How much TOEFL score is required for US universities?

Most universities in the US require a minimum score of 79-80, while highly competitive institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT often expect 100+

Is 90 a good TOEFL score?

A score of 90 is considered decent and meets the minimum cut-off for many universities.

Do all US universities accept TOEFL?

Yes, most US universities accept TOEFL, but some institutions also accept IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), or PTE as alternatives. Always verify on the university’s official website.

Can I get admission with a low TOEFL score?

Some universities offer conditional admission if your TOEFL score is slightly below their requirement. In such cases, you may need to take an English language course before starting your degree.

What if I don’t meet the TOEFL score requirement?

If your TOEFL score is below the required minimum, you can either retake the test or look for other university options with lower TOEFL cut-offs.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in the USA with Minimum TOEFL Scores

Imagine you’re Peter Parker before he became Spider-Man, full of potential but needing that one defining moment to prove yourself. For international students, the TOEFL exam is that test. It’s your way of showing US universities you have the language skills to succeed academically. Whether aiming for Harvard, UCLA, or a state university, your TOEFL score plays a crucial role in securing admission.

But how high does your score need to be?

Some universities accept a minimum TOEFL score of 80-90, while Ivy League schools and top programs may require 100+. Plus, don’t forget that the minimum TOEFL score for a USA student visa is another critical factor to consider.

In this blog, we’ll break down TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA, their score requirements, and what you should aim for based on your target schools.

List of TOEFL accepting Universities in the USA

The required TOEFL score for U.S. universities typically falls between 90 to 100 for most institutions. However, top universities may require a score of 100 or higher, while some programs accept scores as low as 70 to 80.

If you are aiming to study in the USA for the 2025-2026 academic year, understanding the minimum TOEFL iBT scores required by universities is crucial for international students. Below is a list of 30 universities along with their minimum TOEFL iBT score requirements:

University Name	QS Ranking 2025	Minimum TOEFL iBT Score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	90
Stanford University	6	89
Harvard University	4	No minimum requirement
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10	100
University of Chicago	21	No minimum requirement
University of Pennsylvania	11	100
Princeton University	22	No minimum requirement
Yale University	23	100
Columbia University	34	105
Cornell University	16	100
Johns Hopkins University	32	100
Northwestern University	50	100
Duke University	61	100
Brown University	79	100
Rice University	141	100
Washington University in St. Louis	171	90
University of California, Berkeley	12	80
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	42	100
University of Michigan	44	84
University of Southern California	125	100
New York University (NYU)	43	100
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	155	90
University of Texas at Austin	66	79
University of Washington	76	92
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	69	79
University of Wisconsin-Madison	116	92
University of Florida	215	80
University of California, San Diego	72	85
University of California, Davis	130	80
University of California, Santa Barbara	178	80

Please note: The TOEFL iBT score requirements are based on the ETS acceptance report updated in 2022. It is important to note that some of these university programs impose higher requirements, which can change based on demand and faculty availability.

How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities in the US?

The submission process is just as important as getting a good score. A small mistake could delay your application or even make it invalid for admission. To ensure a smooth process, it's essential to understand how TOEFL score reporting works.

1. Select Universities While Registering

When you register for the TOEFL, you can send your scores to up to four universities for free. Simply enter their institution codes during registration.

2. Sending Additional Score Reports

If you need to send scores to more than four universities, log in to your ETS account and go to "Send Additional Score Reports". Select your institution and pay the fee as mentioned.

3. Check University Requirements

Some universities have strict deadlines for score submission. Ensure to send the score 10-15 days in advance and avoid delays.

4. Track Your Score Report

Once sent, you can track the status through your ETS account under "Order History" to confirm if universities have received your scores.

How Long Is the TOEFL Score Valid?

Your TOEFL score remains valid for 2 years from your test date.

For instance, if you take your exam on March 5, 2025, you can expect to receive your scores by March 20. The great news is that these scores will be valid until March 20, 2027! This means you can use them for your university applications and immigration processes during that time.

If a university requires a valid TOEFL score and your previous score has expired or exceeded the stated date, you must retake the test. Hence, after two years, the scores expire and cannot be used for university applications or immigration purposes.

When can I appear for the TOEFL test again?

You can retake the TOEFL test just 3 days after your last test date, which is pretty great! Unlike some other standardized exams that make you wait longer, TOEFL allows you to jump back in quickly, giving you a chance to boost your score without a long delay.

For example, if you're feeling a bit disappointed with your test from March 5, 2025, you can go ahead and retake the test anytime after March 9, 2025. The best part is, you can take the exam as many times as you like, whenever you’re feeling ready!

If you decide to give it another shot, it’s a good idea to look at your previous score report and mark areas where you can improve. Focus on those weak spots, practice with some mock tests, and you’ll be all set for your next attempt!

Good luck!

From the Desk of Yocket

While many US universities accept TOEFL scores starting from 79-80, top-tier institutions often require 100+ for competitive programs. Your target score should align with the admission criteria of your preferred universities.

At Yocket Prep, we help students navigate TOEFL preparation with expert study plans, mock tests, and personalized feedback to enhance their performance. Whether you're aiming for Ivy League schools or state universities, Yocket Prep ensures you meet the TOEFL score cut-offs with confidence.