Are you considering studying in the USA? If so, you may be aware that all aspiring international students must meet the language proficiency requirements to gain admission to any universities in the USA that accept the TOEFL. To fulfill this requirement, you need to take the TOEFL, an examination that evaluates a student’s proficiency in the English language.
The TOEFL stands out as one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests for individuals seeking to pursue education abroad. TOEFL is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the largest private nonprofit organization specializing in educational testing and assessment worldwide. TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language.
Keep reading to find out the universities in the U.S. that accept TOEFL and their minimum score requirements.
Table of contents
- Are There Universities In The US That Accept TOEFL
- 26 Universities That Accept TOEFL In USA
- 1. Harvard University
- 2. Stanford University
- 3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- 4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- 5. Princeton University
- 6. University of California, Berkeley
- 7. Columbia University
- 8. University of Chicago
- 9. Yale University
- 10. University of Michigan
- 11. University of Pennsylvania
- 12. Johns Hopkins University
- 13. New York University (NYU)
- 14. Carnegie Mellon University
- 15. Duke University
- 16 . Northwestern University
- 17. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- 18. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- 19. University of Texas at Austin
- 20. University of Florida
- 21. University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 22. University of Washington
- 23. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 24. Georgia Institute of Technology
- 25. University of Southern California (USC)
- 26. Boston University
- How Do I Submit TOEFL Scores To Colleges and Universities In The US?
- How Long Is The TOEFL Score Valid?
- How To Prepare For The TOEFL Exam
- FAQs On TOEFL
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
Are There Universities In The US That Accept TOEFL
The United States is an English-speaking country that requires international students whose first language is not English to demonstrate their English proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL scores to study in the USA. Since US universities prioritize TOEFL scores over other English proficiency tests for admissions, a good number of colleges and universities in the USA accept TOEFL scores.
TOEFL measures candidates’ four core academic skills in English: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Keep reading to find out the U.S. universities that accept TOEFL.
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Why Should I Take The TOEFL Exam?
The TOEFL test is widely recognized as one of the primary assessments for determining English proficiency, both within the United States and globally. This examination gauges the language abilities of international students, covering listening, speaking, and writing skills relevant to academic settings such as colleges and universities. Moreover, individuals who exhibit proficiency in TOEFL can avail themselves of numerous scholarships and opportunities for international employment and visa applications.
TOEFL scores play a crucial role in influencing admission decisions at prestigious universities in the United States and other countries. A strong score creates pathways for acceptance into some of the top U.S. universities that acknowledge TOEFL results.
Here are a few reasons why most US universities ask for your TOEFL score:
- If you come from a country where English is not the primary language and have aspirations to pursue education in the United States, the TOEFL serves as evidence of your proficiency in comprehending and using the English language.
- Getting ready for the TOEFL not only refines but also strengthens your abilities in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending English.
- Apart from the USA, other major countries like the UK, Canada, France, Australia, etc. accept TOEFL scores for admission into various programs.
TOEFL Exam Structure
The TOEFL exam has four sections tested in an online test.
- Reading: This part of the test comprises 3–5 written sections for the examinees to read and answer questions about. Each of the written passages has around ten questions that must be answered. These sections usually contain extracts from educational texts and general compositions.
- Writing – One of the most significant TOEFL sections is the writing section. It is further divided into two tasks: Integrated task (read/write/listen) and Independent tasks (write only)
- Listening – This part of the exam requires people to pay attention to spoken materials and provide responses to inquiries.
- Speaking – The TOEFL speaking section is fully online, in contrast to the IELTS. Test participants are given discussion questions based on actual life events.
READ ALSO: Is IELTS Easier Than TOEFL? Expert Advice
26 Universities That Accept TOEFL In USA
Here’s a list of universities in the U.S. that accept TOEFL:
1. Harvard University
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally, known for its Ivy League status and diverse academic programs.
Applicants who are non-native English speakers can demonstrate proficiency by earning a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years. If you are applying for admission for fall 2024, you may submit scores from tests taken no earlier than January 5, 2022.
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2. Stanford University
Situated in California’s Silicon Valley, Stanford is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation, offering a wide range of programs across various disciplines. Stanford requires a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL. Applicants who are admitted into the MIP program typically score 105 or higher.
