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.
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:
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.
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:
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!
Can I study in the USA with just Duolingo English Test scores?
Yes, you can study in the USA with just Duolingo English Test scores. Many US universities accept Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for both UG and PG programs. Check the minimum DET score requirement of different universities on their official websites.
What is a good Duolingo score for US universities?
A score of 100–120+ is considered a good Duolingo score for US universities. Some top universities, such as Duke University, The University of Kansas, etc, may ask for 115 or 120+, while public or mid-tier colleges may accept 90–105.
Which top universities in the USA accept Duolingo in 2025?
There are many top-ranked universities in USA that accept Duolingo in 2025. Some popular ones include the University of Chicago, NYU, Northeastern University, University of Southern California, and University of Colorado Boulder.
Is Duolingo easier than IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, many students find Duolingo easier and faster. It's only 1 hour, fully online, and results come in 48 hours. IELTS and TOEFL take longer and cost more.
What’s the cost of the Duolingo English Test in India?
The Duolingo test fee is around INR 6,000 (approx. USD 70), which is much cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.
What’s the minimum Duolingo score for Ivy League schools?
Ivy League universities usually ask for 120+ Duolingo scores. Some may even expect higher section-wise scores.
Do community colleges in the USA accept Duolingo?
Yes, many community colleges accept Duolingo scores, often with a lower cutoff—around 75–85.
Is Duolingo accepted for MBA and MS in the USA?
Yes, many universities accept Duolingo scores for PG courses like MBA, MS in CS, Engineering, Analytics, Public Health, etc.
What’s the Duolingo score range?
The Duolingo English Test is scored from 10 to 160. Most US universities require between 90 and 120.
Can I apply for both UG and PG courses with Duolingo?
Yes, Duolingo scores are accepted for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs at many US universities.
Do all US universities accept Duolingo in 2025?
No, not all. But in 2025, over 200 universities in the USA accept Duolingo. Always check the university’s official website for updated info.
Which test is better – Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL?
It depends on your needs. Duolingo is cheaper and faster, ideal for quick results. IELTS/TOEFL are more widely accepted in some countries.
What courses can I apply to in the USA with Duolingo?
Popular courses include BBA, Computer Science, Psychology, Engineering (for UG), and MBA, MS in CS, Cybersecurity, MPH (for PG).
Is the Duolingo test taken at home?
Yes, Duolingo is an online English test that you can take from your home using a computer with a webcam and internet.
How many universities accept Duolingo globally?
More than 4,000 universities worldwide now accept Duolingo, including top colleges in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
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