PTE Accepted Universities in USA - Minimum Scores & Top Picks

For international students looking for admission to American universities, the PTE offers a credible alternative to the more traditional IELTS exam. A growing number of universities across the USA recognise PTE scores as a testament to an applicant's English language proficiency.

As an alternative to the traditional IELTS test, the PTE offers a computer-based format and a potentially faster turnaround time for results. In this write-up, we will explore details on PTE accepted universities in USA. So, let's dig in.

Understanding PTE and Its Acceptance in the USA

What is the Pearson Test of English (PTE)?

The PTE is a computer-based English language proficiency test for international students and professionals. It evaluates your language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in an academic context. Unlike traditional pen-and-paper tests, the PTE uses artificial intelligence to deliver a more flexible and potentially faster scoring process.

Why do universities in the USA accept PTE scores?

Universities in the USA recognise the PTE as a reliable measure of English language proficiency. Here are some reasons why it's growing fast:

• Standardised format: The computer-based format ensures consistency and eliminates potential subjectivity in scoring.
• Fast results: PTE results are typically available within a few business days, compared to longer wait times for other tests.
• Accessibility: PTE testing centres are available worldwide, offering greater convenience for international students.
• Advanced testing format: The PTE incorporates real-world scenarios and integrated skills testing, potentially providing a more accurate picture of an applicant's English abilities.

Comparison of PTE with other English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL)

While PTE shares the same objective as the IELTS and TOEFL, there are several key differences between them:

• Format: PTE is entirely computer-based, while IELTS offers a computer-delivered, paper-based option. TOEFL is primarily computer-based.
• Test sections: PTE and TOEFL integrate all four skills throughout the test, while IELTS has separate sections for each skill.
• Scoring: PTE uses a scaled score ranging from 0 to 90, while IELTS and TOEFL have band scores and point systems, respectively.

PTE score range and interpretation

The PTE score range goes from 0 to 90. Universities set their own minimum PTE score requirements, varying depending on the program level and the specific institution. Generally, scores in the range of 50-70 are considered acceptable for most universities. A higher score indicates stronger English language proficiency.

The relevance of PTE scores in the USA education system

Universities in the USA use PTE scores to assess your ability to succeed in an English-medium learning environment. A strong PTE score demonstrates your readiness to participate effectively in lectures, coursework, and academic discussions. It can significantly improve your chances of admission and academic success in the USA.

List of PTE Accepted Universities in the USA 2026

Top universities in USA and their PTE score requirements for International Students

As of 2025, over 1,400 universities in the United States accept Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores for admission of international students. Below is an updated list of select universities with their minimum PTE score requirements:

University	Minimum PTE Score Requirement
Harvard University	75
Stanford University	68
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	65 (Recommended: 70)
Columbia University	68 or higher
University of California, Berkeley	65
University of Southern California (USC)	61 for master's; 68 for PhD
New York University (NYU)	65
Colorado State University	58
State University of New York, Binghamton	53
Pace University	54
University of Illinois, Chicago	54
George Mason University	59 for undergraduate; 67 for graduate
Arizona State University	60
University of Texas at Dallas	67
Yale University	70
Babson College	65
Binghamton University	53
University of California, Davis	56
California State University, Los Angeles	44
University of California, Santa Barbara	58
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	59
University of Washington	59
University of Virginia	60
Oklahoma City University	53 or higher
Auburn University	53
University of New Haven	53
Florida State University	55
Clark University	53
University of California, San Diego	65
Texas A&M University	53
Illinois Institute of Technology	53
Hofstra University	53
Duke University	70
University at Buffalo	55
University of South Alabama	44

NOTE: These score requirements are subject to change. For the most current information, consult the universities' official admissions pages.

List of PTE Accepted Universities in USA for Undergraduate Courses

Here are the top PTE Accepted Universities in the USA for Undergraduate Courses, including their various undergraduate programs:

