The Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardised English language test commonly called TOEFL. TOEFL iBT, which stands for Internet-Based Test, can be taken from the comfort of your home or at a test centre.
The TOEFL-iBT is 3 hours long and has four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is accepted in more than 160 countries, including the USA.
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Latest Update:
- The TOEFL iBT duration has been reduced to 2 hours, featuring a new test format.
- The TOEFL iBT fee has increased to ₹16,900 in 2024.
- Australia is back to accepting TOEFL scores for all visas, ETS announced in May 2024.
Generally, most TOEFL-accepted universities in the USA require a score of 100, with at least 25 in each section.
A score of 100 and above can land you in top-ranking universities and help you stand out amid a competitive crowd.
If your score is 80-100, you can still get into excellent universities, but it might be hard to enroll in advanced-level classes for a select number of courses.
TOEFL requirements are highly dependent on the course you choose. If the course you’re interested in requires a lot of human interaction and understanding complex information, such as Medicine, Psychology, MBA, Law or literature, you’ll need a higher score.
Mid- and lower-ranking TOEFL-accepted universities in the USA, such as the University of Tulsa, Arizona State University, and Cleveland State University, usually accept TOEFL scores between 60 and 80.
Stay with us as we explore everything you need to know about TOEFL-accepted universities in USA.
Before we dive in, here’s a gist of the TOEFL Exam.
| Conducting Body | ETS |
| TOEFL Fee | Conducting Body |
| Types of TOEFL | TOEFL iBT TOEFL Essentials |
| TOEFL Modules | Reading Writing Speaking Listening |
| TOEFL Accepted Universities in USA | Harvard University Stanford University Yale University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Princeton University. |
Universities Accepting a TOEFL score of 90-105
A minimum TOEFL score of 90-105 indicates that your English proficiency is good and you can communicate well in an English-speaking country. A score above 100 should be enough to get you into top universities. However, it also depends on the competitiveness of the program.
While TOEFL Scores can significantly boost your application, we suggest polishing the rest of your profile, such as your academic record, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Below are the top 5 universities in the USA and their minimum TOEFL scores.
Below are a few other top universities in the USA, along with their minimum TOEFL Scores.
| University Name | Minimum Score |
| Yale University | 100 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 90 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 100 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 100 |
| Northwestern University | 95 |
| Dartmouth College | 100 |
| Brown University | 100 |
| Cornell University | 100 |
| Columbia University | 105 |
| University of Notre Dame | 100 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 90 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 100+ |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 102+ |
| Emory University | 95 |
| University of Southern California | 100; Minimum 20 in each section |
| University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill | 100 |
Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores of 80+ in USA
The good news is that there are many universities accepting TOEFL scores of 80! However, it may not be applicable to all courses. Highly advanced courses such as Data analysis, Medicine, and Psychology usually require a stronger understanding of the English language.
These courses consist of a complex curriculum, which means you will have to understand difficult concepts that will be taught in English. Therefore, if you plan to apply to such courses, take time to prepare for TOEFL and score a minimum of 100!
Below is a list of universities that accept minimum TOEFL scores of 75-90. The course-specific cut-offs may vary, but this list will help you get a good start in researching universities.
| Georgetown University | 80 |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | 84 |
| California Institute of Technology | 79 |
| University of Virginia | 90 |
| University of Florida | 80 |
| Lehigh University | 75 |
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TOEFL Score for USA Student Visa
TOEFL is not just used by TOEFL-accepted universities in the USA but also by the US government and other organisations.
The minimum TOEFL score for a USA student visa or an F-1 visa is 90. The requirements vary based on the exact visa you’re applying for.
If your score is less than 90, you will be permitted a student visa, considering you have a valid admission offer from the university.
TOEFL Structure Breakdown
- Reading: This section consists of 3 to 5 passages for test takers to read and answer questions. Each passage has about ten questions that will need to be answered.
- Writing The writing section is considered one of the most important sections of the TOEFL. It is further divided into two tasks:
- Integrated task (read/write/listen)
- Independent task (write only)
- Listening: This section asks test takers to listen to lectures and conversations and answer questions.
- Speaking: Unlike the IELTS, the speaking section on the TOEFL is entirely online. Test takers are given prompts on real-life situations they are asked to discuss.
Learn in detail about the TOEFL Syllabus here.
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TOEFL Score Lower Than Expected? Here’s your Action Plan!
Not achieving an ideal TOEFL score on your first attempt is entirely common. TOEFL is a highly competitive exam requiring great focus and dedication.
First things first, remember there are plenty of TOEFL-accepted universities in the USA, and you can always look for the ones that accept your score.
Here are a few more things that you can do to improve your score.
- Retake the exam: As per ETS, you may retake TOEFL as often as you like but must maintain a gap of at least three days between the tests. If you did not get your desired marks the first time, there’s always another chance.
However, we recommend that you analyse your performance, complete your preparation and then apply for the retest.
- Consider IELTS: IELTS and TOEFL are two very similar exams. If something about TOEFL needs to be fixed, consider switching to IELTS or other English proficiency tests. Universities in the US widely accept IELTS. Most TOEFL accepting universities in USA also accept IELTS, and it’s easier to find study resources for IELTS.
Since it is mainly similar to TOEFL, you can start where you left off.
