List of Universities Accepting PTE in USA

Updated on 30 August, 2024

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

The PTE Academic has become a globally accepted measure of English proficiency. Did you know it is now accepted by over 3,300+ institutions worldwide? For many students, studying in the USA is a dream, and with over 1,400 PTE accepted universities in the USA, you have plenty of options to make that dream a reality. 

The Pearson Language Test, or the PTE, is a computer-based exam that assesses your English skills in reading, speaking, listening, and writing. It helps determine whether you can thrive in an international English-speaking environment. 

In this article, I have compiled a list of top US universities accepting PTE scores along with the minimum requirements for different degrees. Read on to know more.

PTE Highlights

Preparing to study at an American university with famous alumni and top-tier academicians? Here's what you need to know about the PTE score for USA:

Highlight

Details

Top Universities Accepting PTE

Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, Columbia University, Northwestern University, California State University 

Wide Acceptance

Over 1,400 US universities accept the PTE Academic test.

Versatile Recognition

Recognized by most top-ranked American educational institutions, nursing boards, employers, and professional associations.

Global Acceptance

Over 70 countries accept PTE scores.

Conducted by

Pearson PLC

Test Mode

Offline at 400+ centers across 117 countries as well as Online

Test Duration

Approximately three hours 

Test Fees

The PTE Academic test fees vary by location. In India, it is INR 17,000.

Universities in USA Accepting PTE

If you are looking for a list of PTE accepted universities in the USA, you must know over 1400 US universities and higher education institutions accept PTE scores, providing you with plenty of study options. Whether you are aiming for undergraduate programs, MS degrees, or MBAs, most US institutions recognize the PTE Academic as proof of English skills.

Some universities also accept other tests like Duolingo. You can also check out Duolingo accepted universities in the USA if you wish to take this English proficiency test. 

Check out the detailed list of universities in the USA that accept PTE. Your dream university might be on this list!

PTE Accepted Universities in USA: Engineering Universities in USA

Many top universities in the USA accept PTE scores for engineering degrees. Here are some notable ones:

Name of the University

Description

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Known for its rigorous and cutting-edge engineering programs. Specializations: Aeronautics and Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Stanford University

Famous for its innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering. Specializations: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Offers a strong emphasis on science and engineering. Specializations: Aerospace, Applied Physics, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Renowned for its strong research and diverse engineering programs. Specializations: Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.

Harvard University

Renowned for its cutting-edge research and diverse engineering programs. Specializations: Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering.

Columbia University

Offers comprehensive engineering courses with a strong emphasis on innovation. Specializations: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science.

George Mason University

Known for its focus on modern engineering disciplines and practical applications. Specializations: Systems Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering.

Colorado State University

Offers diverse engineering programs with a focus on sustainable and environmental engineering. Specializations: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering.

PTE Accepted Universities in USA: MS Universities in USA

For those interested in a master's degree, below is a list of prestigious universities in the USA that accept PTE scores for MS programs. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list; more US universities accept PTE scores for MS degrees.

Name of the University

Description

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Known for its rigorous and cutting-edge MS programs in various fields, emphasizing research and technology. ​​Specializations include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence.

Harvard University

Known for its advanced research opportunities and interdisciplinary MS programs, especially in Data Science and Biotechnology.

Stanford University

Renowned for its MS programs in various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Specializations include Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Business Analytics.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Offers top-tier MS programs in multiple areas, known for its strong research output. Specializations include Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences.

University of Chicago

Known for its MS programs in Data Science, Computer Science, and Financial Mathematics, focusing on research and theoretical foundations.

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Renowned for its MS programs in various fields, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Specializations include Robotics, Computer and Information Science, and Biotechnology.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Known for its research-intensive MS programs in Physical Sciences and Applied Physics. Specializations include Aeronautics, Applied Physics, and Electrical Engineering.

Columbia University

Offers a variety of MS degrees with strong industry connections and research facilities, particularly in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.

University of Southern California (USC)

Known for its high-quality MS courses in various fields, including Computer Science and Data Science.

University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)

Offers research-intensive MS programs focusing on innovation and technology, particularly in Data Analytics and Bioinformatics.

PTE Accepted Universities in USA: MBA Universities in USA

Here is a list of top business schools in the USA that accept PTE scores.

Name of the University

Description

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Offers a world-renowned MBA program with a strong focus on leadership and innovation. Specializations include Entrepreneurship, Finance, and General Management.

Penn (Wharton)

Known for its comprehensive business and management courses, with a global perspective. Specializations include Finance, Marketing, and Health Care Management.

Harvard Business School

Provides MBA programs that emphasize real-world business challenges and solutions. Specializations include General Management, Strategy, and Technology and Operations.

MIT (Sloan)

Famous for its entrepreneurship programs and hands-on learning approach. Specializations include Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Finance, and Analytics.

Columbia Business School

Known for its strong industry connections and research facilities. Specializations include Finance, Marketing, and Real Estate.

UC Berkeley (Haas)

Provides diverse MBA programs with a strong emphasis on innovation. Specializations include Finance, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship.

University of Chicago (Booth)

Known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on research. Specializations include Economics, Finance, and Strategic Management.

Minimum and Maximum Accepted PTE Scores 

Now that you know which renowned PTE accepted universities in the USA you can apply to, the next question arises: what are the minimum and maximum PTE scores accepted by the US universities? While there is no cap on the maximum accepted PTE scores, most universities do have a minimum PTE score for admission to their different programs.

