Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA 2025 - Top List, Scores & How to Apply

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is now becoming a popular option for international students who want to study in USA. It is one of the easiest and budget-friendly English language proficiency tests that can help Indian students get admission to American universities. Many students now prefer the Duolingo test over IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE to save time and cost. 

More than 5000 universities worldwide accept Duolingo scores. Out of these, over 3100 universities in the USA are now accepting Duolingo English Test scores. These include top universities like Harvard University, Yale University, Duke University, and more. 

In this article, we will discuss the Duolingo accepted universities in USA, their minimum score requirements, types of UG and PG courses, and how it compares with IELTS and TOEFL. 

Can I Study in the USA with Duolingo English Test? 

Yes, you can study in the United States with DET. Many top-ranked universities and colleges in the USA accept Duolingo test results to admit international candidates from different countries. The DET is an easier and cheaper way for students to prove their English skills. It's an online test that you can take from home, and the best part? You’ll get your results within 48 hours.

Earlier, most US colleges only accepted IELTS or TOEFL. But things started to change after COVID-19, when test centers were shut down. During this time, many universities began accepting Duolingo as a valid English language test. Now, in 2025, more than 200 universities in the US accept DET scores for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

If we compare all three: Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL, the Duolingo test is the most affordable, quickest, and very easy to access. Meanwhile, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc, are comparatively costly and have longer test durations. Duolingo is just 1 hour long and costs around INR 6000 (USD 70). It tests your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a smarter and AI-based format. 

Top 10 Universities in USA Accepting Duolingo Scores 2025 

If you are planning to study in the USA but want to skip the hassle of long, expensive English tests like IELTS or TOEFL, Duolingo English Test (DET) is a smart option. Many top universities in the United States now accept Duolingo scores for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Below is a list of some of the most popular US universities accepting Duolingo in 2025 along with their minimum score requirements. Make sure to check the official university website for the most updated criteria before applying.

Popular Universities Accepting Duolingo in 2025

University Name	Duolingo Score Required	Location
University of Chicago	120+	Illinois
New York University (NYU)	115+	New York
Northeastern University	105+	Massachusetts
University of Southern California (USC)	115+	California
University of Utah	105+	Utah
University of Cincinnati	100+	Ohio
University of Colorado Boulder	105+	Colorado
University of Alabama	100+	Alabama
San Jose State University	95+	California
University of New Haven	100+	Connecticut
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi	95+	Texas
DePaul University	105+	Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology	110+	Illinois
University of Vermont	100+	Vermont
University of South Florida	105+	Florida
Adelphi University	95+	New York
Florida Institute of Technology	100+	Florida
Marshall University	90+	West Virginia
Oklahoma City University	95+	Oklahoma
Suffolk University	100+	Massachusetts

Minimum Duolingo Score Required by US Universities 

Different universities in the USA have different Duolingo score requirements based on the type of institution and the level of competition. While top-ranked universities may ask for a higher score, community colleges and public universities usually keep it more flexible.

Here’s a list of the average minimum Duolingo English Test scores you will need in 2025:

Type of Institution	Average Duolingo Score Required
Ivy League Universities	120+
Top Private Universities	110–120+
Public Universities	90–105
Mid-Tier Private Colleges	95–105
Community Colleges	75–85

Some universities also require higher scores in each section, so make sure to check the section-wise cutoffs too.

Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL – Which One Should You Take? 

Choosing the right English test depends on your budget, comfort level, and how fast you need the results. 

Here’s a comparison table to help you decide which one fits your needs best:

Feature	Duolingo	IELTS	TOEFL
Fee	INR 6,000	INR 16,250	INR 16,900
Duration	1 hour	2 hr 45 min	2–3 hours
Result Time	48 hrs	3–5 days	6–10 days
Test Mode	Online (at home)	Online & Offline	Online & Offline
Score Range	10–160	1–9 bands	0–120
Universities Accepting	4000+ globally	11,000+	11,000+
Speaking Test	AI-recorded	Live examiner	Recorded or live

US Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test Scores in 2025

The minimum score requirements of Duolingo are different for various US universities. Many top-ranked universities demand a score of 110 and Above to enroll international students. Whereas some universities accept students with a score of 90–100. So, students are suggested to check the minimum Duolingo score requirements for different universities on the official websites of the universities. 

Duolingo Score: 90–100 

If your score is between 90 and 100, you still have many good options. These universities offer quality education and are quite friendly for international students.

University	Minimum DET Score
Arizona State University (ASU)	95
University of Oklahoma	100
Kent State University	100
California State University – Northridge	95
University of Arizona	100

Duolingo Score: 100–110 

US universities accepting DET scores around 105 to 110 are as follows: 

University	Minimum DET Score
Illinois State University	105
George Mason University	110
Colorado State University	110
Oregon State University	110
University of South Florida	110
Baylor University	110

Duolingo Score: 110 and Above 

US universities accepting DET scores above 110 or 115 are as follows: 

University	Minimum DET Score
University of Maryland	115
Duke University	130
University of Pittsburgh	115
American University	120
The University of Kansas	115

Duolingo Accepted Courses in USA: UG & PG Programs

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is now accepted for a lot of UG (undergraduate) and PG (postgraduate) courses in the USA. You can apply to top universities for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs using your Duolingo score.

Here’s a list showing popular UG and master’s courses you can apply for USA universities using Duolingo:

UG Courses (Bachelor’s)	PG Courses (Master’s)
BBA – Business Administration	MBA – Master of Business Administration
BS in Computer Science	MS in Computer Science / IT
BEng – Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)	MS in Engineering (any specialization)
BA in Economics	MS in Data / Business Analytics
Bachelor’s in Psychology	MA in Psychology / Education
BSc in Data Science	MS in Cybersecurity
Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance	MS in Finance or Accounting
BA in International Relations	Master of Public Health (MPH)
BS in Biology / Chemistry	MS in Environmental Science
BA in Media or Communication	Master’s in Social Work / Public Policy

Conclusion 

Many top Duolingo accepted universities in USA now welcome international students with Duolingo English Test scores for 2025 admissions. 

Famous schools like MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, and more accept Duolingo, but each college has its own minimum score, usually between 100 and 130. For example, MIT and Caltech need 120, Columbia asks for 135, and Princeton requires 125 for some programs. 

If you want help finding the right university or applying with your Duolingo English Test score, connect with upGrad experts. They’ll guide you step by step to study in the USA. Start your American study journey with upGrad’s support today!