- Revisit your study plans: Review your study plans and identify what went wrong. Once you recognise this, you can focus on improving yourself in that area. If you need more help, consider taking professional coaching or online study courses.
Make sure this time you set achievable goals.
How do you get a good score for TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA?
Practice is the key to all English proficiency exams. Allocating enough time for each section and preparing well are also keys to scoring good marks.
Here’s what you must do to get admitted to TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA.
- Understand the pattern: You must familiarise yourself with the test. Pay attention to all the sections and the different types of questions.
- Have a routine: TOEFL preparation requires consistent efforts and lots of practice. Have a timetable and dedicate time to every section of the exam.
- Use English: All languages are learned from usage. Try using English as a mode of communication outside of your TOEFL prep.
- Make it fun: Learning English does not have to be monotonous or boring. It can be fun! You can learn English by watching English movies or TV series, reading fictional books, and listening to English songs.
- Take help: Recognising whether you can self-study or need extra guidance is important. If you think professional guidance could benefit you, consider taking coaching classes or online courses. Both are equally valid methods of learning.
IELTS or TOEFL for USA: Which is better?
IELTS and TOEFL are both excellent options for testing your English proficiency. Both exams are identical in structure and try the same four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
Students have debated that IELTS is easier than TOEFL, especially the reading section of IELTS, but there needs to be concrete proof. The difficulty level will depend entirely on your proficiency level and language skills.
One advantage of TOEFL is that you can take it from the comfort of your home. Though IELTS has launched an online at-home version in some locations, it’s yet to be widely available, so you must take it from a test centre.
At the end of the day, it’s a matter of preference. US universities give IELTS and TOEFL equal prominence. We recommend familiarising yourself with both test patterns and considering all the factors involved before settling on one.
Students reach out to our experts daily to help them choose between IELTS and TOEFL, and you can too! Book a free 5-minute call with us to get expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
The TOEFL exam costs $195 (~₹16,023). Slots are available six days a week worldwide.
ETS has also released new updates for TOEFL iBT coming to effect from July 26, 2023. The latest updates include a shorter exam duration. Currently, TOEFL is three hours long. ETS plans to reduce the duration to 2 hours, making TOEFL the shortest English proficiency exam. The reading section is reduced significantly and will have only 2 questions
ETS is also introducing a simpler registration process, enabling applicants to schedule the test more easily and enhance the test experience. Furthermore, ETS will reveal the expected date of results to the test takers.
There are highly competitive, TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA that require good scores to stand out. Contact our experts today to understand how US universities work and their eligibility criteria.
We also fund education in the USA. Leap Finance provides collateral-free loans for US education at interest rates as low as 8.5%. Get funding for your tuition fees, transportation, and personal expenditures up to 100% within 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is better: IELTS or TOEFL for the USA?
A. There are more TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA than IELTS, which is generally preferred for this reason. The best test for you depends on your language skills and the requirements of the university you’re applying to.
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Q. Is TOEFL useful for student visas?
A. Yes, the TOEFL is useful for student visas. Many universities in the USA require a TOEFL score for admission, as it proves your English proficiency. Additionally, a good TOEFL score supports your US student visa application by demonstrating your readiness to participate in an academic program conducted in English. Thus, a strong TOEFL score benefits university admissions and visa requirements.
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Q. What is the validity of TOEFL scores?
A. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. You can use your scores anytime within the validity period to apply to TOEFL-accepting universities in the USA! The validity period remains the same across all countries. However, some universities may be specific about wanting newer TOEFL scores. Check university-specific validity requirements before applying.
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Q. When can I retake the TOEFL?
A. You can retake IELTS as many times as you would like, ensuring a gap of 3 days in between. Make sure you do a thorough preparation before you take the TOEFL again. Analyse your performance from the first test and build a strategy for your preparation.
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Q. Is TOEFL accepted all over the world?
A. Yes. TOEFL is accepted in more than 150 countries across the world. You can use your TOEFL Scores in popular study destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. However, it’s always best to reconfirm the requirements (such as minimum scores) with the university you’re interested in before you apply!
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Q. Is it possible to study in the USA without a TOEFL score?
A. Yes. However, there are other rules you will have to meet. One alternative is to choose other English proficiency tests, such as IELTS or PTE. Some universities make an exception for students who have pursued their previous academic education in English or from an English-speaking country.
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Q. Is the TOEFL easy?
A. The difficulty of the TOEFL exam can vary for each person. Some students might find some sections challenging, particularly the Speaking section if they are not accustomed to speaking in English regularly. However, with thorough preparation, many Indian students achieve good scores on the TOEFL.
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Q. What is the pattern of the TOEFL exam?
A. The TOEFL exam consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each assessing different language abilities. In the Reading section, you must read passages and answer questions based on it. The Listening section involves responding to questions after hearing audio recordings. The writing section consists of essay prompts, and the speaking section will consist of various topics you will have to speak about.
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Q. What is the score pattern of the TOEFL test?
A. The TOEFL test includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each scoring from 0 to 30. The total score ranges from 0 to 120. Additionally, individual tasks within the Speaking and Writing sections are also scored.
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Q. What are the different formats of TOEFL iBT?
TOEFL iBT is available to be taken at home and a test centre. However, the at-home version is not accepted by all universities. It’s important to check university-specific requirements before you apply. Both have the same fees and syllbus.
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