Top 30 IELTS Accepting Universities in USA & their Minimum Score
Feeling Overwhelmed? You're Not Alone.
If you're dreaming of studying in the USA, chances are you're already juggling a million things like researching courses, figuring out your budget, preparing for the IELTS, and probably losing sleep over deadlines.
And the question that keeps popping up in your head:
"Will my IELTS score be enough?"
Let’s take a breath. You're doing better than you think.
This blog isn’t just another info dump. It’s your friendly, no-BS guide to 30 U.S. universities that accept IELTS and the scores they actually want.
Key Highlights:
- Top IELTS accepting universities in the USA include MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia University, and the University of California, Berkeley.
- Most U.S. universities require an IELTS score between 6.0 and 7.5, based on the course requirements and degree level you are applying for.
- A high IELTS score improves your chances of admission, scholarships, and smooth visa approval.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score Requirements in the USA?
While the minimum IELTS score requirement is 5.5 in the USA, most universities typically accept IELTS score of 6 to 6.5.
List of Top 30 Universities in USA Accepting Only IELTS Exam
Various universities in the USA accept only IELTS scores for admission, but before applying, go through the official university website to check the minimum IELTS cutoff for the universities.
Here we have a list of top IELTS accepting universities in the USA for international students:
University |
IELTS Score (UG) |
IELTS Score (PG) |
---|---|---|
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
Stanford University |
7.0 |
7.0 |
Caltech |
6.5 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
6.5 |
7.5 |
|
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
7.5 |
7.5 |
|
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
UC Berkeley |
6.5 |
7.0 |
UCLA |
7.0 |
7.0 |
Johns Hopkins University |
7.0 |
7.0 |
University of Michigan |
7.0 |
7.0 |
Northwestern University |
7.5 |
7.5 |
NYU (New York University) |
7.5 |
7.5 |
University of Washington |
7.0 |
7.0 |
UC San Diego |
7.0 |
7.0 |
UT Austin |
6.5 |
6.5 |
University of Wisconsin–Madison |
6.5 |
7.0 |
Vanderbilt University |
6.5 |
7.0 |
Arizona State University |
6.0 |
7.0 |
Case Western Reserve |
6.5 |
6.5 |
Indiana University |
6.5 |
6.5 |
Tufts University |
7.0 |
7.0 |
University of Florida |
6.0 |
6.5 |
University of Arizona |
6.5 |
7.0 |
University of Rochester |
7.0 |
Varies by dept |
UC Santa Cruz |
7.0 |
7.0 |
Texas A&M University |
6.0 |
6.0 |
Pro Tip: Always double-check on the university’s official site before applying. Requirements can change.
To enhance your IELTS preparation, book a call with Yocket Prep experts for personalized advice, expert tips, and tailored strategies.
Top IELTS Accepting US Universities For MS
Here we have given a list of only IELTS-accepting universities in the USA without the GRE for MS programs:
University Name |
IELTS Score Requirement |
---|---|
75 |
|
6.5 |
|
6.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
7.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
6.5 |
|
6.5 |
|
6.5 |
|
7.0 |
So these are the only IELTS-accepting universities in the USA without the GRE for an MS degree. Let us now look at the universities in the USA for MBA degrees.
Top IELTS Accepting Universities in USA For MBA
Master of Business Administration is the most popular program to study in US universities. If you are aiming to study at the top MBA business schools in the USA you have to score very good marks in various tests.
Here is a list of top universities accepting only IELTS scores for MBA in the USA:
B-Schools Name |
IELTS Score Requirement |
---|---|
7.5 |
|
7.5 |
|
Haas School of Business |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
7.0 |
|
7.0 |
|
McCombs School of Business |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
7.0 |
|
7.0 |
Suggested: IELTS Exam Fees in India 2024
The IELTS test scores are mostly required by the universities to showcase your language abilities to understand the university lecture or can handle the university workplaces. Make sure to achieve a 6.5 band score or above in the US to get into some top universities.
From The Desk Of Yocket
Navigating IELTS requirements and shortlisting the right universities in the U.S. can feel overwhelming. Yes, we get it. The pressure to meet score cut-offs, the fear of missing out, the endless research... It’s a lot.
That’s exactly why this guide exists. We are here to make things clearer, easier, and less stressful for you.
We’ve gathered everything in one place: universities, IELTS score expectations, and what it all really means for your future.
Still feeling unsure about how to prepare for the IELTS? You don’t have to do it alone.
With Yocket Prep, you’ll find friendly mentors, focused practice, and the kind of support that actually understands where you’re coming from. No pressure. Just real help, at your pace.
Take a deep breath because you’re doing great. When you're ready, Yocket Prep is here to walk with you every step of the way.