Top 50 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA in 2026

Studying in the US is a dream for many students, and English test requirements are an important part of the process. In recent years, the Duolingo English Test has become a popular option because it is affordable, fast, and accepted by many universities. The top 50 Duolingo accepted universities in the USA in 2026 include universities like Johns Hopkins University, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and more.

As of 2026, more than 5,800 institutions around the world accept Duolingo scores, and over 2,200 colleges and universities in the United States are on the Duolingo accepted list. This makes it easier for international students to apply without taking traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL. In this blog, you will find a list of the best Duolingo accepted universities in the USA and what scores you may need to apply.

List of the Top 50 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA

Here is a list of the top 50 Duolingo accepted universities in the USA for the 2025 intake. These institutions include globally renowned names that recognize the Duolingo English Test as part of their admission process.

Also Read: The Education System in the US

Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA For Scores Between 90 - 100

For students with Duolingo English Test scores between 90 and 100, several top universities in the USA offer opportunities for admission. Below is a list of prominent universities accepting Duolingo scores within this range.

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Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA For Scores Between 100 - 110

Many Duolingo accepted universities in the USA consider scores between 100 and 110 suitable for undergraduate and graduate programs. These scores indicate moderate English proficiency, meeting the entry requirements for several reputable institutions. Below is a list of some universities that accept Duolingo scores in this range.

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Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA For Scores Above 110

For students with Duolingo scores above 110, a number of prestigious universities in the USA accept this score for admission. Here is a list of the top institutions within this score range.

Check Out: Top Public Universities in the USA

Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA: By Level of Study

A Duolingo test score of 120 and above is generally considered to be good when aiming to apply for a bachelor's or masters in the USA. Along with the above lists of US universities accepting Duolingo scores, we have also listed the minimum DET score requirements based on your level of study. These include:

Quick Read: Everything You Need to Know About Intakes in USA

Benefits of the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test offers a convenient and efficient way for international students to prove their language proficiency. With its growing acceptance among universities globally, including top institutions in the USA and beyond, it has become a popular alternative to traditional English tests.

• Affordable and Cost-Effective: At a fraction of the price of traditional language tests, the Duolingo test provides an accessible option for budget-conscious students. The test only costs around USD 70.
• Convenient Online Testing: The test can be taken from the comfort of your home, saving both time and travel expenses, and is available 24/7 to accommodate different time zones.
• Fast Results Turnaround: Unlike traditional tests that take weeks to process, Duolingo delivers results within 48 hours, allowing students to meet tight application deadlines.
• Widely Accepted by Universities: Over 2,200 universities in the USA and globally accept Duolingo scores, including prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Yale.
• Adaptive Test Format: The Duolingo test uses an adaptive algorithm, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on your answers. This ensures that the test accurately reflects your language skills and provides a more precise score.

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Requirements for Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities in the USA

Before booking the Duolingo English Test (DET), candidates need to meet a few basic requirements related to eligibility, technical setup, identification, and registration. Since the test is taken online, it is important to prepare both your documents and your internet setup in advance to avoid any technical or verification issues on test day.

Eligibility Criteria for the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is open to most students worldwide, but there are a few basic eligibility rules to follow. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum age: You must be at least 13 years old to take the test independently.
• Parental consent: If you are younger than 13, you will need approval from a parent or legal guardian during registration.
• Identity verification: All test-takers must provide a valid government-issued photo ID to confirm their identity.

Internet and System Setup Requirements for DET

Since the DET is a fully online exam, having a reliable internet connection and a proper device setup is essential.

• Internet speed: At least 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed for smooth test performance.
• Connection type: A wired Ethernet connection is preferred for better stability.
• Avoid mobile hotspots: Mobile data hotspots can be unstable and may cause interruptions during the test.
• Device needs: A computer with a working camera, microphone, and speakers is required, along with a quiet and well-lit testing environment.

Accepted ID Requirements for Duolingo English Test for USA Universities

You must present a valid photo ID before starting the Duolingo English Test. The ID is used to verify your identity and prevent impersonation. Accepted government-issued IDs include:

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• National identity card

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Duolingo English Test Registration Process

Registering for the DET is simple and can be done online in just a few steps. The test is available anytime, so you can choose a convenient slot.

Steps to register:

1. Visit the official Duolingo English Test website.
2. Click on the option to take the test and create an account or log in.
3. Enter your personal details, such as your full name and date of birth.
4. Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID for verification.
5. Choose a suitable time and start the test when you are ready.

Duolingo English Test Fee and Payment

The Duolingo English Test is considered one of the most affordable English proficiency exams compared to IELTS and TOEFL.

• Test cost: Around USD 70

• Payment methods:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• PayPal
• Attempt coverage: The fee covers one test attempt

Attempt Rules and Score Validity for Duolingo English Test

Duolingo has clear rules on how often you can take the test and how long your scores remain valid. Important policies include,

• Test frequency: You can take the Duolingo English Test once every 30 days.
• Retake option: If you are not satisfied with your score, you can retake the test after the waiting period.
• Score validity: DET scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Duolingo Score for USA Student Visa

The US immigration authorities do accept Duolingo Test Scores (DET) for considering the eligibility of the applicant for language proficiency, however, a good DET score does not signify direct visa acceptance, as it is considered based on the applicant’s overall application.

*DET score for student visa in the USA varies based on the university chosen and its requirements

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Tips to Boost Your Score for Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA

To gain admission into Duolingo accepted universities in the USA, reaching a competitive score is essential. Below are some tips to help you achieve your target score for Duolingo test and strengthen your university applications.

• Master the Adaptive Test Format: Understand how the Duolingo test adapts to your responses and prepare for progressively harder questions to avoid surprises during the exam.
• Focus on Speaking Clarity and Pronunciation: Use tools like ELSA Speak or YouGlish to improve your accent and enunciation, as the speaking section evaluates both fluency and clarity.
• Strengthen Your Vocabulary: Practice vocabulary using apps like Memrise and Anki with real sentence usage to build word retention and contextual understanding for reading and writing sections.
• Practice Writing Tasks: Simulate the writing section by practicing writing prompts within a set time to build speed without compromising grammar and coherence.
• Take Practice Test and Revise: Use official Duolingo practice tests and review your errors in each section to identify weak areas and focus your revision accordingly.

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Start with your preparation for Intakes in the USA for 2026. Hence, you sure need assistance from trusted study abroad consultants like GetGIS.

Our assistance team is dedicated to providing you with all the necessary guidance, from university selection to mock visa interviews, visa application process, and much more, to ensure your safe integration into the US and kickstart your international education journey.

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