Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2025

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2025

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Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager

Content Strategy Manager

Highlights:

  • Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for 2025 intake comprises 2246 institutions including Harvard, MIT, and Yale.
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) is a widely accepted measure of English language proficiency accepted by over 5000 institutions worldwide.
  • DET assesses students' reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with scores on a scale of 10 to 160.
  • DET allows candidates to take the test online from anywhere at 65 USD.
  • 90-100 Duolingo Scores Accepted Universities in USA include the University of West Florida and Arizona State University.
  • Institutions like Northeastern University and University of California, Berkeley accept Duolingo scores ranging from 100 to 120.
  • Prestigious universities like Harvard University and Duke University accept Duolingo English Test scores of 120 and above,

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2025: The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a globally recognized English proficiency assessment, with over 5,500 institutions worldwide adopting it for 2025 admissions. This includes a growing number of Duolingo-accepted universities in the USA. Leading U.S. universities now integrate DET into their admissions parity strategies, offering alternatives to traditional exams like TOEFL and IELTS while maintaining language proficiency benchmarks.

Duolingo accepted universities in USA for international students includes prestigious universities such as Harvard University, MIT, Yale University, Cornell University and Yale University. 

  • Duolingo Accepted US Universities for Bachelor’s accept DET score of 95 to 120.
  • Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for MS accept scores in the range of 100 to 120.
  • As of 2025, Ivy League institutions such as Yale University and Cornell University accept DET scores of 120–130+ for graduate programs.
  • Public research universities like the University of Michigan and Arizona State University require 105–115 for undergraduate admissions

The tests came to light when the pandemic hit and students couldn’t reach exam centres. Being an online exam, Duolingo became immensely popular for international students in the USA. After that, its low application charge, quick results, and shorter duration made it more popular.

  • Harvard University now lists a minimum DET score of 125 for select graduate programs, though it remains excluded from undergraduate admissions criteria.
  • Elite schools like Carnegie Mellon University mandate 120+ for engineering, while NYU Stern School of Business requires 130+.
  • Universities such as Purdue University accept 95+ DET scores.

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Top Universities

Some of the universities accepting Duolingo in USA are mentioned below:

Duolingo Accepted Universities in US for Popular Courses – 


Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores 90-100

Below is the table showcasing the top universities in the USA accepting Duolingo with test scores ranging from 90 to 100.

Name of the University Minimum Duolingo Score Required
Arizona State University 95
University of West Florida 95
Illinois Institute of Technology 95-109
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 95
California State University 95 or higher
San Jose State University 95
Iowa State University 100
University of Alabama 100

STEM/technical fields often require higher DET scores. 


Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores 100-110

Below is the table showcasing the top universities in the USA accepting Duolingo with test scores ranging from 100 to 110.

Name of the University Minimum Duolingo Score Required
Southeastern University 105
Northeastern University 105
University of Utah 105
University of Vermont 110
University of Cincinnati 110
Kent State University 110

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores 110-120

Below is the table showcasing the top universities in the USA accepting Duolingo with test scores ranging from 110 to 120.

Name of the University Minimum Duolingo Score Required
University of California Berkeley 115
Washington University 115
Indiana University 115
Rice University 115
University of Kentucky 115
Yale University 120
Cornell University 120
Johns Hopkins University 120
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 120
Pennsylvania State University 120
University of Colorado 120

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores Above 120

Below is the table showcasing the top universities in the USA accepting Duolingo with test scores above 120.

Name of the University Minimum Duolingo Score Required
Harvard University 125
New York University 125
University of Pittsburgh 125 or higher
Boston College 130
Duke University 130

Check Out: Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA without GRE

Why take the Duolingo Test?

Duolingo has some advantages that attract students to take DET rather than other English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The advantages are as follows.

  • Place of Exam: Students can take the test anywhere at their convenience. They don’t have to go to any exam centres to take the exams.
  • Exam Duration: The test duration is just one hour. Students will be evaluated based on their reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills in the first 45 minutes of the exam. After that, there will be a video interview where the students speak on a given topic for 2-3 minutes.
  • Quick Results: Duolingo publishes the result just within 2 days of the test. 

Alternative Tests to Duolingo English Test

While the Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a convenient and fast option for demonstrating English proficiency, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Here is a section on some alternative tests widely accepted by US universities:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The most widely recognized English proficiency test. Offered in both internet-based and paper-based formats.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Another highly recognized test with a focus on all four language skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): A computer-based test known for its fast results and focus on real-world English communication.

