Top US Universities Accepting Duolingo in 2026: Requirements, Scores, Courses & Fees Guide

 The Duolingo English Test (DET) continues to rise in popularity across the United States in 2026, becoming one of the most flexible, affordable, and student-friendly language proficiency exams for international applicants. Offering quick results, easy access, and wide university acceptance, Duolingo is now considered a strong alternative to IELTS and TOEFL. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the top US universities accepting Duolingo, required scores, course options, tuition fees, deadlines, FAQs, tips to increase your chances of admission, and everything you need to confidently plan your study journey in the USA.

US universities accepting Duolingo for international students,Duolingo for MS in USA, Duolingo for MBA in USA, Duolingo accepted colleges 2026, Study in USA Duolingo 2026 guide.

Group of international students holding Duolingo certificates in front of a US university campus gate with cherry blossom trees.
Students Accepted via Duolingo Test


Why Do US Universities Accept Duolingo in 2026?

Over the past few years, the Duolingo English Test has gained massive acceptance among US universities due to its reliability, affordability, and accessibility—especially for students from countries like India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nepal, and Brazil.

 U.S. News Education Rankings

1. Faster & Efficient

  • Test duration: 60 minutes
  • Results available in 48 hours
  • Score sharing with universities is completely free
  • Accepted for UG, PG, MBA, and STEM programs in 2026

2. Affordable for International Students

  • Duolingo Fee: $65
  • IELTS: $215–$250
  • TOEFL: $220
  • Retakes are cheaper and easier

3. AI-Proctored, Secure & Adaptive

Duolingo uses AI-powered adaptive technology to adjust question difficulty based on your performance, giving a more accurate proficiency evaluation. Remote proctoring ensures fairness and test integrity.

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When Should You Take Duolingo for 2026 Admissions?

Duolingo Official Website


Intake Best Time to Take DET
Fall 2026 January – May 2026
Spring 2026 August – October 2025
Summer 2026 October – December 2025

Top 25 US Universities That Accept Duolingo in 2026

Duolingo accepted universities in USA 2026, Duolingo score requirements for US universities,

1. Arizona State University (ASU)

Visit ASU Official Website

  • Required Score: 105+
  • Popular Courses: Computer Science, Data Science, MBA, Cybersecurity
  • Tuition Fee: $31,000–$39,000
  • Highlight: Ranked #1 in innovation by U.S. News
  • Official link :- Arizona State University

2. University of South Florida (USF)

University of South Florida

  • Required Score: 105
  • Courses: AI, Nursing, Engineering, Business
  • Fees: $17,000–$24,000
  • Why USF: Strong research output & rising global reputation

3. Oregon State University (OSU)

  • Required Score: 105
  • Courses: CS, ML, Ocean Engineering, Analytics
  • Fees: $33,000–$38,000
  • Benefit: Strong STEM programs + research fellowships

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University

  • Score: 120
  • Programs: MS-CS, Software Engineering, MBA, Environmental Science
  • Fees: $32,000
  • Highlight: Excellent postgraduate outcomes

5. Kent State University

Kent State University

  • Score: 105
  • Courses: Nursing, Fashion, Business, CS
  • Fees: $20,000–$32,000

6. University of Arizona

University of Arizona

  • Score: 110
  • Popular Programs: MIS, Robotics, Astronomy
  • Fees: $33,000–$36,000

7. University of New Haven

University of New Haven

  • Score: 100
  • Courses: Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science
  • Fees: $25,000–$30,000

8. University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati

  • Score: 105
  • Courses: CS, Aerospace, Biomedical Engineering
  • Fees: $29,000–$34,000

9. Pace University

Pace University

  • Score: 105
  • Courses: Acting, CS, Business, Media
  • Fees: $45,000–$48,000

10. UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County)

UMBC

  • Score: 120
  • Courses: CS, Data Science, ML
  • Fees: $28,000–$32,000

11–25 Universities (Summary List):

  • 11. CSU Fullerton — Score 95
  • 12. DePaul University — Score 110
  • 13. Northeastern University CPS — Score 105
  • 14. University of Utah — Score 105
  • 15. Texas A&M Corpus Christi — Score 95
  • 16. Syracuse University — Score 120
  • 17. University of Dayton — Score 110
  • 18. Gannon University — Score 105
  • 19. Drexel University — Score 120
  • 20. George Mason University — Score 120
  • 21. University of Alabama — Score 105
  • 22. Illinois State University — Score 95
  • 23. Clark University — Score 110
  • 24. Ball State University — Score 110
  • 25. Western Michigan University — Score 115
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Courses You Can Study in the USA Using Duolingo

STEM Courses (High Demand)

  • MS in Computer Science
  • MS in Data Science
  • MS in Artificial Intelligence
  • MS in Cybersecurity
  • MS in Robotics
  • Software Engineering

Business Courses

  • MBA
  • MS in Business Analytics
  • MS in Marketing
  • MS in Finance

Health Programs

  • Public Health
  • Nursing
  • Healthcare Management

Creative & Professional Courses

  • Animation
  • Fashion Design
  • Digital Media
  • Game Development

How to Choose the Right University That Accepts Duolingo?

  • Check minimum score requirement
  • Ensure your course is available
  • Prefer STEM-designated programs
  • Compare tuition + living cost
  • Check scholarship eligibility

FAQs: Why, How, When, Which?

1. Why choose Duolingo over IELTS or TOEFL?

Because Duolingo is faster, cheaper, widely accepted, and provides results in just 48 hours.

2. How many universities accept Duolingo in the USA?

Over 1900+ universities now accept it.

3. Which universities accept low Duolingo scores (90–100)?

  • Texas A&M Corpus Christi
  • CSU Fullerton
  • University of Findlay

4. When should I take Duolingo for Fall 2026?

Between January and May 2026.

5. Which is better for MS in CS — Duolingo or TOEFL?

Both work, but TOEFL may be preferred in elite universities.


Conclusion

Duolingo English Test has revolutionized the admission process for international students applying to the USA in 2026. With low cost, fast results, and a growing list of universities accepting scores, it has become a top choice for students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, STEM, business, or creative degrees. This detailed guide gives you everything needed—score requirements, courses, fees, deadlines, and expert-level tips to help you achieve your dream of studying in the United States.

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