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.
- 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
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
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.
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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
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.
Yes, for most of the graduate course the University of New Hampshire requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores along with other standarized test scores including GMAT, PRAXIS, or others.
The university has not release any minimum scores for the GRE test. Moreovier, international students are also required to submit the English language test scores to be considered for the selection at the university.
The academic requirement at the University of News Hampshire vary as per the level of course and the programme applying for. Below are the minimum academic requirement of the University of New Hampshire as per the level of course:
- For the undergraduate course students must have a B or B+ grades or higher on average in their high school transcripts.
- For the graduate course, students are required to attain a minimum of 3.0 GPA in relevant bachelor's degree from an recognised univeristy or institute along with some standarized test scores as applicable to the course.
- International students are also require to submit the English language test scores.
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The average GMAT cutoff for MBA in USA ranges anywhere between 545 to 755. The applicants can aim for B-schools in USA accordingly.