Universities Accepting Duolingo in the USA: Your 2026 Guide

For decades, TOEFL and IELTS were the only keys to unlocking a US university education. But in 2026, a new player has taken over: The Duolingo English Test (DET).

As a teacher, I’m seeing more students choose the DET because it’s cheaper ($59 vs $250+), faster (results in 48 hours), and can be taken from home in Morocco or anywhere else.

Why US Universities Love the DET

Top-tier institutions like Princeton, Yale, and Stanford now accept Duolingo scores. Why? Because the test uses advanced AI to accurately measure real-world English proficiency, not just test-taking skills.

Top US Universities & Their DET Requirements

Here is a breakdown of what some top schools are looking for in 2026:

University	Recommended DET Score
Princeton University	120+
Columbia University	125+
University of Pennsylvania	120+
New York University (NYU)	125+
University of Florida	110+

3 Tips to Ace the Duolingo English Test

1 Practice the "Adaptive" Nature: The test gets harder as you answer correctly. Don't panic if the questions become challenging—it means you are doing well!

2 Focus on Production: Unlike other tests, Duolingo heavily weights your ability to write and speak spontaneously.

3 Check Your Tech: Since it's a home test, ensure your internet and webcam are perfect. A technical glitch can invalidate your score.

Is it right for you? If you want a stress-free, modern testing experience that is accepted by over 6,500 programs, the DET is your best bet. For a comparison with other tests, check my post on IELTS vs TOEFL.

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