Duolingo Accepted Universities in the US

Table of Contents

1. Overview: Duolingo test in the US
2. Universities requiring minimum Duolingo scores of 120 in USA
3. Universities requiring minimum Duolingo scores of 110 – 115 in US
4. Duolingo accepted universities for MS in the US
5. What are the advantages of the Duolingo test to study in US?
6. How do I get the required Duolingo scores to study in the US?
7. Frequently asked questions

For international students who aspire to study in the US, Duolingo is an appropriate English test for multiple reasons, such as take-from-home mode, short duration, and app-streamlined resource material. Currently, over 4,500 universities and institutions accept Duolingo scores, of which 883 are in the US. More institutions are added to this list every year. 

If you are planning to take the Duolingo test and study in the US, read on, as we discuss Duolingo accepted universities in the US.

Overview: Duolingo test in the US

What is the Duolingo test? 

Started in 2016, Duolingo is an internet-based English proficiency test for people migrating to English-speaking countries. Known as the Duolingo English Test (DET), it gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic since it allowed test takers to attempt the test from the comfort of their homes. 

Anyone can apply for the Duolingo test and there is no academic requirements and age limits. However, people under 13 years of age need parental concern to take the test. 

Mode of the test	Online
Score range	10 – 160
Application fee	49 USD
Test duration	60 minutes
Time taken for results publication	24 hours after the test
Validity	2 years
Number of attempts	Not limited, but maximum 2 times a month

While 10 is the minimum score, 160 is the maximum score on the Duolingo test. The following table gives you the proficiency level according to your Duolingo scores. 

Duolingo Score	Proficiency Level
10 – 55	Basic level
60 – 85	Intermediate level
90 – 115	Above intermediate level
125 – 160	Advanced level

Duolingo Syllabus

Like other English proficiency tests, the Duolingo English Test assesses your skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, known as subscores. Many universities in the US specifically ask for certain margin scores in each subscore. The following table gives you a picture of the Duolingo English Test.

Duolingo Subscores	Details
Literacy	Assesses reading and writing skills
Comprehension	Analyzes reading and listening skills
Conversation	Examines listening and speaking skills
Production	Evaluates writing and speaking skills

Comparison of Duolingo scores with IELTS bands

For a comparative understanding of the Duolingo scores and IELTS bands, refer to the table below: 

Duolingo Score	Equivalent IELTS Band Score
10 – 60	0 – 4
65 – 75	4.5
80 – 90	5
95 – 100	5.5
105 – 115	6
120 – 125	6.5
130 – 135	7
140 – 145	7.5
150 – 155	8
160	8.5 – 9

Universities requiring minimum Duolingo scores of 120 in the US

Top universities in the US require you to have at least 120 or more in the Duolingo test. The table below shows some handpicked universities in the USA where a minimum of 120 on the Duolingo test is mandatory for admissions. 

University in the US	Minimum Duolingo Score Required
Carnegie Mellon University	135
University of Harvard	125
University of Pennsylvania	120
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	120
New York University	125
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	120
Yale University	120
Duke University	125
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	120

Universities requiring minimum Duolingo scores of 110 – 115 in the US

There are many universities in the US accepting Duolingo scores of 110 – 115, some of which you can see on the table below: 

University in the US	Minimum Duolingo Score Required
University of Maryland	115
University of Wisconsin-Madison	115
University of Washington	105
Rice University	115
Arizona State University	105
Northeastern University	105
University of Kentucky	115

Duolingo accepted universities for MS in the US

Duolingo scores are acceptable for select courses at US universities, unlike the IELTS or TOEFL scores. Before you apply for the test, make sure Duolingo scores are accepted for your intended program of study in the US.

The following are some universities in the US accepting Duolingo scores for MS courses. 

What are the advantages of the Duolingo test to study in the US?

Duolingo is gaining popularity among international students, and the following are some top reasons why Duolingo can be a better option compared to similar English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. 

• The fee for the Duolingo test is cheaper than any other English proficiency test for Indian students, which is 59 USD (INR 4,837)

• Students can take the exam wherever they are comfortable, and there is no need to visit an exam center. It eases their tension, reduces pressure, and saves them from chances of being late, uncomfortable from travel, etc. Many 

• The Duolingo test has a short duration compared to other tests. The maximum time is 1 hour, in which 45 minutes are allotted to assess reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and the rest of the time for a video assessment based on the test taker’s speech on a chosen topic. 

• The results are out quickly compared to any other entrance tests, such as the IELTS or TOEFL. You will get your Duolingo test results within 2 days after completing the test. 

• You can paste your Duolingo scores link on your social media platforms like LinkedIn and on your resume to prove your English skills. It will strengthen your job application profile.

How do I get the required Duolingo scores to study in the US?

Top US universities require you to score more than 120 on the Duolingo test. Systematic preparation is the key to success in the Duolingo English Test to study in the US. Here are some tips to prepare well for the Duolingo test: 

• Download the Duolingo app and plan your preparation according to your personal strategy. The app will offer live classes, feedback, mock tests, etc., to help you prepare well for the test. 
• Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and questions by practicing more mock tests by referring to the Duolingo website. 
• Explore resources for the test, such as texts, podcasts, online resources, etc. You may join for personalized coaching sessions if necessary. 
• Frequently check your learnings and get feedback from experts. 

Follow the tips above and ace the Duolingo test with confidence. Make sure your university of application accepts Duolingo scores for your subject. Often what happens is that many US universities accept the Duolingo scores only for certain schools of study. Refer to your university website for confirmation of acceptance of your Duolingo scores.

Finally, the Duolingo test is only the first step of your admission process to a US university. There’s more you need to follow, for which our expert counselors offer guidance. Evaluate your profile and get admit predicts, SOP help, university suggestions, education loan options assistance, visa guidance, and so on at zero cost to you. 

Explore our services – check the link right now. 

Frequently asked questions

Is the Duolingo test easier than the IELTS test? 

It is up to the test taker to decide the ease level of the Duolingo test. In general, the Duolingo test is considered easier than the IELTS as the duration is shorter and the questions are easier in nature.

Is the Duolingo test accepted for a US student visa? 

If your university of admission in the US accepts Duolingo scores, you can apply for a US student visa with the Duolingo test scores.

What is the validity of the Duolingo test in the US? 

2 years is the validity of Duolingo tests in the US, just like the IELTS. 

How many times can I take the Duolingo test? 

You can take the Duolingo test as many times as you want, but only 2 times in a month. 

How much time is required to prepare for the Duolingo test?

The time required to prepare for the Duolingo test depends on your skills in English. You may go through the syllabus and sample questions, and estimate your required time for preparation. It can be 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year, depending on your proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening English. 

How many languages are there in Duolingo?

The Duolingo app offers you courses in more than 40 languages across the world, including popular languages such as English, Spanish, French, etc., and less-spoken languages like Irish, Welsh, and Swahili.