Top 50 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA in 2026

Q: How long is the Duolingo exam?

The total Duolingo English Testu2019s test duration is 60 minutes.

Lakshmi

8 min read

Updated On Jan 29, 2026

The top 50 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA in 2026 include schools like Harvard (125), Stanford University (120), NYU (125), University of Pennsylvania(120), and more, showing DET score ranges required for undergraduate and graduate admissions.

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List of the Top 50 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA
Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA For Scores Between 90 - 100
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA For Scores Between 100 - 110
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA For Scores Above 110
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA: By Level of Study
Benefits of the Duolingo English Test
Requirements for Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities in the USA
Duolingo English Test Registration Process
Duolingo English Test Fee and Payment
Attempt Rules and Score Validity for Duolingo English Test
Duolingo Score for USA Student Visa
Tips to Boost Your Score for Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA
Crack Your DET Exam in One Attempt with GetGIS Study Abroad Assistance

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.

University Name	University Name
Adelphi University	University of Michigan
Auburn University	University of Arizona
Arizona State University	University of California, Berkeley
Baylor University	University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Boston University	University of Central Florida
Carnegie Mellon University	University of Chicago
Columbia University	University of Florida
Drexel University	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Duke University	University of Miami
Emory University	Texas A&M University
Florida State University	University of Minnesota
George Mason University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Georgia State University	University of Oregon
Illinois Institute of Technology	University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University Bloomington	University of Southern California (USC)
Johns Hopkins University	University of Texas at Austin
New York University (NYU)	University of Utah
Northeastern University	University of Washington
Ohio State University	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Purdue University	Vanderbilt University
Rutgers University	Virginia Tech
San Francisco State University	Washington State University
Southern Methodist University	Purdue University
Syracuse University	Cornell University
Temple University	University of Colorado

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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.

University Name	Minimum Duolingo Score
University of Utah	90
University of Mississippi	90
Texas Tech University	90
Arkansas State University	90
University of South Florida	90
University of Alabama at Birmingham	90
University of Idaho	95
University of Colorado Denver	95
Louisiana State University	100
San Jose State University	100
University of Cincinnati	100
University of Oregon	100
University of Arizona	100
University of Texas at Arlington	100
University of New Mexico	100

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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.

University Name	Minimum Duolingo Score
University of Kentucky	105
University of Missouri	105
University of Massachusetts Amherst	105
Arizona State University	105
University of Illinois at Chicago	105
Michigan State University	110
Northeastern University	110
University of Miami	110
University of Maryland, College Park	110
University of Connecticut	110
University of Wisconsin-Madison	110
Baylor University	110
University of South Florida	110
George Mason University	110
Oregon State University	110

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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.

University Name	Minimum Duolingo Score
George Washington University	115
University of Pittsburgh	115
University of Kansas	115
University of Maryland	115
University of Chicago	120
Columbia University	120
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	120
Stanford University	120
American University	120
Duke University	130

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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:

Particulars	Minimum Score Range
Duolingo accepted universities in the USA for MS or Master's	100 - 120
Duolingo accepted universities in the USA for a bachelors	95 - 120

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:

Visit the official Duolingo English Test website.
Click on the option to take the test and create an account or log in.
Enter your personal details, such as your full name and date of birth.
Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID for verification.
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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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Duolingo exam?

The total Duolingo English Test’s test duration is 60 minutes.

How long is Duolingo test (DET) score valid?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) exam scores are valid for a period of 2 years.

Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?

Duolingo exam is considered to be an easier test compared to IELTS. The DET exam focuses on basic English language skills like grammar and vocabulary, not necessitating the need of deep language understanding unlike IELTS.

Which are the Duolingo 85 score accepted universities in the USA?

Many universities in the USA accept 85 and above DET scores for admission eligibility like, Alliant International University, Drexel University, University of Bridgeport, etc.

How many Duolingo attempts can I take?

Once an applicant has paid the fee for a single Duolingo exam he has the possibility to have three attempts in maximum to complete and upload the test. Any time the candidate begins the test is counted as an attempt.

What are the Duolingo 105 score accepted universities in USA?

A Duolingo score of 105 is accepted by several US universities, including the University of Utah, Texas State University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington).

What are the Duolingo 90 score accepted universities in USA?

A Duolingo score of 90 is accepted by universities like the University of Mississippi, Texas Tech University, Arkansas State University, the University of South Florida, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.