Top 10 Universities in USA Accepting Duolingo English Test Score

Duolingo

Updated on Oct 30, 2025 13:23 IST
Every year, U.S. News report help students find the best schools by releasing its ranking. The data driven ranking of top National Universities, gives students a better understanding of institutions that offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Ranking is based on different factors such as academic quality and research performance.
Every year, U.S. News report help students find the best schools by releasing its ranking. The data driven ranking of top National Universities, gives students a better understanding of institutions that offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Ranking is based on different factors such as academic quality and research performance.
Duolingo English Test Accepting Universities in USA

U.S. News Rankings is more than just a guide. They provide valuable insights and help students easily compare universities and make informed decisions about their college options for higher education. They also influence university reputation and student applications. Based on these rankings major institutions often see a surge in student interest and funding. Over time, the U.S. News National Universities list has become a major indicator of prestige and quality.

With an increasing number of universities adopting modern and accessible testing options, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is now accepted by more than 6000 universities, and it continues to grow in global acceptance. Many prestigious universities featured in the 2026 U.S. News Best Universities Ranking accept the DET, including the top seven, as proof of English proficiency. This offers international applicants a flexible and convenient way to apply.

The Duolingo English Test is a secure, affordable and entirely online test that can be taken from the comfort of your home, anytime. You can receive your scores in just two days and send them to as many universities as you want at no extra cost.  With the release of the 2026 Best Universities Ranking by U.S. News, here are some universities from the list that accept the Duolingo English Test.

Table of contents
  • Princeton University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • Yale University
  • University of Chicago
  • Duke University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Pennsylvania
View More

Princeton University

Ranked #1 in National Universities (and #1 in Best Value Schools), Princeton is one of the most prestigious U.S. institutions, enrolling about 5,800 undergraduates on its 3,500-acre suburban campus. Princeton is ideal for students who want a small, intellectually rigorous environment. It excels in both academic reputation and research impact. International students are eligible for need-based financial aid.

No minimum DET score requirement for admission.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ranked #2 on list is MIT, a globally recognized university for programs in science, technology and engineering research. It offers unparalleled innovation opportunities and academic excellence to students. School enrolls about 4,600 undergraduates on its Cambridge campus. It maintains an exceptionally close 3:1 student faculty ratio. For International Students, financial support is available. Nearly 56% of first year students receive need based aid.

You need a minimum score of 120 in your Duolingo English Test to qualify for MIT.

Harvard University

Ranked #3 on list is oldest and most famous ivy league university - Harvard. This school has been shaping global leadership since 1636. From medicine and law to AI and business, Harvard offers exceptional resources and influence across every field. Its undergraduate enrollment is over 7,000 students across a vast 5,603-acre campus. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. 55% of first-year students receive need-based financial support.
No minimum DET score requirement for admission.

Stanford University

Stanford is ranked #4 in National Universities (and #4 in Lowest Acceptance Rates). It is known for its entrepreneurial excellence and cutting-edge research, particularly in technology and business. The university enrolls nearly 8,000 undergraduates on its 8,180-acre suburban campus in California’s Silicon Valley. It has a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. International students face limited funding options. Need-based financial aid is available and 49% first-year students get these benefits annually.

No minimum DET score requirement for admission.

Yale University

Also tied for No. 4, Yale stands out for its deep focus on liberal arts and a rich tradition of close-knit student experience. Started in 1701, It’s especially renowned for law, political science, drama and global affairs. Many presidents and Supreme Court judges went to Yale, showing how well it prepares leaders for public service. It has about 6,800 undergraduates and a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. It provides need-based aid to international students, with 49% of first-years receiving financial support.

You need a minimum score of 120 in your Duolingo English Test to qualify.

University of Chicago

Ranked #6, the University of Chicago is famous for its academic strength in economics, law and social sciences, with a focus on critical thinking and research. It is also ranked #1 in Best Colleges for Veterans and enrolls about 7,500 undergraduates and has a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. While only 34% of first-years receive need-based aid, international students are eligible for funding.

No minimum DET score requirement for admission.

Duke University

Ranked #7, Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. It is established in 1838. Duke University is renowned for its Gothic architecture, strong academics, and leadership in different fields. Its 8,693 acre campus is home to about 6,500 undergraduates, with a 5:1 student faculty ratio. 41% of first year students receive need based financial aid. This includes international students.

You need a minimum score of 130 in your Duolingo English Test to qualify.

