Planning to study in the USA for 2025 intake but don’t know what your options are when it comes to choosing Duolingo accepted universities in USA? Don’t worry, there are over 3,100 U.S. universities which now accepts Duolingo scores like Harvard, Yale, and UC Berkeley etc.
Being a fast, affordable, and flexible alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, Duolingo is changing the game for international students. It is not only widely accepted, but is also easy to take online and can even open doors to scholarship opportunities. In this blog, you will find a detailed list of Duolingo accepted universities in USA for masters and UG programs along with tips to help you ace the test!
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Before we talk about Duolingo accepted universities in USA, let’s clarify why you should take the Duolingo exam as it is a common concern among many test takers.
The Duolingo English Test is a standardized English proficiency test which is widely accepted by universities all around the world, especially because giving DET is not only convenient but is also cost-effective. Below are a few reasons why you should take Duolingo in 2025!
As an international student, you can choose from a wide range of Duolingo accepted universities in USA for masters which you can find below.
However, do keep in mind that while these universities might accept Duolingo scores, their specific course requirement may vary, so make sure that you check the specific requirements of the university and program you're applying to.
University | Minimum Duolingo Score | Top Master's Programs |
---|---|---|
Harvard University | 125 | Public Policy, Education, Law, Data Science |
Yale University | 120 | Environmental Management, Global Affairs, Public Health |
Stanford University | 130 | Artificial Intelligence, Design, Bioengineering |
Princeton University | 125 | Economics, Public Affairs, Physics |
Columbia University | 120 | Journalism, International Affairs, Public Health |
University of Chicago | 125 | Economics, Social Sciences, Data Analytics |
New York University (NYU) | 125 | Fine Arts, Finance, Psychology |
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | 115 | Sustainability Studies, Statistics, Urban Planning |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 115 | Film & Television, Public Health, Architecture |
University of Washington | 105 | Information Science, Public Health, Marine Affairs |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 120 | Civil Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Library & Info Science |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | 120 | Education, Political Science, Environmental Science |
University of Maryland | 120 | Cybersecurity, Public Policy, Journalism |
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 105 | Social Work, Urban Planning, Data Science |
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 105 | Oceanography, Neurosciences, International Relations |
University of California, Irvine (UCI) | 115 | Public Health, Software Engineering, Criminology |
Below is a list of top Duolingo accepted universities in USA that are opening doors to international students for their UG programs. In addition to this, we have also listed the minimum Duolingo score for USA colleges and universities.
University | Minimum Duolingo Score | Top UG Programs |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 120–125 | Engineering, Computer Science, Physics |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 120–130 | Physics, Biology, Engineering |
Duke University | 125 | Public Policy, Biomedical Engineering, Economics |
North-western University | 115–120 | Journalism, Communication, Engineering |
Carnegie Mellon University | 135 | Computer Science, Arts, Robotics |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 105–120 | Film & Television, Psychology, Anthropology |
University of Southern California (USC) | 120 | Cinematic Arts, Business, Architecture |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | 120 | Engineering, Business, Computer Science |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | 115–120 | Engineering, Business, Computer Science |
University of Maryland | 115–120 | Engineering, Business, Computer Science |
University of Washington | 105–110 | Informatics, Public Health, Environmental Science |
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 105–110 | Sociology, Music Performance, Cognitive Science |
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 105–115 | Neuroscience, International Studies, Marine Biology |
University of California, Irvine (UCI) | 115 | Psychology, Public Health, Literary Journalism |
University of Southern California (USC) | 120 | Cinematic Arts, Business, Architecture |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 120–125 | Engineering, Computer Science, Physics |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 120–130 | Physics, Biology, Engineering |
Duke University | 125 | Public Policy, Biomedical Engineering, Economics |
Northwestern University | 115–120 | Journalism, Communication, Engineering |
Below is a list of Duolingo 90 score accepted universities in USA along with their minimum score requirements and some of their top programs:
University Name | Minimum Duolingo Score | Top Courses |
---|---|---|
Arizona State University | 95 | Sustainability, Journalism, Psychology |
University of West Florida | 95 | Marine Biology, Criminology, Graphic Design |
California State University System | 95 | Hospitality Management, Kinesiology, Social Work |
San Jose State University | 95 | Animation, Environmental Science, Public Health |
University of Alabama | 100 | Forensic Science, Music, Civil Rights Studies |
Iowa State University | 100 | Veterinary Medicine, Architecture, Ecology |
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth | 95 | Textile Engineering, Marine Science, Marketing |
Illinois Institute of Technology | 95–109 | Data Science, Cybersecurity, Industrial Design |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | 90 | Biomedical Sciences, Sociology, Public Administration |
University of Idaho | 95 | Forestry, Political Science, Food Science |
University of South Florida | 90 | Digital Media, Urban Planning, Anthropology |
University of Mississippi | 90 | Hospitality, Journalism, Environmental Studies |
University of Utah | 90 | Film & Media Arts, Chemistry, Linguistics |
Texas Tech University | 90 | Agricultural Economics, Public Relations, Psychology |
Arkansas State University | 90 | Theatre, Criminal Justice, Nutrition |
These are just a few of the top Duolingo 90 score accepted universities in USA that will give you a broader idea of options that are available to you beyond the usual Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences.
There are some top Duolingo 100 score accepted universities in USA which have moderate to high academic standards that you will find in the list below.
However, even though there are some great 100- 105 Duolingo accepted universities in USA, it is better to check the specific requirements of each university you are interested in as there might be different score requirements for different courses.
