The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is an English proficiency test similar to IELTS and TOEFL.
PTE assesses your Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading skills through a computer-based test. You will receive a grade between 10 and 90 based on your response, with 90 being the best score and translating to a 9 band in the IELTS.
Currently, there are over 1200 PTE accepted universities in USA. Generally, US universities require a score of 50 and above, depending on your chosen course.
How much PTE Score is required for USA in 2024?
The minimum PTE score for USA is between 50-70. Bachelor’s degrees usually require a PTE score between 50-60, and Master’s degrees need a minimum score of 55-70.
| Degree | Minimum PTE Score |
| Bachelor’s | 50-60 |
| Master’s | 55-70 |
As we have established, PTE scores depend on various factors, such as program, course, level of degree, ranking of the university and more.
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Courses like MBA, Law, Medicine, Literature, and Teaching require a deeper understanding of the subject and lead to professions that require human interaction daily. As a result, these courses usually require a higher PTE score of above 60-65.
Ivy League universities such as Yale, Harvard and Princeton also call for a high PTE score of 70-75 and above. If you manage to score above 70, consider yourself a pro!
A score of 70+ translates to 7+ in IELTS and indicates to the university that you have the potential to digest advanced-level information.
A PTE score of 60-70 is IELTS equivalent to a band score of 6.5-7 and is sufficient to enter most universities in the UK. Similarly, a score of 50-60 can get you into most universities and courses with lower English proficiency requirements.
A score less than 45-50 is typically not acceptable by universities in the USA. We suggest you try again for a better score.
Here is an overview of the availability of courses based on PTE scores.
| PTE Score | Availability of Universities |
| 70-79 | Majority of universities, with most ranking in the top 50-100 |
| 60-69 | Mid to High ranked universities, typically ranking in the top 80-200 |
| 50-59 | A selective number of universities, mostly ranking within the top 300-800+ |
| 40-49 | A limited number of universities, typically ranking above 400 |
List of PTE Accepted Universities in USA with a Minimum Score Range
| University | Minimum Score |
| Colorado State University | 40 |
| State University of New York, Binghamton | 53 |
| Pace University | 54 |
| University of Illinois (Chicago) | 54 |
| George Mason University | 59 |
| Arizona State University | 60 |
| New York University | 65 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 67 |
| Columbia University | 68 |
| Harvard University | 75 |
Keep in mind exam requirements are updated regularly. It’s best to confirm the scores with the university before you apply.
Book a free conversation with us and get a complete list of PTE accepted universities in USA, covering all score ranges and find the university most compatible with your grades.
What if you do not get your Ideal PTE Score for USA?
English proficiency exams are challenging, and it’s normal not to get your desired PTE score in the first go.
But you mustn’t let it bring you down! Here are a few things you can do.
- Retake PTE: The excellent news is you can retake the PTE exam as often as you need to! Yes, Pearson has no restrictions on how many times you can retake the exam. However, before you retake the exam, ensure your preparation is complete. Focus on the areas that lost your marks the first time.
- Consider other English proficiency tests: US accepts English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. If you find that PTE is not working for you, feel free to try the alternatives. Since these tests are similar, you won’t be starting from scratch.
- Consider other universities or courses: Numerous PTE-accepted universities in the USA exist. Check which universities in the UK accept your score. If you need more help, contact our experienced counsellors and find a university that works for you! Book a free call today.
- Take professional courses: Sometimes, all you need is some guidance! Consider taking professional English coaching. Experts can help you understand where you lack and improve in those areas.
How to get a good score for PTE accepted universities in USA?
Scoring well in your PTE exam certainly needs dedication. English proficiency tests are all about Grammar, Vocabulary and Pronunciation. Practice makes perfect. As cliche as it gets, practice is the only way to perfect English.
Here are a few tips from our experts to get you going!
- Choose the right exam: PTE is widely accepted in the USA. However, IELTS and TOEFL exams are the most preferred exams. PTE is equally competent, but research enough and find out all about alternatives before you settle.
- When it comes to mock tests, more is more!: Take as many mock tests as possible and thoroughly familiarise yourself with the pattern. Mock tests give the feel of a real test. You can easily spot your weak spots and work on them.
- Start Early: Begin your preparation at least three months before your exam date. Ensure you dedicate enough time to each section and take your time with everything.
- Love English, and you’ll learn English!: English is a beautiful language and one that is easy to learn. You can read English books, watch English movies or TV shows, listen to English music, and engage in regular conversations to improve your language skills.
PTE Score For US Student Visa
The US government has not specified PTE scores for F1 visas. But the US recognises the PTE exam, and as long as you have an admission offer from the university and funds to support your studies, you should not face any trouble from the visa office.
Since the PTE score highly relies on universities, the scores will vary.
To be safe, we recommend consulting an expert to determine if PTE is the best test for you. Talk to Leap Scholar’s experts today and clear all your queries! Book a free call now.
Final Thoughts
PTE exam fee in India is ₹15,900. You can take the PTE exam from the comfort of your home or in one of their 35 test centres. PTE is also highly convenient, as you can book last-minute slots. Overall, PTE is fastly gaining popularity and is almost at equal par with IELTS and TOEFL.
The USA is an excellent destination for higher studies but highly competitive. Though PTE is a great way to test your English, PTE accepted universities in USA are fewer compared to other English exams. So we recommend making a well-thought decision.
LeapScholar’s expert guides can help you land the best universities and determine the best exam for you so you can land your dream university without trouble! Contact leap today to begin your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is PTE accepted in USA?
PTE is widely accepted in USA. There are currently over 1200 PTE accepted universities in USA.
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Is PTE valid for USA student visa?
Yes, PTE is accepted by US for a student visa, considering you have a valid admission offer from the university.
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What are some PTE accepted universities in USA for MS?
Clark University, Arizona State University, Texas A & M University and The University of Illinois at Chicago are great universities that accept PTE score for MS courses.
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What is the duration of the PTE Academic exam?
The entire test is 2 hours long, and it is designed to be completed in one sitting.
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Can I retake the PTE Academic exam?
Test takers can retake the PTE Academic as often as they wish. However, there must be a gap of at least 5 calendar days between two attempts.
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How is PTE Academic scored?
The PTE Academic exam uses a complex computer algorithm to evaluate and score a test taker’s English language proficiency. The test is graded on a scale of 10-90, with 10 being the lowest and 90 being the highest.
The grading is based on a combination of the test taker’s performance on each section of the test and their overall performance.
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Where can I take the PTE Academic test?
The PTE Academic test is administered in secure test centres across India. Test takers can visit the official PTE Academic website to find a test centre near them and schedule their test.
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What is the difference between PTE Academic and PTE General for studying in the USA?
PTE Academic is the version typically required for academic purposes, such as university admissions in the USA. PTE General is often used for non-academic or general English language proficiency purposes.
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What are the different sections of the PTE exam?
The PTE exam consists of three main sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each section assesses different language skills.
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How does the PTE score compare to the TOEFL or IELTS scores?
The PTE score is on a scale of 10 to 90, the TOEFL score is on a scale of 0 to 120, and the IELTS score is on a scale of 0 to 9.
Universities generally provide score conversion charts to compare PTE scores to TOEFL or IELTS scores.
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Are there any universities in the USA that do not accept PTE scores?
While PTE scores are widely accepted, it’s important to check the specific requirements of each university. Some institutions may prefer other English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
