TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA: Scores and Requirements

The TOEFL iBT is accepted by universities across the United States as proof of English proficiency for international applicants. However, the toefl requirements for us universities are not the same everywhere. Requirements can differ between undergraduate and graduate study and even between programs at the same university.

There is also an important change for 2026 applicants. Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT scores have been reported on a new 1 to 6 scale. During the transition period, ETS also provides a comparable overall score on the previous 0 to 120 scale.

This guide covers toefl accepting universities in usa, current score requirements and what international students should check before applying.

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TOEFL Score Requirements for US Universities: Minimum/Maximum scoring

The TOEFL minimum score needed for admission to US universities varies based on the test type and specific programs. Certain universities may accept lower scores for undergraduate programs but maintain higher standards for graduate programs. Admission criteria differ among universities, with prestigious institutions like IVY League Stanford University TOEFL requirement is typically of 100. In contrast, tier-two universities may consider candidates with slightly lower scores.

New TOEFL Score Scale From 2026

For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, TOEFL uses a 1 to 6 scale in 0.5 increments for the overall and four section scores.

The overall score is calculated from the average of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing section scores and rounded to the nearest half band. The new scale also aligns with CEFR proficiency levels.

ETS provides this broad comparison:

Previous TOEFL Requirement

ETS Recommended 1 to 6 Equivalent

• 100 5.0
• 90 4.5
• 80 4.0
• 70 3.5

Through January 2028, ETS says score reports will show the new overall and section scores, CEFR information and a comparable overall score on the previous scale.

Top TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA and Minimum Scores

Many toefl accepted universities in usa have already updated their admissions information for the new scoring system. Others may continue to reference the previous scale during the transition.

The following examples use officially published requirements rather than estimated or third party competitive scores.

1. Purdue University

Purdue is one of the toefl accepting universities in usa with clearly updated requirements for tests taken after January 21, 2026.

For undergraduate applicants, Purdue currently requires:

• Overall TOEFL: 4.5 or higher
• Each section: 4.0 or higher

For tests taken before January 21, 2026, the published requirement is 88 overall with at least 20 in each section.

Purdue allows applicants to self report scores initially. If admitted and accepting the offer, students must provide official scores. The university also states that meeting the minimum English proficiency requirement does not guarantee admission because the complete application is reviewed.

Students may also demonstrate English proficiency through certain eligible English taught curricula or qualifying US college coursework.

2. University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin accepts TOEFL for international undergraduate admission.

Its currently published minimum is:

• TOEFL: 4.0 on the new 6 point scale
• Previous scale: 79

The university also accepts IELTS Academic and the Duolingo English Test for applicable applicants.

Certain students can be exempt from the English proficiency requirement based on their previous education or country. Students should check the current exemption list before registering for an English test.

UT Austin’s TOEFL institution code is 6882.

3. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Illinois accepts TOEFL iBT for undergraduate and graduate applications, but the requirements differ by level.

For undergraduate admission, whether TOEFL or another English proficiency test is required can depend on the applicant’s schooling background and whether other test scores are submitted. The university also considers subscores as part of its review.

For graduate applicants, the current requirements are clearer:

• Full status: 5.0
• Limited status: 4.0

For scores dated before January 21, 2026, these correspond to published requirements of 103 and 79 respectively.

The Graduate College accepts TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Official scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency for graduate admission.

Undergraduate applicants, meanwhile, can initially self report scores, with official results required if they enroll.

4. Penn State University

Penn State’s Graduate School has updated its requirements for the 2026 TOEFL scoring system.

Graduate applicants generally need:

• Overall TOEFL: 4.5 or higher
• Speaking: 3.5 or higher

For tests taken before January 21, 2026, the corresponding published minimum is 80 overall with at least 19 in Speaking.

Penn State also has provisions for certain applicants who fall within specified provisional admission score ranges. Individual graduate programs may impose stricter English requirements.

5. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona Graduate College accepts TOEFL for international applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.

For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, the published Graduate College minimum is:

• TOEFL: 4.0 overall

For tests taken before January 21, 2026, the minimum is 79.

The university specifically notes that individual departments may require higher scores than the Graduate College minimum.

TOEFL scores must also be from within two years of the enrollment term. The University of Arizona’s ETS institution code is 4832.

6. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota accepts TOEFL as evidence of English proficiency for graduate applicants.

Its Graduate School distinguishes between tests taken before and after January 21, 2026 and also publishes section requirements. The university accepts TOEFL iBT taken at a test center or at home.

Applicants should check their individual graduate program as well as the university’s English proficiency page before applying because program expectations can differ.

This is particularly important when comparing toefl accepted universities in usa, as an overall score alone may not satisfy a university’s section requirements.

7. Universities With Program Specific TOEFL Requirements

Not every university can be accurately reduced to one TOEFL number.

Graduate programs often establish requirements above the graduate school’s general minimum. The University of Arizona, for example, explicitly states that individual departments may require higher scores.

Students should therefore avoid treating a general university minimum as the guaranteed requirement for MBA, engineering, computer science or other specific programs.

8. Universities With TOEFL Waiver Options

Some universities allow applicants to meet English proficiency requirements through previous education rather than a TOEFL score.

Purdue, for example, may consider applicants who have demonstrated academic success in an English speaking curriculum for at least three years.

UT Austin also lists exemptions based on qualifying countries and certain high school education histories.

Waiver policies are university specific. Studying in English in India does not automatically mean every US university will waive TOEFL.

9. Universities Accepting TOEFL Home Edition

Acceptance of TOEFL Home Edition should be checked separately.

The University of Illinois Graduate College currently accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Its undergraduate admissions office also accepts the Special Home Edition for fall 2027 but has not committed to future terms.

The University of Minnesota Graduate School states that TOEFL iBT can be taken at a test center or at home.

Do not assume that every program at every toefl accepting universities in usa follows the same Home Edition policy.

How to Choose the Right TOEFL Accepting University in USA

Your TOEFL score should help you shortlist universities, but it should not be the only factor.

When comparing toefl accepting universities in usa, consider:

• Exact TOEFL requirement
• Overall and section score requirements
• Undergraduate or graduate study level
• Program specific requirements
• Academic eligibility
• Course availability
• Tuition and living costs
• Location
• TOEFL waiver options
• Home Edition acceptance
• Score submission policy

If your score meets the general university minimum but your chosen department requires more, you will need to follow the department’s requirement.

How Nomad Credit Can Help?

Shortlisting US universities involves more than finding institutions that accept your TOEFL score.

Nomad Credit is one of the best consultancy for study in USA and can help international students with:

• University shortlisting
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• Education loan comparison
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Your TOEFL score, academic profile, preferred course, budget and career plans can all be considered while building a more practical university shortlist.

Conclusion

There are many toefl accepting universities in usa, but their requirements are not identical. Undergraduate and graduate requirements can differ, individual departments may set higher minimums, and some universities also specify section scores.

The 2026 TOEFL scoring update makes it particularly important to check current university pages. Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL has used the 1 to 6 scale, while comparable overall scores on the older scale continue to appear during the transition period.

Rather than searching for one universal toefl minimum score for usa, verify the requirement for your exact university, study level, program and intake.

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