University Name | Minimum Duolingo Score | Top Courses |
---|---|---|
University of Miami | 110 | Marine Science, Business Administration, Music Performance |
University of Connecticut | 110 | Pharmacy, Actuarial Science, Engineering |
University of Maryland, College Park | 110 | Computer Science, Engineering, Public Policy |
Temple University | 110 | Business, Law, Media & Communication |
Northeastern University | 105 | Computer Science, Co-op Business Programs, Engineering |
Oregon State University | 110 | Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Computer Science |
University of Denver | 110 | International Studies, Law, Business Analytics |
University of New Hampshire | 110 | Environmental Science, Zoology, Business |
University of South Florida | 110 | Public Health, Engineering, Business Administration |
University of Texas at Dallas | 110 | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business |
Pepperdine University | 110 | Business, Psychology, Communication |
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) | 110 | Computer Science, Graphic Design, Engineering Technology |
Clark University | 110 | Psychology, Geography, International Development |
University of San Francisco | 110 | Nursing, Business, International Relations |
University of Tulsa | 110 | Petroleum Engineering, Law, Cybersecurity |
Now that we know about Duolingo 100 score accepted universities in USA, let’s check out the ones that accept 110-120 DET scores.
Having a 110-120 score is a great starting point to get admission into top Duolingo accepted universities in USA, especially in the STEM field. Below is a list of top-ranked colleges along with their most popular programs.
University Name | Minimum Duolingo Score Required | Top Courses |
---|---|---|
UC Berkeley | 115 | Political Science, Data Science, Environmental Economics |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 110 | Architecture, Psychology, Agricultural & Consumer Economics |
University of Southern California (USC) | 120 | Law, Communication, Music Industry |
University of Colorado Boulder | 110 | Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, Journalism, Geography |
University of Miami | 120 | Music Performance, Sports Administration, Film Studies |
University of Florida | 110 | Digital Arts & Sciences, Education, Zoology |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 110 | Political Science, Biology, Dramatic Art |
University of Pittsburgh | 125 | Philosophy, Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Science |
University of South Florida | 110 | Aging Studies, Criminology, Public Administration |
University of Texas at Dallas | 110 | Bioinformatics, Arts & Technology, Cognitive Science |
University of Tulsa | 110 | Petroleum Engineering, Cybersecurity, Energy Management |
University of Dayton | 110 | Entrepreneurship, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Religious Studies |
University of San Diego | 110 | Peace & Justice Studies, Real Estate, International Relations |
University of San Francisco | 110 | Public Health, Environmental Studies, Finance |
University of South Carolina | 110 | Hospitality Management, Criminology, Sport & Entertainment Management |
Lastly, a 120 Duolingo score for USA university and college is considered ideal as it can help demonstrate a strong level of English proficiency which can help you succeed in academic coursework and communicate effectively.
University Name | Minimum Duolingo Score | Top Courses |
---|---|---|
Carnegie Mellon University | 125 | Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics |
Northwestern University | 125 | Journalism, Theatre, Engineering |
Rice University | 125 | Materials Science, Environmental Science, Business |
University of Notre Dame | 125 | Architecture, Theology, Science |
University of Rochester | 125 | Optics, Music, Economics |
Vanderbilt University | 125 | Education, Medicine, Nursing |
Washington University in St. Louis | 125 | Social Work, Engineering, Law |
Emory University | 125 | Public Health, Law, Theology |
Georgetown University | 125 | International Relations, Political Science, Business |
Boston College | 125 | Philosophy, Business, Biology |
University of Miami | 125 | Marine Science, Architecture, Communications |
University of Virginia | 125 | Law, Commerce, Engineering |
Tufts University | 125 | International Relations, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering |
Wake Forest University | 125 | Medicine, Business, Law |
University of California, Santa Cruz | 120 | Marine Biology, Digital Arts, Earth Sciences |
Even though the USA student visa process does not require a particular English proficiency test, during the visa process, you do need to show that you meet the required English proficiency of your chosen university.
Generally, 120 or above is considered a good Duolingo score for USA as it meets the proficiency of many universities in the USA. However, you do have to keep in mind that the criteria of each of these universities vary and some of them even accept scores lower than 100.
Additionally, you should keep these two points in mind while setting an aim for a Duolingo score for a student visa in the USA:
Now let’s talk about how to achieve your desired score in order to get into your preferred Duolingo accepted universities in USA. Even though Duolingo is easier as compared to other traditional English proficiency tests, acing it still requires a good amount of preparation and strategy.
Below, we have mentioned some top tips that can not only help you prepare for Duolingo but even improve your overall score.
In conclusion, there are some amazing Duolingo accepted universities in USA which offer convenient and accessible admission options, especially for international students. Whether you're aiming for undergraduate or master's programs, the Duolingo English Test is a smart, accessible, and budget-friendly option which offers flexibility without compromising credibility.
However, if you are struggling with the fast-paced format of DET, then you can connect with our experts at Gradding.com who will provide targeted practice, vocabulary building, and strategies to improve speaking and writing fluency.
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A good score to study in the USA is generally around 105-120, but this depends more on the university and program you choose and wish to pursue. If you plan to go to top-tier institutes in the US then a good Duolingo score can be above 120, whereas other institutes accept scores in the 95-105 range.
Yes, Duolingo is accepted for the USA student visa as long as the university you are applying to accepts it. However, the US visa application process does not require an English proficiency test like the DET.
The answer to which is better Duolingo or IELTS, depends on your goal and purpose. If your goal is university admission, cost or convenience then Duolingo is a better choice. However, for visa applications and professional purposes, IELTS is a better and safer option.
To find out if the university you wish to pursue your higher education in accepts Duolingo or not then you can visit the official university admissions website and look under “English language requirements.” Additionally, you can also use the Duolingo website’s university list to search for schools that accept the test.
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