Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2025

Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2025

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 utilizes artificial intelligence for scoring. This guarantees the review process's fairness and consistency.
• Global Recognition: Many educational institutions, employers, and immigration agencies worldwide recognize 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: Personalized 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 how many universities accept Duolingo in USA? 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, like Stanford, Yale, and MIT, also accept the DET, although they might require higher score thresholds.

The minimum score required for US universities that accept Duolingo applications varies based on the university and program you are applying to. Universities typically accept scores between 100 and 120.

Applicants must score higher than 120 to be admitted to prestigious colleges and professional programs such as MBA, MS in Data Science, Finance, and Master's in Civil Engineering.

You need a minimum Duolingo score of 100 to be admitted to the best institutes. You can still get into some prestigious colleges if your score falls between 80 and 90. But your options will be limited, and courses will be less competitive. Let's find out which of the top 10 universities accept Duolingo tests in the USA. We have also compared the IELTS and Duolingo tests and the TOEFL test’s minimum requirements for these universities.

University Name	Duolingo Acceptance (Score)	IELTS Acceptance (Score)	TOEFL Acceptance (Score)
Stanford University	120	7.0	100
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	120	7.0	90
Columbia University	135	7.5	100
University of California - Berkeley	115	7.0	90
New York University (NYU)	130	7.5	100
Northeastern University	110	7.0	99
University of Washington	105	6.5	92
Yale University	120	7.0	100
Duke University	115	7.0	100
University of Pennsylvania	120	7.0	100

NOTE: Please note that these scores are subject to change, and it's essential to verify the latest requirements directly from the universities' official admissions pages.

Several other well-reputed universities in the United States also accept the Duolingo English Test. The universities listed below are ranked based on popularity. 

Most Popular Duolingo Accepting Universities in USA 2025

University Name	University Name	University Name
Indiana University	University of Massachusetts Lowell	University of South Carolina
Marshall University	Colorado State University	New Jersey Institute of Technology
Regis University	Loyola Marymount University	University of Texas at Arlington
Seattle Pacific University	University of Denver	University of San Francisco
Texas A&M University – Kingsville	Rutgers University - Newark	Syracuse University
Arizona State University	University of California, Riverside	Florida International University
Boston College	University of the Pacific	University of Miami
California State University	University of Illinois at Springfield	University of North Texas
California University of Pennsylvania	Cleveland State University	University of Dayton
George Mason University	Eastern Michigan University	University of New Hampshire
University of Alabama	University of Michigan - Dearborn	Texas Tech University
University of Houston – Victoria (UHV)	Western Michigan University	Virginia Commonwealth University
University of Maryland Global Campus	University of Arizona	University of Toledo
The University of Oklahoma	Wichita State University	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Vermont	University of Maine	University of Memphis
Iowa State University	Ohio University	University of Illinois at Chicago
Northern Illinois University	DePaul University	Northeastern Illinois University
Rice University	University of Massachusetts Boston	Pace University
Southeastern University	Florida Atlantic University	University of Central Florida
The University of Chicago	University of Nevada Reno	University of Hartford
Atlanta University of Health Sciences	Southern Illinois University	University of La Verne
Boston University	Eastern Illinois University	SUNY Buffalo State College
California State University, Northridge	Purdue University Northwest	University of Bridgeport
California State University Long Beach	University of Houston	University of Louisiana at Lafayette
San Jose State University	Southern New Hampshire University	University of New Haven
Northwestern University - Medill School	Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)	University of South Florida
Temple University Fox School of Business	University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)	St. John's University
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	University of Colorado Boulder
Auburn University	University of Connecticut	Stony Brook University
California Polytechnic State University	Mississippi State University	Adelphi University
California State University San Marcos	Illinois State University	University of California, Irvine
Clark University	The University of Scranton	University of California, Santa Barbara
Illinois Institute of Technology	University of Colorado Denver	University of Southern California
University of Colorado	San Francisco State University	University of Virginia
University of Kentucky	George Washington University	University of Delaware
University of Nevada Las Vegas - Boyd School of Law	University of Rhode Island	North Carolina State University
The University of Scranton	Washington University in St. Louis - Brown School	University of Washington

NOTE: Please note that the list of universities and their acceptance of the Duolingo English Test is subject to change. Requirements, including minimum scores, may vary by program and year. To ensure accuracy, verifying the latest admission requirements and language proficiency criteria directly from each university’s official admissions page is essential.

Hopefully, this list may help you select a suitable university from this Duolingo-accepted universities list in the USA and start your higher education to achieve career success. 

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 anytime, as it is available 24/7.
• Pay the Fee: Pay the test fee using a credit/debit card or 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 personalized 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

Is Duolingo accepted by universities in the USA?

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 ideal for students looking for a flexible alternative.

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 recognize 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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