According to information on its website, Stanford accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition if you are unable to take the traditional TOEFL iBT test in a test center. If you take the Home Edition or Paper Edition, you may be required to complete additional English placement testing before enrollment.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Also located in Cambridge, MIT is a leader in science, engineering, and technology, emphasizing hands-on research and interdisciplinary collaboration. International students seeking to study at MIT must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 (577 paper-based) required by the Institute; however, some departments require higher scores.
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Known for its focus on science and engineering, Caltech is located in Pasadena, California, and has a strong reputation for research and academic excellence. Caltech has a strict English language requirement if your first language is not English. You will need to submit either a TOEFL score of 110.
5. Princeton University
Nestled in New Jersey, Princeton is an Ivy League institution with a strong emphasis on research and liberal arts education. A strong proficiency in the English language is essential for admission to Princeton University. To be able to get successful admission to Princeton University in the United States of America, students need to complete the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 100.
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6. University of California, Berkeley
A public research university in the UC system, Berkeley is renowned for its academic rigor and contributions to various fields, including science, engineering, and social sciences. To secure admission to UC Berkeley, your TOEFL test score must be at least 90 for the Internet-based test (IBT).
7. Columbia University
Situated in New York City, Columbia is an Ivy League university with a rich history and a strong commitment to research and global engagement. Columbia accepts only TOEFL iBT scores by test administration date (e.g., full test administration results for one sitting) and does not accept MyBest™ scores. They accept online results from the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and TOEFL IPT Plus for China.
8. University of Chicago
Renowned for its commitment to intellectual rigor and the promotion of critical thinking, the University of Chicago is situated in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. The university accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT), whether taken online at home or in a testing center. TOEFL score reports remain valid for two years, and scores will be deemed expired if the test was taken more than two years before the application deadline.
9. Yale University
Another Ivy League institution, Yale, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. To undertake graduate study, all applicants for whom English is not their first language must present evidence of English language proficiency. This may be done by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
The TOEFL requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Yale’s most competitive applicants have scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.
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10. University of Michigan
A public research university with a diverse range of programs, the University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor and has a strong reputation for both academics and athletics. Undergraduates seeking admission must score 88 on the TOEFL, while master’s degree applicants and doctoral applicants must score 100.
11. University of Pennsylvania
Located in Philadelphia, UPenn is an Ivy League university with a focus on interdisciplinary education, business, and innovation. Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Please note that the TOEFL is rarely waived; therefore, we encourage applicants to take the test to avoid delays in completing the application.
The minimum TOEFL scores required for admission consideration at UPenn are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT). The TOEFL must be sent from ETS using the institutional code 2986.
12. Johns Hopkins University
Situated in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins is known for its world-class medical school and strong emphasis on research across various disciplines. To secure admission into Advanced Academic Programs at John Hopkins, you need a minimum score of 600 on the paper test, 250 on the computer-based test, and 100 on the Internet-based test. For undergraduate international applicants, you need a minimum of 100 total with preferred sub-scores of 26 (Reading), 26 (Listening), 22 (Writing), and 25 (Speaking)
13. New York University (NYU)
To thrive in the dynamic and demanding academic setting at NYU, every student needs to possess a proficient grasp of the English language. If English is not your primary language, you may be required to provide recent TOEFL results from an English language proficiency test conducted within the past two years as evidence of your English competency. New York University accepts results from the in-person version or the iBT Home Edition.
14. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon consistently secures a position among the top five national universities with the greatest proportion of international undergraduate students. In the academic year 2022-2023, individuals from outside the United States comprised 23% of the undergraduate student population.
It is renowned for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts, as well as its commitment to innovation. Carnegie Mellon University requires at least a 102 overall score and considers those with subscores of 25 and above.
15. Duke University
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is known for its strong programs in law, business, and medical fields, as well as its research contributions. If your first language is not English, you must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Duke University requires 577 for a paper-based TOEFL and 90 for an Internet-based TOEFL.
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16. Northwestern University
Situated in Evanston, Illinois, just outside Chicago, Northwestern is known for its strong programs in journalism, business, and performing arts. For undergrad applicants, Northwestern University doesn’t have a minimum score for admission; they expect prospective candidates to score high in TOEFL to stand a chance. For graduate students, the minimum Internet-based TOEFL scores are 90 for PhD applicants and 80 for MS applicants.
17. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A prominent public research university in the UC system, UCLA is located in Los Angeles and has a diverse range of academic programs. UCLA demands international students fulfill their English language requirement before securing admission to the university. TOEFL is one of the foremost language tests accepted by the University of California.
To secure admission, undergraduate applicants must score above 100 (with sub-scores above 22) on the TOEFL. For graduate applicants, your TOEFL score on the paper and pencil test must be at least 560 or at least 87 on the internet-based test.
18. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A major public university, UIUC is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and computer science. To be able to secure admission to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, students need to complete the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 96.
19. University of Texas at Austin
Located in Austin, UT Austin is a large public university with strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences. At the University of Texas, Austin, international applicants must show language proficiency by either submitting an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English. The TOEFL iBT is preferred over the IELTS.
The minimum TOEFL score is 79 on the internet-based test.
20. University of Florida
A flagship public university, UF is known for its research contributions and strong programs in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and engineering. At UF, prospective foreign students must provide proof of English proficiency as a requirement for admission. The minimum TOEFL scores required are 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 80 internet-based.
21. University of Wisconsin-Madison
UW-Madison is a public research university known for its contributions to various fields, including agriculture, engineering, and the arts.
Applicants who do not have English as their native language or did not receive undergraduate instruction exclusively in English must submit an English proficiency test score obtained within two years of the expected enrollment term.
The minimum TOEFL requirement for this American university is 92 on the internet-based test (iBT).
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22. University of Washington
Situated in Seattle, UW is known for its strong programs in technology, health sciences, and environmental studies. The University of Washington is one of the American universities that accepts TOEFL. As an international student, you are required to submit an official TOEFL score that meets UW’s minimum English proficiency requirement of 76 in TOEFL iBT.
The test must be taken on or before December 31 of the year of application, and scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the UW.
23. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
A public university with a strong emphasis on research and a diverse range of academic programs, UNC Chapel Hill is located in North Carolina. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill accepts TOEFL (their code is C182) scores as proof of English proficiency. This shows you’ll be ready to jump into coursework taught in English.
The minimum TOEFL score requirement for admission is 100.
24. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech is renowned for its programs in engineering, technology, and science. They are one of the universities in the U.S. that accepts TOEFL. Their minimum score requirement in the TOEFL is 90, with each section having a score higher than 19.
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25. University of Southern California (USC)
Located in Los Angeles, USC is known for its strong programs in cinema, business, and engineering. USC accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, iBT Paper Edition, and the standard in-person TOEFL iBT administered in official test centers.
26. Boston University
Situated in Boston, Massachusetts, BU is a private research university with a diverse range of academic programs. As an international student, you are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to be considered for admission. Applicants must score a minimum of 84 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
TOEFL Cut-off for US Universities 2024
Let’s take a look at the minimum TOEFL score required for US universities that are at the top of the league:
| Harvard University | Varies (104 recommended) |
| University of Southern California | 100; Minimum 20 in each section |
| Stanford University | 89 – 100 overall |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 102+ |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 90 overall (100 recommended) |
| Georgetown University | 80 |
| Princeton University | 108 overall |
| Vanderbilt University | 88 |
| Columbia University | 100 overall |
| Yale University | 100 overall |
| University of Notre Dame | 100 |
| University of California – Berkeley Campus | 80 minimum |
| University of Virginia | 90 |
| University of Chicago | 100 minimum; recommended higher |
| Emory University | 95 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 100 overall |
| Cornell University | 100 overall |
| Brown University | 100 |
| Rice University | 90 overall |
| Dartmouth College | 100+ |
| University of Houston | 79 overall |
| 90-100 Overall | 84 |
| Boston University | 79 overall |
| Washington University in St Louis | 90 |
| New York University | 100 |
| Duke University | 89 – 100 Overall |
| 90-100 Overall | 100 |
| 89 – 100 Overall | 83 minimum |
| Northwestern University | 95 |
| University of Florida | 80 |
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How Do I Submit TOEFL Scores To Colleges and Universities In The US?
When applying to a college or university in the US, follow the below steps to submit your TOEFL scores.
Before taking the test, candidates must do the following:
- Create an ETS account
- Register your credentials
- You can add or delete universities through your ETS account until 10 p.m. on the day before your test.
- The TOEFL exam results will be transmitted to the educational institutions that you’ve included on your application.