Johns Hopkins University

Founded in 1876 as the nation’s first research university, Johns Hopkins is world-renowned for medical, public health, and international studies. Johns Hopkins has championed lifesaving public health interventions like vitamin A and seat belts, authenticated the Dead Sea Scrolls, and explored the farthest reaches of our solar system. It enrolls about 6,300 undergraduates. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from strong academic support and research opportunities. 52% percent of first-years receive need-based financial aid, and international students are eligible.

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


You need a minimum score of 120 in your Duolingo English Test to qualify.

Northwestern University

Also ranking #7, Northwestern University is a private research institution founded in 1851, known for its strong programs in fields like journalism, medicine, and engineering, and its location near Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. With more than 9,000 undergraduates, students benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. 43% of first-years receive need-based financial aid, and international students are eligible for support.

No minimum DET score requirement for admission.

University of Pennsylvania

The third university to be ranked #7 on the list, Penn was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740 and is best known for its Wharton School of Business. Its interdisciplinary approach means students can mix courses from engineering, arts, business (Wharton) and more. Its strong startup and innovation culture makes it a great fit for entrepreneurs and creatives alike. It has more than 10,000 undergraduates and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. 46% of first-years receive need-based aid, and international students are eligible for support.







You need a minimum score of 130 in your Duolingo English Test to qualify.

About the Author

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam.  The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.

Q:   What is the average GMAT cutoff for MBA in USA?
A:

The average GMAT cutoff for MBA in USA ranges anywhere between 545 to 755. The applicants can aim for B-schools in USA accordingly. 

Q:   When can I apply to the Massachusetts master's programs?
A:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers diverse master's programs in areas like Aeronautics and Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Data, Economics, and Design of Policy, Media Arts and Sciences, and more. Most of the master programme applications opens in September and closes between December and January of every year. Students can check the application deadline for the popular Masters programme below:

Program

Application Opens

Application Deadline

Aeronautics and Astronautics

Sep 1, 2025

Dec 1, 2025

Architecture

Oct 1, 2025

Jan 7, 2026

Chemical Engineering

Sep 15, 2025

Dec 1, 2025

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Sep 15, 2025

Dec 15, 2025

Data, Economics, and Design of Policy

Nov 1, 2025

Jan 15, 2026

Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

Sep 1, 2025

Dec 15, 2025

Materials Science and Engineering

Sep 1, 2025

Dec 1, 2025

Mechanical Engineering

Sep 15, 2025

Dec 15, 2025

Media Arts and Sciences

Sep 15, 2025

December 15

Nuclear Science and Engineering/Political Science

September 15

Dec 15, 2025

Q:   What master programs does Texas A&M offer?
A:

Texas A & M University College Station has 90 MS courses and most of these programs like Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science Engineering, Biology are ranked highly by some of the most popular ranking bodies like THE, QS World and more. These MS courses have the specialised tracks like Masters of Science in Data Science.  International students are required to pay a tuition fee for these courses which ranges anywhere between INR 25.81 L and 78.47 L including all factors like tuition, hostel fee and others.

RecommendationView All

Explore top universities in USA

188 courses
22.42 L - 1.05 Cr
Harvard University

Cambridge, MassachusettsPrivate

111 courses
17.63 L - 80.25 L
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MassachusettsPrivate

114 courses
37.68 L - 1.18 Cr
Stanford University

Stanford, CaliforniaPrivate

137 courses
26.35 L - 1.32 Cr
Columbia University

New York, New YorkPrivate

368 courses
20.99 L - 1.23 Cr
University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CaliforniaPublic

202 courses
23.54 L - 65.17 L
Cornell University

Ithaca, New YorkPrivate

191 courses
18.44 L - 1.19 Cr
New York University

New York, New YorkPrivate

374 courses
18.75 L - 1.06 Cr
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPrivate

243 courses
15.2 L - 80.67 L
Yale University

New Haven, ConnecticutPrivate

197 courses
0 - 76.17 L
Is this recommendation relevant?
Which stage are you in your study abroad journey?

Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.

Research IconStarting research
Shortlist IconShortlisting colleges
Exam IconExam preparation
SopLor IconSOP/LOR writing
Scholarship IconScholarship & finance
Visa IconVisa application
About the Author
This account contains a repository of informative articles by external authors with domain expertise in various aspects of guiding students on how to go about pursuing their undergraduate and postgraduate studies ab Read Full Bio
Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments