Top 20 USA Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores

In the United States, many colleges and universities require international students, whose first language isn’t English, to demonstrate their English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL is particularly favored by US universities for admissions. This blog provides a comprehensive list of the top 20 universities in the USA that accept TOEFL scores for undergraduate and master’s degree programs to help prospective students make informed decisions.

Read also: TOEFL Score Requirements for UK Universities

TOEFL Overview

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the TOEFL, a standardized exam. It assesses candidates’ English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The TOEFL is widely accepted in more than 160 countries and can be taken in different formats, including TOEFL iBT (internet-based), PBT (paper-based), or the Home Edition. The test lasts for 3 hours, and the exam fee ranges from $195 to $290 depending on the location.

TOEFL Cut-off Scores for US Universities in 2023:

Different universities have varying TOEFL cut-off scores for admission. Here are the minimum TOEFL scores required by some universities in USA:

• Harvard University: Harvard’s TOEFL requirements can vary, but a recommended score is around 104.
• Stanford University: Stanford accepts TOEFL scores in the range of 89 to 100 overall for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The exact score may vary by department or program.
• Georgetown University: Georgetown University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, McDonough School of Business, and some undergraduate courses accept a TOEFL score of 80.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT’s TOEFL requirement is around 90 overall, but a recommended score is 100, especially for undergraduate courses. However, it’s essential to verify the specific requirements for your program of interest.
• Columbia University: Columbia University typically looks for a TOEFL score of 100 overall for undergraduate programs.
• Yale University: Yale requires a TOEFL score of 100 overall for graduate programs within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences..
• Princeton University: Princeton University generally has a high TOEFL requirement, with a recommended score of 108 overall for graduate programs.
• Dartmouth College: Dartmouth College generally expects a TOEFL score of 100 or higher for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Boston University: BU accepts a TOEFL score of 79 overall for undergraduate courses.
• New York University: NYU expects a TOEFL score of 100 for graduate programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Tisch School of the Arts.

Please note that these scores are subject to change, and it’s crucial to verify the specific TOEFL requirements for your intended program and university, as different departments or schools within the same university may have varying score expectations. Additionally, achieving scores higher than the minimum requirements can enhance your chances of admission.

Read also: Choosing the Right TOEFL Format: ITP, iBT, and PBT

TOEFL Acceptance by Score Range

USA universities accept TOEFL scores based on different score ranges. Here are some categorized by score ranges:

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the USA with Score 90:

• Cornell University: Cornell considers students with a TOEFL score of 90 and above. This esteemed college offers a huge selection of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Stanford University: Stanford University accepts TOEFL scores in the range of 90 to 100 overall for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Harvard University: Harvard’s TOEFL requirements can vary, but a recommended score is around 104. It’s a good idea to review the precise prerequisites for your chosen program.
• Northeastern University: Northeastern University generally considers TOEFL scores of 92 and above for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
• University of Pennsylvania: The University of Pennsylvania requires a TOEFL score of 100 overall for admission to various programs.
• Johns Hopkins University: Johns Hopkins University typically expects a TOEFL score of 100 or higher for admission.

Don’t know what to choose between IELTS and TOEFL? Explore their differences, formats and global recognition. Find out which exam better suits your aspirations and skills, memilih ujian yang tepat.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the USA with Score 80:

• Georgetown University: Georgetown University accepts a TOEFL score of 80 for various programs, including the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, McDonough School of Business, and School of Continuing Studies.
• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor: U-M Ann Arbor typically looks for a TOEFL score of 84 for undergraduate courses.
• University of Florida: The University of Florida requires a TOEFL score of 80 for both graduate and undergraduate programs.
• University of California – San Diego: UC San Diego is among the institutions accepting TOEFL scores of 80 and above for admission.
• University of South Carolina – Columbia: USC Columbia accepts TOEFL scores of 80 and higher for admissions.
• University of California – Santa Cruz: UC Santa Cruz typically looks for TOEFL scores of 83 and above.
• University of California – Riverside: UCR expects TOEFL scores of 83 and higher.
• University of Pittsburgh: Pitt accepts TOEFL scores of 80 and above for admissions.