Knowing the USA PTE score requirements can help you better prepare for your preferred university’s application.

Here is a list of USA PTE requirements per top universities: 

Name of the University Accepting PTE

Minimum and Maximum PTE Score

Harvard University

A minimum score of 75

Stanford University

A minimum score of 68

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A minimum score of 65 (Recommended: 70)

Columbia University

A minimum score of 68 or higher

George Mason University

A minimum score of 59 for undergraduate courses and a minimum score of 67 for graduate courses

University of Southern California

A minimum score of 61 for master's and a minimum score of 68 for PhD

Colorado State University

A minimum score of 58 

University of Illinois, Chicago

A minimum score of 54 

Yale University

A minimum score of 70

Babson College

A minimum score of 65

Binghamton University

A minimum score of 53

Pace University

A minimum score of 52

PTE Academic Eligibility

The foremost step to apply to PTE accepted universities in the USA is to know if you are eligible to take the PTE test. Here’s what you need to know about the PTE Academic eligibility:

  • Nationality: The exam is open to students of any nationality as long as they follow the examination rules. Only a student with current, valid, and legible identity proof, preferably a passport, can take the test. 
  • Age: Any candidate over 16 is qualified to take the PTE Academic exam. There is no upper age limit specified by the Pearson PLC Group (the conducting body of the PTE Academic exam.) Any student between 16-18 years must submit a parental consent form available on the PTE exam website.
  • Educational constraints: While there is no specific age limit restricting students from taking the exam, there is a specific educational limit which the candidates must meet. A student sitting for the PTE Academic exam must have graduated from high school. 
  • Academic qualifications: The PTE Academic conducting body has not set any educational limitations regarding the qualifications required. The only necessary criteria is that the candidate must have the required fluency to take the exam in English. 

As I mentioned above in the article, each university has its own minimum PTE score for USA admissions, so you must check the specific requirements of your preferred university.

How to Apply to US Universities with PTE Scores

Applying to US universities with your PTE scores involves several steps. Here’s a general breakdown to help you through the process.

Application Process to Apply to PTE Accepting US Universities

  1. Start by researching the universities that accept PTE scores for the program you are interested in.
  2. Verify the minimum PTE score requirements for each university to ensure you meet their eligibility.
  3. Gather all necessary documents, including PTE score for proof of English proficiency.
  4. Fill out the application forms online for each of your preferred universities.
  5. Submit your applications through the respective university’s application portal.
  6. Pay the required application fees for each university.

Required Documents to Apply at US Universities

When applying to US universities with PTE scores, you will need to provide documents like:

  • Official PTE test score report sent directly from Pearson.
  • Academic records from your previous schools.
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals who can vouch for your abilities.
  • An essay detailing your academic and career goals.
  • A detailed account of your educational and professional background.
  • A valid passport or another form of identification.

Application Deadlines at US Universities

Each university has its own application deadlines, so it is crucial to check the specific dates for the institutions you are interested in. Generally, application deadlines fall into three categories:

  • Early Decision/Early Action: Usually in November.
  • Regular Decision: Typically between January and February.
  • Rolling Admissions: Varies by university, but applications are reviewed as received.

You are recommended to submit your applications well before the deadlines to avoid any last-minute issues. Meticulous planning will give you ample time to prepare a strong application.

Conclusion

A good PTE score can open doors to many prestigious PTE accepted universities in the USA. Understanding the minimum PTE score for the USA can help you accelerate your application process, making your dream of studying at top US universities like Harvard, MIT, Colorado, and Yale closer than you think!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for the USA: PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo?

The difficulty level of all three English proficiency tests is nearly the same – all three demand the candidate to have fundamentals cleared. 

PTE is computer-oriented and usually taken at a test center. IELTS is the gold standard for English language tests around the world. Duolingo is shorter than IELTS and can be taken online anywhere. So, depending on the requirements of your chosen higher institution, you can take any of the tests.

Which universities accept PTE in the USA?

PTE Academic is accepted by over 1400 institutions in the USA, including MIT, Harvard Business School, Stanford, UPenn, and Yale. The US government also accepts the exam for visa applications, making it a great choice for students aiming to study in the USA with a PTE score. 

Which state in the US accepts PTE?

All states in the USA accept PTE scores for university admissions and various other purposes, making it a versatile option for students.

Does the USA accept PTE for PR?

The USA accepts PTE for various purposes, including university admissions, study visas, nursing jobs, graduate degrees, and permanent residency (PR). This means you can use your PTE score for various applications, from studying to working and living in the USA.

Can I apply for a USA student visa with PTE?

Wondering if the USA accepts PTE for student visa, the answer is yes. PTE is accepted in the USA for obtaining study visas and applying for admission to undergraduate or graduate degrees. 

What is the PTE score for the USA?

To address the question, if PTE is accepted in the USA for masters, you must know getting a US student visa (F1 visa) is possible with a PTE Academic score between 58 and 65, depending on the university's requirements. This score range is generally sufficient for both undergraduate and graduate programs in the USA.

Where is PTE accepted?

PTE is accepted across 3,300+ institutions worldwide as an English language proficiency proof. It has become a globally-recognized test for assessing and validating English proficiency for studies, work, and immigration. 

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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