University	Minimum PTE Score	Notable Undergraduate Programs	Location
Harvard University	75+	Business, Education, Health Sciences	Massachusetts
Stanford University	68+	Computer Science, Humanities, Law	California
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	70+	Physics, Engineering, Biology	Massachusetts
University of California, Berkeley	65+	Environmental Science, Chemistry	California
Columbia University	68+	Journalism, Political Science, Medicine	New York
University of Chicago	70+	Economics, Sociology, Astronomy	Illinois
Princeton University	68+	Physics, Mathematics, Public Policy	New Jersey
Yale University	70+	MBA, Law, Environmental Studies	Connecticut
University of Michigan	60-65	Various programs in STEM and Arts	Michigan
University of Texas at Austin	58-65	Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts	Texas
New York University (NYU)	60-70	Various programs	New York
Northwestern University	66+	Journalism, MBA, Music	Illinois
University of Southern California (USC)	63+	Film, Business, Engineering	California
Boston University	60+	Communications, Biology, Economics	Massachusetts
Northeastern University	61+	Computer Science, Engineering, Business	Massachusetts
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	58+	Engineering, Psychology, Business	Illinois
University of Washington	62+	Computer Science, Public Health, Business	Washington
Indiana University Bloomington	55-60	Music, Business, Psychology	Indiana
University of Miami	59+	Marine Science, Architecture, Business	Florida
Arizona State University	58+	Engineering, Business, Journalism	Arizona
University of Colorado Boulder	60+	Environmental Science, Psychology, Business	Colorado
Purdue University	59+	Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture	Indiana
University of Florida	60+	Business, Engineering, Biology	Florida
Pennsylvania State University	58+	Engineering, Business, Psychology	Pennsylvania
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	60+	Journalism, Political Science, Business	North Carolina
Rutgers University	58+	Pharmacy, Engineering, Economics	New Jersey

List of PTE Accepted Universities in USA for Postgraduate Courses

University	Minimum PTE Score	Popular Courses	Location
Yale University	70+	Nursing, Law, Environmental Studies	Connecticut
Stanford University	68+	Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Law	California
Harvard University	75+	Business, Education, Health Sciences	Massachusetts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	70+	Physics, Engineering, Biology	Massachusetts
Columbia University	68+	Journalism, Political Science, Medicine	New York
University of Chicago	70+	Economics, Sociology, Astronomy	Illinois
University of Southern California	60+	Engineering, IT and Software, Communication	California
Colorado State University	57+	Business and Management, Science, Engineering	Colorado
University of Pennsylvania	70+	Biomedical Sciences, Engineering	Pennsylvania
Princeton University	68+	Physics, Mathematics, Public Policy	New Jersey
New York University	65+	General Medicine, Public Policy, Psychology	New York
University of California, Berkeley	65+	Environmental Science, Chemistry	California
University of Michigan	65+	Law, Business, Engineering	Michigan
Northwestern University	68+	Communications, Political Science, Medicine	Illinois
University of Texas at Austin	60+	Engineering, Business, Education	Texas
Duke University	65+	Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Management	North Carolina
Johns Hopkins University	70+	Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, Business	Maryland
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	70+	Physics, Mathematics, Engineering	California
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	65+	Film, Computer Science, Psychology	California
University of Virginia	65+	Law, Business, Education	Virginia
Georgia Institute of Technology	60+	Engineering, Computer Science, Business	Georgia
Cornell University	70+	Law, Engineering, Agriculture	New York
University of Washington	62+	Public Health, Engineering, Business	Washington
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	60+	Medicine, Business, Education	North Carolina
Indiana University Bloomington	55+	Business, Environmental Science, Journalism	Indiana
Ohio State University	55+	Engineering, Medicine, Business	Ohio

List of PTE Accepted Universities in USA for MBA

University/School	Minimum PTE Score	Location
Harvard Business School	75	Massachusetts
Stanford Graduate School of Business	68	California
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania	75	Pennsylvania
MIT Sloan School of Management	70	Massachusetts
Columbia Business School	70	New York
Chicago Booth School of Business	70	Illinois
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern Univ.	70	Illinois
Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley	68	California
Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College	70	New Hampshire
Fuqua School of Business, Duke University	68	North Carolina
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan	70	Michigan
Anderson School of Management, UCLA	68	California
Stern School of Business, NYU	70	New York
McCombs School of Business, UT Austin	68	Texas
Darden School of Business, University of Virginia	70	Virginia
Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon Univ.	68	Pennsylvania
Marshall School of Business, USC	68	California
Foster School of Business, University of Washington	68	Washington
Goizueta Business School, Emory University	68	Georgia
Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel Hill	68	North Carolina

NOTE: Minimum PTE scores are subject to change, and it's essential to verify the latest requirements directly from each university's official admissions website.

List of PTE Accepted Universities in USA for MS

Here is the updated table with the universities accepting PTE scores for MS programs in the USA for 2025:

University	Minimum PTE Score	Popular Courses	Location
Yale University	70+	Nursing, Law, Environmental Studies	Connecticut
Stanford University	68+	Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Law	California
Harvard University	75+	Business, Education, Health Sciences	Massachusetts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	70+	Physics, Engineering, Biology	Massachusetts
Columbia University	68+	Journalism, Political Science, Medicine	New York
University of Chicago	70+	Economics, Sociology, Astronomy	Illinois
University of Southern California	60+	Engineering, IT and Software, Communication	California
Colorado State University	57+	Business and Management, Science, Engineering	Colorado
University of Pennsylvania	70+	Biomedical Sciences, Engineering	Pennsylvania
Princeton University	68+	Physics, Mathematics, Public Policy	New Jersey
New York University	65+	General Medicine, Public Policy, Psychology	New York
University of California, Berkeley	65+	Environmental Science, Chemistry	California
University of Illinois, Chicago	54+	Earth Science, Finance, Education	Illinois
Texas A&M University	53+	Engineering, Computer Science, Business	Texas
Arizona State University	53+	Criminal Law, Health Science, Kinesiology	Arizona
Purdue University	60+	Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics	Indiana
University of Michigan	65+	Data Science, Business, Public Health	Michigan
University of Texas at Austin	58+	Civil Engineering, Geosciences, Business	Texas
Northwestern University	64+	Communication Studies, Law, Neuroscience	Illinois
Georgia Institute of Technology	61+	Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Analytics	Georgia
University of Washington	60+	Computer Science, Public Health, Environmental Science	Washington
Johns Hopkins University	66+	Public Health, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering	Maryland
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	65+	Film Studies, Psychology, Public Policy	California
University of North Carolina	58+	Public Administration, Pharmacy, Biostatistics	North Carolina
Boston University	60+	Business, Health Science, Computer Engineering	Massachusetts
University of Florida	55+	Environmental Engineering, Business, Biology	Florida
Michigan State University	53+	Journalism, Environmental Studies, Hospitality	Michigan
Northeastern University	54+	Biotechnology, Information Systems, Engineering	Massachusetts
University of Arizona	52+	Law, Nursing, Engineering	Arizona
Indiana University Bloomington	56+	Informatics, Business, Public Affairs	Indiana
Rutgers University	54+	Biomedical Sciences, Data Science, Engineering	New Jersey
University of South Florida	50+	Education, Public Health, Social Work	Florida
Temple University	48+	Sport Management, Business Analytics, Criminal Justice	Pennsylvania
University of Utah	50+	Chemical Engineering, Business, Health Sciences	Utah
Oregon State University	53+	Forestry, Engineering, Business Administration	Oregon
University at Buffalo (SUNY)	52+	Pharmacy, Data Science, Biomedical Sciences	New York
University of Delaware	55+	Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Business	Delaware
Clemson University	53+	Automotive Engineering, Applied Economics, Nursing	South Carolina

Average PTE scores accepted at famous universities

While universities set their own minimums, here's a general idea of average PTE scores accepted at popular university categories:

• Highly selective universities (Ivy League): 70-75+
• Large public universities: 55-65
• Smaller liberal arts colleges: 50-60

Specific courses or programs that prefer PTE scores

It's uncommon for specific programs within a university to have separate PTE requirements. However, universities that emphasise international student enrollment or programs with a strong focus on communication skills might favour PTE due to its emphasis on real-world scenarios.

Tips for Researching PTE Requirements for Your Desired University:

• Visit the university's admissions website and search for "English language proficiency requirements."
• Look for a dedicated page mentioning PTE alongside other accepted tests.
• If unsure, contact the university's admissions office directly for clarification.
• Utilise resources like the PTE official website or educational consultancies to find PTE-accepting universities.

How to Apply to PTE Accepted Universities in the USA

Steps to apply to universities in the USA with PTE scores

Step 1: Research Universities

Identify universities that accept PTE scores and align with your academic interests. Consider factors like program offerings, location, and tuition fees.

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements

Carefully examine each university's specific requirements, including minimum PTE scores, transcripts, standardised tests (if required), essays, and letters of recommendation.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Gather all the necessary documents, including official transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendation letters. Ensure they meet the formatting and content requirements set by each university.

