When planning to study in the United States, one of the essential steps is proving your English proficiency and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is widely accepted by universities across the country. Understanding which institutions accept TOEFL scores can help streamline your application process.
In this article, we’ll explore top TOEFL accepting universities in the USA, including renowned names like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. We’ll also answer common queries to help you navigate your journey towards studying in the USA.

Table of Content
- List of TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA for Masters
- TOEFL Cut-Off for US Universities in 2024
- Minimum TOEFL Score Required for US Universities
- TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA with Score 90
- TOFEL Accepting Universities in USA with Less Than 80 score
- TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA with Score 70
- How Can I Check My TOEFL Scores?
- How to Submit TOEFL Scores Colleges and Universities in US?
- How long is the TOEFL Score Valid? Can I Retake the Test?
List of TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA for Masters
Many universities in the USA accept TOEFL scores for admission to master's programs. Here are some of them:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- University of California - Berkeley Campus
- The University of Chicago
- University of California - Los Angeles
- Duke University
- University of Houston
- Rice University
- Boston University
- Cornell University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin Law School
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arkansas
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TOEFL Cut-Off for US Universities in 2024
| S No | University accepting TOEFL Test Score | TOEFL Cut-off Score 2024 | Applicable Courses / Departments / Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | Varies (104 recommended) | Undergraduate and graduate courses |
| 2 | Stanford University | 89 - 100 overall | Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Graduate School of Business |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | 102+ | College of Science, Department of Chemistry, School of Drama, School of Design |
| 4 | Georgetown University | 80 | Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, McDonough School of Business, School of Continuing Studies, Undergraduate Courses, Graduate- Data Science and Analytics |
| 5 | Vanderbilt University | 88 | Bachelor’s and Master’s programs |
| 6 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 90 overall (100 recommended) | Undergraduate courses |
| 7 | Columbia University | 100 overall | Undergraduate courses |
| 8 | Yale University | 100 overall | Graduate School of Arts and Sciences |
| 9 | University of Southern California | 100; Minimum 20 in each section | Graduate and Undergraduate Programs |
| 10 | Princeton University | 108 overall | Graduate School |
| 11 | Cornell University | 100 overall | Undergraduate Programs |
| 12 | Brown University | 100 | Undergraduate Courses |
| 13 | Dartmouth College | 100+ | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs |
| 14 | Boston University | 79 overall | Undergraduate Courses |
| 15 | New York University | 100 | Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Tisch School of the Arts |
| 16 | University of Notre Dame | 100 | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses |
| 17 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | 84 | Undergraduate Courses |
| 18 | Duke University | 90 - 100 overall | Graduate Courses |
| 19 | University of Florida | 80 | Graduate and Undergraduate Programs |
| 20 | Washington University in St Louis | 90 | Graduate and Undergraduate Programs |
| 21 | University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | 100 | Graduate Programs |
| 22 | Emory University | 95 | Graduate - School of Business |
| 23 | University of California - Berkeley Campus | 80 minimum | School of Law, Graduate Programs, Undergraduate Programs and Berkeley Global Access |
| 24 | University of Virginia | 90 | Undergraduate Programs |
| 25 | University of Chicago | 100 minimum; recommended higher | Postgraduate Programs |
| 26 | University of Pennsylvania | 100 overall | Undergraduate Programs |
| 27 | Rice University | 90 overall | Graduate Programs |
| 28 | University of Houston | 79 overall | Undergraduate Programs |
| 29 | Northwestern University | 95 | The Graduate School, Undergraduate Programs, Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Economics |
| 30 | University of Florida | 80 | Graduate and Undergraduate Programs |
Minimum TOEFL Score Required for US Universities
Students aiming for admission to top universities in the USA should target a TOEFL score of at least 90 to 100. Many Tier I universities, where competition is intense, require a score of 100 or above. However, some Tier I and Tier II universities accept scores of 80 and above.
While the TOEFL score is just one factor among many considered for admission, a strong score can significantly enhance your chances of acceptance.
TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA with Score 90
| University Name | Score Range |
| York University | 90 |
| Stanford University | 90 - 100 |
| Harvard University | 92 - 100 |
| Northeastern University | 92 and above |
| University of Pennsylvania | 100 |
| John Hopkins University | 100 |
| Rice University | 100 |
| Arizona State University | 100 |
| The University of Illinois, Chicago | 100 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 100 |
| Vanderbilt University | 100 |
| Cornell University | 100 and above |
| University of Southern California | 100; minimum 20 in each section |
| University of North California - Chapel Hill | 100 |
| California Institute of Technology | 100 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 100 |
TOFEL Accepting Universities in USA with Less Than 80 score
It's important to remember that while the TOEFL is significant, it's not the only factor universities consider for admission. There are institutions in the US that accept TOEFL scores of 80 or below. Some examples include Indiana State University (71), Ohio State University (71), California Institute of Technology (78), and Dartmouth College (78). Other universities, like Oregon State University (53) and Arizona State University (61), also accept lower scores. Each university sets its own score range, so it's essential to research specific requirements for the schools you're interested in.
College | Score Range |
|---|---|
Ohio State University | 71 |
Dartmouth College | 78 |
Indiana State University | 71 |
Oregon State University | 53 |
Arizona State University | 61 |
California Institute of Technology | 78 |
Bowling Green State University | 61 |
East Tennessee State University | 65 |
Clark University Worcester | 60-69 |
Cleveland State University | 65 |
University of Tulsa | 70 |
Golden Gate University | 71 |
University of New Mexico | 68 |
University of Montana | 70 |
University of California- Davis | 68 |
Lehigh University | 75 |
University of Buffalo- SUNY | 79 |
Arizona state University | 61 |
University of Utah | 61 |
University of Washington | 76 |
TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA with Score 70
| College Name | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Ohio State University | 71 |
| Bowling Green State University | 61 |
| Cleveland State University | 65 |
| University of New Mexico | 68 |
| Clark University Worcester | 60 - 69 |
| University of California - Davis | 68 |
| Arizona State University | 61 |
| University of Buffalo-SUNY | 79 |
| University of Washington | 76 |
| Lehigh University | 75 |
| University of Utah | 61 |
| University of Washington | 76 |
| University of Montana | 70 |
| University of Tulsa | 70 |
| East Tennessee State University | 65 |
| Dartmouth College | 78 |
| Indiana State University | 71 |
| Golden Gate University | 71 |
| Oregon State University | 53 |
How Can I Check My TOEFL Scores?
Once you've completed the TOEFL exam, you can access your unofficial scores for the Reading and Listening sections right away. However, official TOEFL scores are available about six days after the test date. You'll receive an email notification once your scores are ready. To view your scores, log in to your TOEFL account on the official website. Simply navigate to the 'view scores' section after logging in. If you've taken the 'TOEFL at Home' version, expect to receive your scores within six to ten days. Here's a step-by-step guide to accessing your TOEFL results:
Step 1: Go to the official TOEFL website.
Step 2: Select the member log-in option.
Step 3: Sign in using your member account credentials.
Step 4: Once logged in, you'll be able to view your TOEFL scores.
How to Submit TOEFL Scores Colleges and Universities in US?
When applying to colleges or universities in the United States, applicants must ensure their TOEFL scores are sent directly to the respective institution. Here is what you need to know before and after taking the test:
Before Taking the Test:
- Create an account on the TOEFL website.
- Customize your list of universities based on your preferences.
- Your TOEFL scores will automatically be sent to the universities you've selected.
After Receiving Results:
- Once you receive your TOEFL scores, you can send them to your chosen universities.
- Request your TOEFL test results through your account.
- Your scores will be transmitted to the designated universities five days after the request.
How long is the TOEFL Score Valid? Can I Retake the Test?
TOEFL scores remain valid for two years from the date of the exam. Candidates can take the test multiple times if needed. If you wish to improve your score, you can retake the test by registering again. However, you must wait three days after registering for your first test before registering for a second one.
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