Read also: Tips for Successful Preparation for the TOEFL Test

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the USA with Score 70:

• Ohio State University: Ohio State University typically accepts TOEFL scores starting from 71 for admissions.
• University of Montana: The University of Montana considers students with TOEFL scores of 70 and above.
• Arizona State University: ASU accepts TOEFL scores of 61 and higher.
• University of Washington: UW generally looks for TOEFL scores of 76 and above for admission.
• Lehigh University: Lehigh University accepts TOEFL scores in the range of 60 to 69.
• University of Utah: The University of Utah generally accepts TOEFL scores of 61 and above.
• University of Montana: U-M typically considers TOEFL scores of 70 and above.
• University of Tulsa: The University of Tulsa accepts TOEFL scores starting from 70.

Please note that these score ranges may vary by department or program within each university, and it’s essential to check the specific requirements for your intended course of study. Additionally, some institutions may offer conditional admission or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for students with lower TOEFL scores.

Find out the TOEFL scores expected by top universities abroad.

Submitting TOEFL Scores

When applying to US colleges or universities, follow these steps to submit your TOEFL scores:

• Create an ETS Account: Before taking the TOEFL test, you need to create an account with the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is the organization that administers the TOEFL.
• Register Your Credentials: Within your ETS account, you will need to provide your personal and academic information. This includes your name, contact details, and the universities or colleges where you want to send your TOEFL scores.
• Take the TOEFL Test: On the day of your TOEFL test, ensure that you complete the exam successfully. The TOEFL measures your proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English.
• Transmit TOEFL Scores: After taking the TOEFL exam, your scores will be processed and sent to the institutions you listed during registration. It’s crucial to double-check the accuracy of the institutions you selected to ensure your scores reach the right places.
• Request Score Reports: Once ETS has processed your TOEFL scores, you can request official score reports. These reports can be sent to additional institutions or organizations as needed.
• Score Delivery Time: The time it takes for your TOEFL scores to be delivered to universities may vary depending on several factors, including the type of test you took (iBT or PBT) and how the institutions receive scores.
• Score Validity: TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. If you’re not satisfied with your score or need to retake the test for any reason, you can do so, keeping in mind the two-year validity period.

It’s essential to follow these steps carefully and well in advance of your application deadlines to ensure that your TOEFL scores are received by the universities in a timely manner.

Read also: TOEFL Preparation Course: Optimizing Your English Comprehension

TOEFL Score Validity

• Score Validity: TOEFL scores remain valid for a period of two years from the date of the test. This means that universities and colleges typically accept TOEFL scores that were earned within the past two years. After this period, your TOEFL scores expire, and you may need to retake the test.
• Retaking the TOEFL: If you are not satisfied with your TOEFL score or believe that you can achieve a higher score, you have the option to retake the test. ETS (Educational Testing Service) allows test-takers to retake the TOEFL as soon as three days after their previous test date.
• TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: For the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, there is no additional score report fee. This means that if you choose to take the paper-based TOEFL test, you can send your scores to multiple institutions without incurring extra charges for score reports.
• Conditional Admission: Some universities in the United States offer conditional admission to international students who have lower TOEFL scores but demonstrate strong academic abilities.

Conditional admission provides an opportunity for students to bridge the gap between their current English language skills and the proficiency required for full admission. Once the conditions are met, students can transition into their chosen degree programs.

It’s important for international students to check with the universities they are interested in to understand their specific policies regarding conditional admission, TOEFL score requirements, and ESL programs, as these policies may vary among institutions.

Well, now you know what you need to prepare. Let’s start your TOEFL preparation to achieve a score that meets the requirements of your target universities. There are many online practice tests available on the internet, but still feeling confused? Join us now.