Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for 2026 Intake: Required Scores

Meridean Overseas

Updated On 02 March 2026 & Read Time 12 minutes

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Students appearing for studies abroad, except for IELTS and TOEFL, Duolingo is also widely accepted among universities. It is accepted by more than 3500+ global universities, including universities in the USA. One of the core benefits of the Duolingo exam is that if you have a computer and the internet, you may take the Duolingo test from anywhere. There are 740+ test-taker cities in India for the Duolingo test.

duolingo-accepted-universities-in-usa-for-intake-required-scores

However, Duolingo also offers fast results, and it is more affordable than other tests. Students can also take the Duolingo test online from anywhere without the hassle of travelling to the other testing city or centre. Students just need a computer setup, camera, good internet connectivity, and time.

If you plan to study in the US and search explicitly for universities that accept Duolingo scores, then you are at the right place! In this blog, we will discover details of the Duolingo exam and why it is required. Additionally, we will provide information regarding Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Indian students, and duolingo score required for usa.

Table of Contents

Overview
What is the Duolingo Test, and Why is it Required?
Top Duolingo Accepting Universities in USA- 120 and above
Top 5 Universities that accept Duolingo scores of 105-115
Universities that accept Duolingo scores of 90 and Above
Other Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA
Tips to Improve Your Duolingo Score
Duolingo Score for USA Student Visas
Conclusion
FAQs

What is the Duolingo Test, and Why is it Required?

The Duolingo Test is a language proficiency exam designed to evaluate a person's skills in the English language. It is often used for admission to universities abroad. It is an online test known for its adaptive nature because it adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your responses. Further, many top US universities accepted Duolingo scores as an alternative to traditional language proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

The Duolingo exam evaluates four primary language skills, i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking of candidates. It employs an adaptive algorithm, tailoring questions to the test-takers who demonstrate proficiency level. Further, as the test progresses, the algorithm adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the accuracy of previous answers. This approach ensures a personalised experience, accurately reflecting the test-takers' language capabilities.

Advantages of the Duolingo English Test

Although the Duolingo English Test is still relatively new, several prestigious colleges have begun to accept it as English Proficiency. Overseas students can submit the DET Score for a short amount of time. Various prominent colleges accept Duolingo English exam scores, including the University of Arizona, the University of Colorado, and the University of Florida (UFL). Below are the Duolingo English Test benefits:

Convenience - Applicants can take the test anytime or anywhere via the Internet. They do not need to make an appointment or go to the testing location.
Quick results - Candidates who took the DET can share their results with colleges right away and receive their results 48 hours after taking the test.
Affordably priced - The Duolingo English Test is $59. In comparison, other well-known English language exams range in price from $200 to above.

Requirements of Duolingo English Test

Here are the requirements to take the 60-minute Duolingo English Test exam.

A quiet, well-lit room
A computer
Good internet connection
Passport, driver's license, or government ID
Computer Setup

To take the Duolingo English test with ease, one should have the following:

A front-facing camera
Speakers
A microphone
Windows or mac0S

Top Duolingo Accepting Universities in USA- 120 and above

If you are wondering which are the top Duolingo accepted universities in USA 2026, then go through this section carefully. Many well-known names in the list of Duolingo accepting universities in USA are mentioned in the table below:

Universities	Duolingo required scores for US universities	QS Ranking
Stanford University	120	5
Carnegie Mellon University	135	52
University of California, Berkeley	115	10
Washington University	115	154
Northeastern University	135	375
University of Illinois’s Urbana Campaign’s College of Business	125	64
NYU Stern School of Business	120	19
University of Washington	105	63
California Institute of Technology	130	15
Yale University	120	16
Duke University	125	57
The University of Chicago	105	11
Illinois Institute of Technology	110	469
Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management	120	15

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Top 5 Universities that accept Duolingo scores of 105-115

There are various Duolingo accepted universities in USA, that demand a Duolingo score that ranges from between 100 and 115. Here are some universities that accept Duolingo exam.