Duolingo Score for Student Visa in USA

The US immigration authorities accept DET scores, but it doesn't guarantee a visa. The final decision rests with the visa officer who will consider your overall application. Apart from securing a good DET score, you will need to fulfil other visa requirements such as:

  • An acceptance letter from a US university enrolled in the Student.
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your study expenses.
  • Transcripts from previous educational institutions.
  • Proof of health insurance.

Also Check: Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA Texas

Tips to Achieve Desired DET Score

Here are some tips to achieve the desired DET score to study at the top universities in the USA:

  • Understand the DET test format.
  • Practice regularly in line with the test format to improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
  • Focus more on weak areas.
  • Expand your vocabulary and improve grammar accuracy.

Duolingo English Test continues to gain prominence as a convenient and efficient option for demonstrating language proficiency among international students applying to universities in the USA. With its widespread acceptance and quick results, it serves as a valuable tool in the admissions process, offering students greater flexibility and accessibility.


FAQs

Ques. What documents are required for the Duolingo test?

Ans. To appear for the Duolingo test, this is all you need:
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • A quiet, well-lit room
  • Computer with webcam, microphone, and speakers

Ques. Can we go to USA with only Duolingo?

Ans. No, having a passing Duolingo English Test score alone is not enough to go to the USA. While Duolingo is accepted for student visas and by over 1,700 universities in the USA, other requirements need to be met for both:

  • An acceptance letter from a U.S. university
  • Bank statements
  • Passport
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Academic transcripts
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation

Ques. Will Duolingo be accepted in 2025?

Ans. Yes, the Duolingo English Test is widely accepted in USA universities as proof of language proficiency for international students. DET is being accepted in top universities in USA for 2025 intakes as well. As for now, there are 100+ Duolingo accepted universities in USA for international students.

Ques. Which universities accept Duolingo 120 score?

Ans. Universities that accept a Duolingo score of 120 are as follows:
  • Yale University
  • Cornell University
  • Johns Hopkins University

Ques. Is Duolingo accepted for a visa in the USA?

Ans. Yes, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted for student visas in the USA. This means you can use your DET score to demonstrate your English language proficiency when applying for a student visa to study in the USA.

Ques. Which is best for USA Duolingo or IELTS?

Ans. Both Duolingo and IELTS are widely accepted for USA university admissions. Duolingo offers flexibility and quick results, while IELTS is a globally recognized test with a longer history. The choice depends on personal preference and specific university requirements.

Ques. How long is the Duolingo test valid for the USA?

Ans. The Duolingo English Test (DET) score is valid for two years in the USA. This means you can use your score for visa applications and university admissions within that timeframe.

Ques. What is the lowest Duolingo score accepted by universities in the USA?

Ans. The lowest Duolingo score accepted by universities in the USA varies, with some universities accepting scores as low as 95.

Ques. How much Duolingo score is required for the USA?

Ans. The Duolingo score required for universities in the USA ranges from 95 to 130, depending on the institution.

Comments


Found 7 Comments

M
madina serikova
Dec 22, 2024 02:05
Hello! Why do the scores required by Harvard, as stated on their official website, differ from those listed here? They say they require a Duolingo score of 135.
M
madina serikova
Dec 22, 2024 02:03
hello
M
mahima chaudhary
Jul 9, 2024 11:14
Does Univerity of Texas at Dallas accepts duolingo? I have been self practising duolingo and I get 130-150 score. But I specifically want to go to Texas(Dallas) for my masters as my relatives are there. Is there a nice university in Dallas for masters(IT) degree.
K
Karan Gupta
Jul 10, 2024 09:47

Yes, the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) accepts Duolingo English Test scores for international students applying to undergraduate and graduate programs. Minimum Duolingo score required: 105. Other universities in Dallas for a Master's in IT are:

  1. Southern Methodist University
  2. The University of Texas at Arlington
M
mahima chaudhary
Jul 10, 2024 14:56
Please help me with one more confusion. Does UT Dallas offer Masters in Data Science? I have searched about it but could not get quite a clear answer.
K
Karan Gupta
Jul 11, 2024 09:29

Yes, UT Dallas offers a program related to Masters in Data Science but it's not exactly called that. Here are two options that focus on data science:

  1. Master of Science in Business Analytics
  2. Master of Science in Data Science and Statistics