Do US universities accept Duolingo English Test scores

US universities do accept the Duolingo English Test.
However, acceptance varies by school and by program, so applicants must check each university's policy. Many universities accept it for admission, but some do not accept it for visa-related requirements or for certain majors.

How Duolingo English Test Acceptance Works

The Duolingo English Test is an online English exam used to show English proficiency. It is cheaper and faster than TOEFL or IELTS, and many US universities now list it as an approved option. But each university sets its own rules, so acceptance is not universal.

• Widespread acceptance: Thousands of US universities list it as an approved test for admission decisions. This includes well‑known institutions such as NYU, Northeastern, UCLA Extension programs, and many state universities.
• Score requirements vary: Most universities ask for scores between 105 and 120 for undergraduate programs and higher for graduate programs.
• Not always accepted for visas: For an F‑1 visa, some schools must verify English proficiency using tests approved by their language policy. A school may admit a student with Duolingo but still require TOEFL or IELTS before issuing an I‑20 if their internal rules demand it.
• Program‑specific rules: Some departments, especially in engineering, health sciences, and business, require TOEFL or IELTS even if the university accepts Duolingo for general admission.

What Applicants Should Do

• Check each university’s official admissions page: The English proficiency section will list exactly which tests they accept and the minimum scores.
• Confirm I‑20 requirements: Email international admissions to ask whether Duolingo is accepted both for admission and for issuing the I‑20 form used for the F‑1 visa.
• Ask about conditional admission: Some schools accept lower scores if the student agrees to join an English pathway program before starting regular classes.
• Plan for backup: If applying to competitive programs, keep TOEFL or IELTS in mind since they are accepted everywhere and avoid any visa‑related complications.

In short, Duolingo is widely accepted and can work well, but always verify the details because rules differ by university and by program.