Northeastern University (Minimum Duolingo Score: 105)

It enables students to gain hands-on experience through co-op programs and internships.
It offers top research-intensive facilities where students get to learn from experienced faculties.
Students gain access to the network of experts and the best placement opportunities in Boston.

University of California, Berkeley (Minimum Duolingo score: 115)

It is a globally renowned university for its high educational standards and outstanding teaching methods in different subjects.
It has a diverse and welcoming environment for Indian students.
You can access networking, startup opportunities, and internships because the campus is centrally located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

University of Washington (Minimum Duolingo Score: 105)

The University of Washington offers a welcoming, inclusive campus community that promotes a global worldview.
The University of Washington offers students outstanding chances to participate in ground-breaking research and develop knowledge about various subjects.

University of Chicago (Minimum Duolingo Score: 105)

The University of Chicago motivates students to investigate a variety of subjects and find connections among various subject domains./
Giving access to a multicultural environment and industry leads.

Duke University (Minimum Duolingo Score: 115)

Duke has a vast alumni network spread around the globe. It provides students with valuable connections, counsellors, and career opportunities.
It encourages students to participate in meaningful conversations, inculcates the spirit of teamwork, and fosters shared learning experiences in a collaborative learning environment.

Universities that accept Duolingo scores of 90 and Above

Some universities accept 90 or above scores in the Duolingo English Test. These are some of the duolingo 90 score accepted universities in USA.

US Universities Accepting Duolingo Test Scores between 90-100

Below, you can check the list of universities that accept Duolingo English Test scores between 90-100.

University	Duolingo required scores for US universities
University of Arizona	100
Kent State University	100
University of Oklahoma	100
Arizona State University	95
California State University Northridge, California	95
Metropolitan State University	90
Auburn University	90
Northwestern University	90
Marymount California University	90

US Universities Accepting Duolingo Test Scores between 100-110

Below, you can check the list of universities that accept Duolingo English Test scores between 100-110.

University	Duolingo required scores for US universities
Colorado State University	110
George Mason University	110
University of South Florida	110
Oregon State University	110
Baylor University	110
Illinois State University	105

US Universities Accepting Duolingo Test Scores between 110 and above

Below, you can check the list of universities that accept Duolingo English Test scores of 110 and above.

University	Duolingo required scores for US universities
University of Pittsburgh	115
The University of Kansas	115
University of Maryland	115
American University	120
Duke University	130

Other Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA

Below is the list of other renowned Duolingo accepted universities in USA apart from the ones mentioned in the above sections that Indian students can consider while deciding to study and seek admission in the USA.

US Universities Accepting Duolingo
Arizona State University	Atlanta University of Health Sciences	Auburn University
Boston College	Boston University	California Polytechnic State University
California State University	California State University, Northridge	California State University Long Beach
California University of Pennsylvania	Carnegie Mellon University	Clark University
George Mason University	Harvard Medical School	Illinois Institute of Technology
Indiana University	Iowa State University	Kent State University
Marshall University	Northern Illinois University	Northwestern University - Medill School
Regis University	Rice University	San Jose State University
Seattle Pacific University	Southeastern University	Temple University Fox School of Business
Texas A&M University – Kingsville	The University of Chicago	The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University of Alabama	University of Cincinnati	University of Colorado
University of Houston – Victoria (UHV)	University of Kansas	University of Kentucky
University of Maryland Global Campus	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	University of Nevada Las Vegas - Boyd School of Law
The University of Oklahoma	University of Pittsburgh	The University of Scranton
University of Vermont	University of West Florida	Washington University in St. Louis - Brown School

Tips to Improve Your Duolingo Score

Duolingo is said to be easier in comparison to other English language proficiency exams. However, there is a need for adequate preparation for attaining a high score. It is advised to prepare one month prior to the tentative exam date. Here are some tips for maximising your learning potential and helping you accomplish your desired Duolingo score:

First, you need to familiarise yourself with the Duolingo exam by solving mock or practice tests and obtaining progress or track of your performance.

It is suggested that you become well acquainted with the Duolingo app. The app features can help you learn in a better manner by means of recommendations, a progress tracker and discussion forums. Overall, make use of these attributes to boost your learning experience.

Make use of additional resources such as online courses, podcasts and textbooks to enhance your learning.

Further, mastering the fundamentals of language first will provide a solid foundation for your Duolingo preparation.

Duolingo Score for USA Student Visas

Now, you know that various universities in USA accept DET scores for Indian students. This means that the US embassy accepts the Duolingo score to provide a USA student visa. However, it is essential to check your university's requirement for English proficiency, and if the university accepts this test, then you should apply for DET. Moreover, you should also check other requirements to study in USA, such as academic qualification, LOR, SOP, personal statement, work experience, etc.

Conclusion

In summary, many top Duolingo accepted universities in USA for 2024 Intake, like Stanford, Harvard, New York, Washington and others mentioned in the blog. However, you must check the official website of a particular university to know if it is one of the Duolingo accepted universities in USA 2024 for your preferred course. The number of Duolingo accepting universities is increasing yearly, but the criteria and cut-off differ.

If you need clarification or more profound insight on the study in USA, we encourage you to speak with our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you cannot travel to our offices, we offer free online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide the best guidance regarding your application to study in the USA. Apart from this, our expert counsellors will also offer assistance in the visa process for your successful study abroad journey. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

Contact our counselors for application details

FAQs

Question: What is the minimal Duolingo score needed to study in the United States?

Answer: Since different colleges and programs have additional language competency requirements, no minimum Duolingo score is needed to study in the USA. However, for undergraduate programmes, many universities often require a Duolingo English Test score of between 100 and 120, and for graduate programmes, between 110 and 120.

Question: What is the Duolingo test procedure?

Answer: The process to take the Duolingo test is:

Students must first register for a Duolingo account
Schedule a test and pay the required amount to present for one.
They can then take the exam online and get their results after that.

Question: How frequently can students take the Duolingo test?

Answer: A 30-day waiting period separates test attempts for students taking the Duolingo exam, though they can take it as often as they like.

Question: Is the IELTS necessary for obtaining a student visa in the USA?

Answer: No, an IELTS score isn't compulsory to demonstrate English proficiency for a student visa in the USA. American universities accept alternative assessments like TOEFL or Duolingo. When completing your visa application, there's no insistence on providing an IELTS score. However, most institutions prefer assurance of English proficiency, so it's wise to confirm the specific requirements of your desired university.

Question: Is the Duolingo exam a trustworthy measure of language proficiency?

Answer: Yes, the Duolingo exam is widely regarded as a reliable measure of language proficiency. It is accepted by over 3500 institutions globally and validated in various countries, making it a credible option for assessing language skills.

Question: Who administers the Duolingo Test?

Answer: The Duolingo Test is conducted by Duolingo, the renowned language learning platform. With acceptance by over 3500 institutions worldwide, it serves as a reputable avenue for individuals to showcase their English proficiency.

Question: How many attempts are allowed for the Duolingo Test?

Answer: Candidates are permitted to take the Duolingo Test multiple times to achieve their best score. However, there's a limit of three attempts within 30 days to maintain fairness and prevent excessive retakes.

Question: How many US universities accept the Duolingo Test?

Answer: Over 1700 universities in the USA recognise the Duolingo English Test as a valid language proficiency assessment. However, applicants should verify individual university policies regarding acceptance of the Duolingo English Test, as requirements may vary.

Question: What is the validity period of Duolingo test scores?

Answer: Duolingo English Test scores are typically valid for two years, although this may vary depending on university policies. Applicants should confirm the expiration period directly with the universities they are applying to.

Question: Can I retake the Duolingo English Test to improve my scores?

Answer: Yes, candidates are allowed to retake the Duolingo English Test as many times as needed to improve their scores, with no set limit on the number of attempts.

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