Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2026: Score-Wise List

Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Mar 25, 2026

Highlights:

3,300+ US universities accept Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for 2026 admissions, including Harvard, MIT, Yale, Stanford, and Cornell.
Duolingo English Test (DET) is a widely accepted measure of English language proficiency.
DET scores range from 10 to 160; most US universities require 95–130, depending on program and institution.
The DET costs $70 USD (approx. ₹5,880), takes 1 hour, and delivers results within 48 hours.
Undergraduate programs typically require a DET score of 105–120; Master's programs require 115–130+.
Ivy League universities like Columbia University require 135, while Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania require 130.
Harvard University requires a minimum DET score of 125 for select graduate programs.
DET scores are valid for 2 years; you can retake the test once every 30 days.

\Over 3,300 US universities accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for 2026 admissions — including Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Cornell. The DET has become the fastest-growing English proficiency test in the USA, offering Indian students a convenient, affordable, and quick alternative to IELTS and TOEFL. At just $70 USD with results in 48 hours, it's the go-to choice for students who need flexibility without compromising on acceptance at top universities.

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 2026, 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.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Duolingo Over IELTS or TOEFL for US Universities?
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Masters (MS/MBA) — 2026
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Undergraduate — 2026
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores 90-100
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores 100-110
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores 110-120
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Test Scores Above 120
Duolingo Score for Student Visa in USA
Tips to Achieve Desired DET Score
FAQs

Why Choose Duolingo Over IELTS or TOEFL for US Universities?

The Duolingo English Test has become the most strategic choice for international students applying to US universities in 2026 — especially for those who need quick results, flexible scheduling, or a budget-friendly option. Unlike IELTS and TOEFL, DET is taken entirely online from home, with results in just 48 hours.

Feature	Duolingo (DET)	IELTS Academic	TOEFL iBT
Cost (2026)	$70 USD (~₹5,880)	$215+ USD (~₹18,000)	$200+ USD (~₹16,800)
Test Duration	1 Hour	2 Hours 45 Mins	Under 2 Hours
Results	48 Hours	3–5 Days	4–8 Days
Score Sends	Unlimited (Free)	First 5 Free	First 4 Free
Test Location	Online, from home	Test centre	Test centre or home
Score Validity	2 Years	2 Years	2 Years
Retake Policy	Once every 30 days	No limit	Once every 3 days

For Indian students, the DET's low cost and home-based format make it particularly attractive. However, always verify that your specific program and department at your target university accepts DET — some departments within a university may still require IELTS or TOEFL.

Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA

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

Harvard University	New York University	University of Pittsburgh	Yale University	University of Utah
Cornell University	Johns Hopkins University	Massachusetts Institute of Technology-	Pennsylvania State University	Northeastern University
University of Colorado	University of California Berkeley	Washington University	University of Cincinnati	California State University
Kent State University	University of West Florida	Iowa State University	Illinois Institute of Technology	University of Vermont
University of Cincinnati	Arizona State University	University of Alabama	Indiana University	Southeastern University
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	University of Kentucky	Boston College	Rice University	San Jose State University

Duolingo Accepted Universities in US for Popular Courses –

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Masters (MS/MBA) — 2026

Graduate programs in the USA generally require higher DET scores than undergraduate programs. STEM, engineering, and business programs often set higher cut-offs than humanities or social sciences.

University	Minimum DET Score	Program-Specific Notes
Northeastern University	105	Accepted for most Master's programs
Carnegie Mellon University	105–120	120 required for Engineering programs
Purdue University	110	Minimum for graduate admissions
University of Washington	105 (min), 125+ (recommended)	Preferred 125+ for competitive programs
Rice University	115	Some programs have higher cut-offs
University of Notre Dame	120	Accepted for graduate programs
University of Rochester	120	Accepted for all graduate programs
Harvard University	125	Select graduate schools (e.g., Harvard Medical)
Yale University	120	Competitive applicants score 120+
Ohio State University	120	Minimum 120 for most Master's
University of Wisconsin-Madison	120	Accepted for graduate programs
University of Maryland	120	Scores 115–119 may require English Bridge Program
New York University	125	125+ for Tandon School of Engineering
Princeton University	125	Accepted for PhD and MSE in CS
Vanderbilt University	130	Accepted for Guarini School graduate programs
Dartmouth College	135	For Guarini graduate school applicants

For STEM and MBA programs, aim for a DET score of 120+ to remain competitive.

Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Undergraduate

University	Minimum DET Score	Notes
Northwestern University	105	Accepted for undergraduate admissions
University of California, Berkeley	115	Minimum requirement
Rice University	115	Minimum required
MIT	120	Accepted for UG programs
Yale University	120	Preferred 120+
Caltech	120	Accepted
Johns Hopkins University	120	Preferred sub-scores: Literacy 125, Conversation 120
Stanford University	Not specified	Accepted; check program page
University of Chicago	Not specified	Accepted; no stated minimum
University of Pennsylvania	130	Must send score directly
Duke University	130	Recommended score
Brown University	130	Expected for most cases
Cornell University	130	For admissions consideration
UCLA	130	Competitive cut-off
Columbia University	135	Required for admission

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
Temple University	90–95
Indiana University – Indianapolis	90
University of New Orleans	100
University of Texas of the Permian Basin	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 F-1 student visa process does not require you to submit DET scores directly to the embassy. The visa approval depends on admission to a SEVP-certified institution. If your university accepts DET and has issued you an I-20 letter based on your DET score, your application is considered valid for visa purposes.

In short: if your university accepts Duolingo and has admitted you, your DET score is sufficient for the F-1 visa process. The US embassy accepts the university's offer of admission as proof of English proficiency.

Additional F-1 visa requirements (beyond DET/language proficiency):

Acceptance letter and I-20 form from a SEVP-certified US university
Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses
Academic transcripts from previous institutions
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
DS-160 visa application form (completed online)
SEVIS fee payment receipt
Proof of health insurance

Important: Always confirm with your specific university's admissions office that your program recognises the Duolingo English Test before applying. Some departments within a university may still require IELTS or TOEFL even if the university broadly accepts DET.

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 test format — The DET adapts to your performance. Harder questions mean you're doing well. Don't panic if questions feel difficult.
Take mock tests weekly — Track performance and simulate real test conditions. Use the official DET practice test at englishtest.duolingo.com.
Strengthen listening and speaking — Listen to English podcasts and record your own responses. Aim for natural, fluent speech — not memorised answers.
Focus on grammar and vocabulary — Write 100–150 word responses daily on varied topics to build writing fluency.
Review your subscores — DET reports four subscores: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. Aim for 120+ in all four for top university applications.
Read academic content — News articles, essays, and research summaries improve reading comprehension and vocabulary simultaneously.
Set a daily study routine — 45–60 minutes of focused practice daily yields steady improvement over 4–6 weeks.
Practice under exam conditions — Use a quiet room, stable internet, and your webcam. Simulate the real test environment to reduce anxiety on test day.

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 3,300 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 2026?

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 2026 intakes as well. As of 2026, there are 3,300+ 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 minimum Duolingo score for Ivy League universities in the USA?

Ans. Ivy League universities have some of the highest DET requirements in the USA. Columbia University requires 135, Cornell University and University of Pennsylvania require 130 for undergraduate admissions, Harvard University requires 125 for select graduate programs, and Yale University requires 120. Always check the specific school or department page, as requirements can vary within the same university.

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

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.

Dec 22, 2024 02:03

hello

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.

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:

Southern Methodist University
The University of Texas at Arlington

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.

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:

Master of Science in Business Analytics
Master of Science in Data Science and Statistics