Step 4: Submit Online Applications

Most universities have online application portals. Complete the forms carefully, meet deadlines, and pay any application fees.

Step 6: Submit PTE Scores

After taking the PTE, officially send your score reports to your chosen universities through the Pearson website.

Preparing and submitting your PTE scores

• Register for the PTE test: Choose a convenient test date and location through the Pearson website.
• Prepare for the PTE: Utilise official PTE study materials and practice tests to accustom yourself to the format and question types.
• Take the PTE test: Perform on the test date to the best of your ability.
• Send PTE scores: Once you receive your results, use the Pearson website to designate which universities will receive your official score reports.

Meeting the other admission requirements of PTE-accepted universities

While PTE scores are essential, universities consider a holistic applicant profile. Here are other key elements:

• Academic Performance: Strong academic transcripts showcasing high GPAs are crucial.
• Standardised Tests (Optional): Some universities may require additional tests like the GRE for graduate programs or the SAT for some undergraduates. Check individual requirements.
• Essays and Personal Statements: These essays allow you to showcase your writing skills, academic goals, and experiences.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters from teachers or professors can strengthen your application.
• Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate your involvement beyond academics through volunteer work, leadership positions, or relevant experiences.

Understanding the admission timeline and deadlines

University application deadlines can vary significantly. Start researching universities early to understand their specific timelines:

• Application deadlines: These are the final dates by which you must submit your complete application package.
• Standardised test deadlines: If required, register for and take these tests well before their deadlines.
• Financial aid deadlines: If seeking financial aid, prioritise submitting necessary documents to meet these deadlines.

Maximising Your Chances of Admission

Strategies for achieving a high PTE score

A strong PTE score is a significant first step, but excelling in other aspects of your application can significantly increase your chances of admission to a PTE-accepting university in the USA.

Plan your PTE preparation well in advance of your target test date. Utilise official PTE study materials and practice tests offered by Pearson. Identify areas where you struggle and dedicate more practice time to those sections. Practice managing time effectively during the PTE test, as each section has specific time constraints.

Take online or in-person mock tests to simulate the actual PTE experience and identify areas for improvement. Surround yourself with English as much as possible by reading, watching movies, and listening to podcasts in English.

Additional requirements and recommendations for international students

• Visa Requirements: Research the specific visa requirements for international students in the USA. Secure necessary documentation and financial support well in advance.
• Financial Aid: Explore all available scholarship opportunities or financial aid options that universities or other organisations offer.
• Cultural Adjustment: Consider attending pre-departure workshops or orientation programs to help you adapt to American culture and university life.

Importance of a strong application and personal statement

Beyond standardised test scores, universities assess your overall academic potential and suitability for their program. Here's how to strengthen your application:

• Personal Statement: Create a personal statement that showcases your academic goals, interests, experiences, and unique qualities.
• Highlight Achievements: Emphasise any academic awards, extracurricular accomplishments, or relevant work experience in your application.
• Proofread and edit: Make sure your application materials are free of grammatical errors and typos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PTE accepted in USA?

Yes, PTE scores are accepted by many universities across the USA. Over 1200 institutions recognise PTE as an alternative English proficiency assessment for international students.

Is PTE valid for USA student visa?

Yes, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is accepted by many U.S. universities for student visa applications. However, always confirm with your university as requirements vary.

What is the minimum PTE score for USA required for admission?

The minimum PTE score requirement varies depending on the university and program. Generally, highly selective universities may require scores of 70 or above, while less selective institutions might accept scores between 50 and 60.

Can I get a scholarship with my PTE score?

While universities primarily consider your PTE score for English language proficiency, it may not directly affect your scholarship eligibility.

How do I send my PTE scores to universities?

After taking the PTE exam, you can designate which universities will receive your official score reports through the Pearson website. This process typically involves selecting the universities during or after your test registration.

Can I retake the PTE exam if I am not satisfied with my score?

Yes, you can retake the PTE exam as often as you wish. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can take the test. However, there is a waiting period of at least five days between test attempts.

What is the duration of the PTE Academic exam?

The PTE Academic exam lasts 2 hours and covers three sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each section has varying question formats and time allocations.

Conclusion

Choosing from PTE accepted universities in USA opens doors to a broader range of institutions. This flexibility enables you to find a program that perfectly aligns with your academic goals and interests. With this knowledge and the resources available, you are now well-equipped to embark on your journey towards studying in the USA with a PTE score.