TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA 2026

TOEFL accepting universities in USA include nearly all major higher education institutions, including top-ranked universities such as Harvard University, MIT, Stanford University, and Columbia University.  

Most universities require a TOEFL iBT score between 80 and 90, while competitive programs may expect scores above 100. Both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition are widely accepted for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions in United States. 

This guide provides a complete overview of TOEFL accepting universities in USA, including top universities, institutions accepting lower scores, the score submission process, and key admission tips to help you plan your study abroad journey effectively. 

Top TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA 

United States is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, and the TOEFL is widely accepted across nearly all of them as a valid proof of English proficiency.  

However, each university sets its own minimum score requirements based on program competitiveness and academic rigor.  

The table below highlights leading universities in USA that accept TOEFL scores, along with their minimum requirements: 

Top TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA
University	Minimum TOEFL Score (iBT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	90 (100+ preferred)
Harvard University	100+ (varies by program)
Stanford University	100 (some programs 89+)
University of California, Berkeley	80–90 depending on program
Columbia University	100+
University of Chicago	90–100+
University of Pennsylvania	100+
Yale University	Around 100
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	87–90
New York University (NYU)	92–100+

Most top TOEFL accepting universities in USA require scores between 90–110+, depending on course competitiveness. 

Universities in USA Accepting Low TOEFL Scores 

While top-ranked universities require higher TOEFL scores, many institutions in United States offer admission opportunities to students with relatively lower scores.  

This makes the list of universities in USA accepting low TOEFL score an important area for students aiming to study abroad with flexible requirements. 

According to official TOEFL guidance and university data, institutions in USA may accept scores as low as 60–70, depending on the program and level of study.  

The table below includes universities known for accepting comparatively lower TOEFL scores: 

Universities in USA Accepting Low TOEFL Scores
University	Minimum TOEFL Score (iBT)
Golden Gate University	60 (UG), 79 (PG)
Indiana State University	61
Cleveland State University	65
East Tennessee State University	68
University of Tulsa	70
Bowling Green State University	71
University of Texas (select programs)	Around 79
Northwestern University (some programs)	71

Note:  

• Many universities follow a holistic admission process, where TOEFL is only one component alongside GPA, SOP, and LORs  
• Lower TOEFL scores are often accepted for non-competitive or pathway programs 
• Some universities may offer conditional admission, requiring students to complete English language courses before starting their degree 

How to Send TOEFL Scores to Universities in USA? 

Sending TOEFL scores to universities in USA is an essential step in the application process.  

Since admission committees rely on official scores directly from ETS (Educational Testing Service), candidates must ensure their scores are reported correctly and on time. 

Here’s a clear step-by-step breakdown of how to send TOEFL scores: 

• Log in to your ETS TOEFL account 
• Select the option “Send Additional Score Reports” 
• Search for your target university using its name or institution code 
• Select the university and confirm score submission 
• Pay the required fee (if applicable) and complete the process 

Please note that TOEFL scores are sent electronically and are received by universities within 4–8 days after processing. 

TOEFL vs IELTS Acceptance in USA Universities 

Understanding the difference between TOEFL and IELTS acceptance is crucial for international students applying to U.S. universities. While both tests are widely recognised,  

TOEFL continues to be the most preferred English proficiency exam in United States, especially for academically focused programs. 

The table below compares TOEFL and IELTS across key factors relevant to U.S. university admissions: 

Criteria	TOEFL (iBT)	IELTS (Academic)
Global Acceptance	Accepted by 11,000+ institutions worldwide	Accepted by 3,400+ US institutions
USA Acceptance	Accepted by almost all accredited US universities	Accepted by most major universities
Preference in USA	Preferred by majority of universities due to academic format	Secondary but widely accepted alternative
Score Range	0–120 scale	0–9 band score
Test Format	Fully computer-based (integrated academic tasks)	Paper/computer + face-to-face speaking
Score Requirement	80–110+ depending on university level	6.5–7.5+ depending on program

Tips to Get Admission to TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA 

Securing admission to TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA requires more than just meeting the minimum score.  

U.S. universities follow a holistic evaluation process, considering academic performance, application quality, and English proficiency together. 

A strong TOEFL score enhances your profile but does not guarantee admission. 

The table below highlights actionable strategies to improve your chances of admission: 

Key Tips to Strengthen Your Admission Chances
Strategy	Why It Matters
Aim Above Minimum Score	Top universities expect 100+ TOEFL scores, even if the minimum is lower
Build a Strong Academic Profile	GPA, transcripts, and coursework remain primary selection criteria
Write a Compelling SOP	Universities evaluate clarity of goals and academic intent
Secure Strong LORs	Recommendations help validate your academic and professional potential
Apply Early	Early applications increase chances of seat availability and consideration

How to Compensate for a Low TOEFL Score? 

If your TOEFL score is slightly below the target, you can still improve your chances by: 

• Applying to universities offering conditional admission or pathway programs 
• Highlighting strong academic achievements or relevant experience 
• Demonstrating English proficiency through interviews or academic background 

Conclusion 

United States remains one of the most preferred study destinations, and the TOEFL continues to be a globally trusted benchmark of English proficiency, accepted by nearly all accredited U.S. universities.  

From top-ranked institutions to universities offering flexible admission with lower score thresholds, the range of TOEFL accepting universities in USA provides opportunities for students with diverse academic profiles. Understanding score expectations, university preferences, and application strategies plays a key role in building a strong admission plan. 

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