from the test date, giving students a flexible window to apply to multiple universities.

Is the Duolingo exam accepted in the USA for visa applications?

Duolingo acceptance varies for U.S. visa applications. Some programs may require TOEFL or IELTS, so verifying the specific visa category and institution is essential.

How many universities in the USA accept the Duolingo English Test?

More than 1,700 U.S. universities now accept Duolingo, reflecting its growing popularity and recognition in American higher education.

What is the Duolingo English Test scoring system?

The DET scores range from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments, measuring overall English proficiency, including literacy, comprehension, and communication skills.

How long would it take me to finish the Duolingo test, and can I retake it?

The Duolingo test takes about one hour to complete. You can retake it as many times as you like, though there’s a 30-day limit of two attempts.

Which is better: IELTS or Duolingo?

Both tests are valuable, but IELTS has a longer track record in academic admissions. Duolingo is faster, more affordable, and more convenient, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a flexible learning option.

Conclusion

Now that we've identified the Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA, it's evident that the Duolingo English Test provides a convenient and accessible option for international students. These universities recognise the importance of offering accessible pathways for international students to showcase their English proficiency. The significant benefits of using Duolingo as an English proficiency assessment for studying in the USA are noteworthy.

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