Post Results:
- The TOEFL score delivery time varies based on the type of test and how your designated universities receive scores.
- You can request TOEFL test results through your ETS account.
- You can send a record of their scores once they receive your TOEFL results.
- The universities specified on the list will receive the results after five days.
- For server feeds, 8–10 days (11–16 business days for paper edition).
How Long Is The TOEFL Score Valid?
Your TOEFL score is two years from the date of your test. If you’re not content with your TOEFL score, you have the option to retake the test whenever it suits you. As candidates are allowed to take the TOEFL test multiple times, registration for the second TOEFL test can be done three days after registering for the initial TOEFL test.
What Is The Importance of TOEFL For Admission To US Universities?
TOEFL exam scores are crucial in determining your admission to the top universities in the USA and other countries. A high score will get you into some of the best universities in the US. The exam provides evidence of your ability to use and understand English as a medium for academic pursuit in the US if you are from a non-English-speaking nation or English is not your native language.
The TOEFL exam tests how skilled the candidate is in using English as the medium of instruction in a formal, deeply academic setting. This is why most schools and universities in the US use TOEFL scores for admissions purposes.
How To Prepare For The TOEFL Exam
Preparing for the TOEFL well in advance is one of the best things you can do to secure the required score for admission. Here are 5 TOEFL preparation strategies that I have found effective:
1. Practice note-taking
During the TOEFL, you only get to listen to audio clips once. You will then have to answer questions, speak, or write about the subject you heard about. Because you cannot replay the audio, you need to become a good note-taker. You can practice taking notes in your native language or English.
2. Get a study guide
Another excellent method for getting ready for the TOEFL is to obtain a study guide. A high-quality TOEFL book will guide you through each section, offering valuable advice, strategic tips, practice questions, and sample answers. Numerous effective TOEFL books are available, but many may not be as helpful. Fortunately, we have compiled information on the top ones for your convenience.
3. Take practice tests
As you gear up for the TOEFL, you typically have a targeted score in mind. To gauge your progress toward this goal during your TOEFL preparation, the most effective method is to take practice tests. These tests not only provide insights into the test environment but also familiarize you with question types and the time constraints you will encounter on the actual test day.
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4. Learn how to write fast
Writing within a limited timeframe can induce stress. Recalling my experiences with exams in both school and university, I often found myself dedicating a significant portion of the allotted time just to generate ideas. Consequently, I would hastily compose my essay in the final fifteen minutes to meet the deadline.
If you want to succeed in the TOEFL, you must occasionally impose time constraints during your writing practice. This approach aids in effective time management, ensuring ample time for planning, sufficient duration for the actual writing process, and a suitable window for reviewing and refining the work upon completion.
5. Read daily
Native English speakers also enhance their vocabulary through reading. The broader your reading, the greater your exposure to diverse concepts and vocabulary. Additionally, close reading contributes to the development of reading comprehension skills. By reading extensively and attentively, you can broaden the range of subjects you feel at ease with in English. Given the unpredictable nature of TOEFL test topics, cultivating a broad comfort zone is advisable.
TOEFL Score for USA Student Visa
TOEFL is not just used by TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA but also by the US government and other organizations. The minimum TOEFL score for a USA student visa or an F-1 visa is 90. The requirements vary based on the exact visa you’re applying for.
If your score is less than 90, you will be granted a student visa, provided you have a valid admission offer from the university.
Which English Language Test is best TOEFL or IELTS?
It is not advised to contrast the TOEFL and the IELTS, which are both accepted as evidence of English language aptitude. Continue reading TOEFL vs IELTS: Which One Should I Take?
FAQs On TOEFL
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.
The TOEFL test is designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers, especially those who are looking to study or work in English-speaking environments.
The TOEFL test comprises four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
The total testing time for the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is approximately four hours.
Yes, you can retake the TOEFL test as many times as you wish, but there must be a 3-day waiting period between attempts.
Conclusion
Now that you have comprehensive information about the TOEFL exam, its relevance to US university admissions, the universities in the US that accept TOEFL, and the TOEFL score you need to target, start your TOEFL exam preparation today and practice relentlessly. Good luck!!!!
References
- kanan.co – Top 20 TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA
- yocket.com – TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA: What is TOEFL Score for USA?
- edmissions.com – Best 15 TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA: Minimum TOEFL Score
