PTE Accepted Universities in USA 2025 – Top Colleges & Score Requirements

For candidates who are planning to study in USA can take the PTE test to apply for top universities in the USA. The PTE Academic test is accepted by many top universities in the USA for both undergraduate and master’s programs.

PTE test is accepted in the United States for a diverse range of programs such as engineering, computer science, business, or law. Some top-ranked universities in USA that accept PTE Academic include Harvard, NYU, Columbia, and more. 

The minimum PTE score required for USA universities usually ranges between 50 and 70, depending on the course and university. This article offers a list of PTE accepted universities in USA for 2025, with minimum scores, course options, and more.

PTE Accepted Universities in USA 

The PTE is now widely accepted by top-ranked USA universities for both undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, engineering, computer science, and public policy. Below is a table showing the PTE accepted universities in the USA along with their minimum PTE score.

Top 10 PTE Accepted Universities in USA

University Name	Minimum PTE Score	Programs Accepting PTE
Harvard University	70+	Select Graduate Programs (Business, Law, Public Policy)
Yale University	68+	Some UG & PG Programs
Columbia University	70+	Most UG & PG Programs (Business, Engineering, Public Affairs)
University of Chicago	70+	Select UG & PG Programs
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	68+	Engineering, Business, Public Health
New York University (NYU)	70+	Engineering, Business, Arts, Most UG & PG Schools
Purdue University	62+	Engineering, Data Science, Business Analytics
UC System (e.g., UCLA, UCSD)	65–70+	Varies by campus and program
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)	68+	UG & PG in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, Business
University of Texas at Austin	65+	Business, Engineering, Arts

PTE Accepted Universities in USA: Master’s Programs

Over 500 universities in the USA accept PTE scores for graduate admissions. Here are the top USA universities that accept PTE scores for MS programs:

University	Popular Course(s)	PTE Score Required
Clark University, Worcester	MS in Computer Science	53
Texas A&M University, College Station	MS in Computer Science	53
California State University, LA	MS in Computer Science	53
University of Illinois at Chicago	MS in Computer Science	54
Arizona State University, Tempe	MS in Computer Science	60
New York University (NYU)	MS in Computer Engineering	65
University of Texas at Dallas	MS in Computer Science	67

Many universities also offer conditional admission for students with slightly lower PTE scores. This requires them to complete an English proficiency course before starting their degree.

Always check the specific program details to confirm the exact score required for your chosen course.

PTE Accepted Universities in the USA for Undergraduate Programs

Several universities in the USA accept PTE scores for undergraduate admissions across a range of disciplines. While requirements vary, most universities expect a minimum PTE score of 50-65 for bachelor’s programs. Below is a list of universities with their PTE score requirements for undergraduate applicants.

PTE Score Requirements for Undergraduate Programs in USA

University Name	Minimum PTE Score	Popular Undergraduate Programs
Harvard University	65+	Economics, Computer Science, Political Science
Stanford University	65+	Engineering, Business, AI & Data Science
University of California, Berkeley	60+	Environmental Science, Business, Computer Science
Columbia University	60+	Journalism, Biology, International Relations
University of Chicago	58+	Mathematics, Finance, Psychology
New York University (NYU)	55+	Marketing, Film Studies, Artificial Intelligence
University of Michigan	55+	Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Public Policy
University of Southern California (USC)	55+	Business Administration, Media & Communication
Arizona State University	50+	Information Technology, Supply Chain, Cybersecurity
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	50+	Architecture, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

PTE vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which One is Better for Studying in the USA?

Every year, thousands of students take PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL to apply to US universities. While all three tests assess English proficiency, they have different formats and scoring systems.

PTE vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

Test Name	Score Range	Acceptance in USA
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	10 - 90	Accepted by 1,200+ universities, including Harvard and Stanford
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	0 - 9	Recognized by most US universities
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	0 - 120	Accepted by 11,500+ institutions worldwide

Which Test is Right for You?

• PTE is great if you want fast results (usually within 5 business days) and prefer a computer-based test.
• IELTS might be the right choice if you are comfortable with paper-based exams and want a test that’s accepted widely in both the US and other countries.
• TOEFL is a good fit if you prefer the structure of an academic-based test and want the broadest acceptance in the USA.

Validity of PTE Score for US University Admissions

PTE scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. This means you can use your PTE score for university applications within this period. If your score expires before your admission process is complete, you will need to retake the test.

When Should You Take the PTE?

It’s best to take the PTE at least 6–12 months before application deadlines to ensure you have enough time for retakes if needed. Since universities in the USA have different application deadlines, check the specific requirements of your chosen program and plan accordingly.

Recommended Timeline:

Intake	Best Time to Take PTE
Fall Intake (August/September)	September – December (Previous Year)
Spring Intake (January)	June – September (Previous Year)

Conclusion

Many top US universities accept PTE scores for admission. For undergraduate programs, most universities require a minimum PTE score between 50 and 60, while master’s programs usually ask for 60 to 75. 

Top universities like Harvard (75), Stanford (68), MIT (65–70), and Columbia (68) have higher score requirements due to competitive programs. 

For help with PTE preparation, university selection, and application, connect with upGrad experts. They will guide you step by step to secure admission at your dream US university. Start your PTE journey with upGrad’s support today!