IELTS Scores for US Universities

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has become one of the most widely accepted and trusted English language proficiency tests globally. Many students who are non-native speakers of English rely on their IELTS scores as part of the admissions process for their intended academic programs. In the United States, numerous universities and colleges now recognize IELTS scores as a valid indicator of a student’s ability to communicate effectively in English and succeed academically in English-speaking environments. A wide range of graduate schools across the United States has adopted IELTS as part of their admissions requirements, with different institutions setting their specific minimum score thresholds for prospective students. These institutions evaluate IELTS scores to ensure that applicants can thrive in the demanding academic environment that American universities are known for.

Among the universities that recognize IELTS scores as part of their admission process are a variety of top graduate schools that have set varying score requirements to accommodate a range of programs and applicant profiles. These institutions include American InterContinental University, American University’s Washington College of Law, Arizona State University, Arkansas Tech University, Assumption College, Boise State University, Boston University, Brigham Young University, and Brown University. Each of these schools has its own minimum score requirement, reflecting the varying levels of English proficiency needed for admission to their graduate programs.

American InterContinental University, located in Los Angeles, California, is a well-known institution that has integrated IELTS into its admissions process. The university sets its minimum IELTS requirement at a score of 7.0, highlighting the institution’s commitment to admitting students with a high level of English language proficiency. This requirement demonstrates that American InterContinental University values effective communication skills in addition to academic ability, as students must demonstrate strong English listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities to succeed in graduate programs.

Similarly, American University’s Washington College of Law, located in Washington, D.C., has established a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for prospective graduate students. This requirement underscores the competitive and rigorous nature of the academic programs offered at the law school. American University’s reputation as a leading institution for law and social sciences relies on attracting students who can excel in complex legal studies and professional discourse, both of which depend on a strong command of English.

Arizona State University, located in Tempe, Arizona, is another institution that accepts IELTS scores for admission into its graduate programs. Arizona State University has set its minimum IELTS score at 6.5, ensuring that students demonstrate a solid foundation in English. This requirement allows the university to maintain its high academic standards while supporting diverse, international applicants. The university's willingness to accept IELTS scores as part of its admissions process reflects its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Arkansas Tech University, located in Russellville, Arkansas, is another U.S.-based graduate school that has adopted IELTS as part of its admissions standards. The institution has set a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, reflecting its flexibility and support for international applicants. This score indicates that students must possess a functional understanding of English to successfully engage in graduate studies. Arkansas Tech University’s diverse range of programs and student support services demonstrates its efforts to ensure that international students are well-prepared for their academic journey.

Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, has also adopted IELTS as a requirement for its graduate programs, with the minimum score for admission into its MBA program being 6.0. This demonstrates that Assumption College recognizes the importance of English proficiency while also accommodating the needs of students who may not have advanced language skills but still show strong academic potential. The MBA program at Assumption College provides students with the opportunity to build leadership and business management skills, making the IELTS a critical assessment for prospective applicants seeking advanced business education.

Boise State University, located in Boise, Idaho, sets a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for its graduate programs, particularly for those in Business and Engineering. This requirement reflects the academic rigor of these programs and the necessity for students to possess a strong foundation in English to succeed. Boise State University has established itself as a leading institution for both research and practical learning in a variety of academic disciplines. By maintaining its IELTS requirements, the institution ensures that students can effectively participate in classroom discussions, research projects, and collaborative problem-solving exercises.

Boston University, a prestigious institution located in Boston, Massachusetts, is another leading U.S. graduate school that has adopted IELTS as part of its admissions process. Boston University sets its minimum IELTS requirement at 7.0, emphasizing the university’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and attracting students with advanced levels of English proficiency. As one of the most prominent research universities in the United States, Boston University provides a diverse range of graduate programs that demand strong communication and analytical skills, both of which rely on high English language proficiency.

Brigham Young University, located in Provo, Utah, has established its minimum IELTS score requirement at 7.0, ensuring that students admitted to its graduate programs possess a strong command of English. This requirement underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and creating a supportive learning environment for international students. Brigham Young University offers a range of programs across multiple disciplines, all of which require students to engage deeply with course materials, research projects, and collaborative learning. A strong grasp of English is essential for successful participation in these programs.

Brown University, a well-known Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, has a minimum IELTS score requirement of 6.5. While the score is lower than those of other institutions like Boston University and Brigham Young University, it demonstrates the flexibility of Brown University in assessing applicants’ language proficiency. This score provides students with the opportunity to gain admission into one of the most prestigious academic environments in the United States. Brown University’s flexible yet rigorous academic programs make it an attractive choice for international applicants.

The variety of IELTS score requirements across these U.S. institutions highlights their diverse academic offerings and the flexibility in their admissions processes. Each university sets its own threshold based on the expectations of the programs it offers and the level of English proficiency necessary for academic success. These requirements also underscore the importance of IELTS scores as a universal measure of English language skills. Institutions such as American InterContinental University, American University’s Washington College of Law, Arizona State University, and Boston University rely on IELTS scores to assess a student’s ability to engage with complex readings, write coherent essays, and communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.

Below are some of the top US graduate schools with their IELTS Scores:

American InterContinental University, Los Angeles, CA - 7.0
American University, Washington College of Law Washington, DC - 6.5
Arizona State University Tempe, AZ - 6.5
Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR - 6.0
Assumption College, Worcester, MA - 6.0 (MBA Program)
Boise State University, Boise ID - 6.5 (Business/Engineering Graduate Programs)
Boston University Boston, MA - 7.0
Brigham Young University Provo, UT - 7.0
Brown University Providence, RI - 6.5
California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA - 7.0
California State University, Los Angeles, CA - 7.0
California State University, East Bay Hayward, CA - 6.5
Clarkson University Potsdam, NY - 7.0
Columbia University, NY - 7.0
Cornell University Johnson School of Management (MBA) Ithaca, NY - 7.0
DeVry University - 6.0
Duke University Graduate School, NC - 7.0
Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL - 6.5
Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI - 6.5
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL - 6.0
Florida International University Miami, FL - 6.5
Georgetown University Washington, DC - 7.0
Golden Gate University San Francisco, CA - 6.5
Harvard Business School, Boston, MA - 7.0
Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, HI - 6.0
Indiana University Bloomington, IN - 6.5
Johnson and Wales University Denver, CO - 6.5
Kansas State University Manhattan, KS - 6.0
Lakeland College Sheboygan, WI - 7.0
Madonna University Livonia, MI - 6.5
Marshall University Huntington, WV - 6.5
Marylhurst University Marylhurst, OR - 6.0
Mesa State College Grand Junction, CO - 7.0
Miami University Oxford, OH - 6.5
Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI - 6.5
Minnesota State University Moorhead, MN - 6.5
Montana State University Bozeman, MT - 7.0
New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM - 6.5
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts New York, NY - 7.0
Northwestern University Evanston, IL - 7.0
Ohio University Athens, OH - 7.0
Ohio State University Columbus, OH - 7.0
Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK - 6.5
Oregon State University Corvallis, OR - 7.0
Pepperdine University Malibu, CA - 6.5
Portland State University Portland, OR - 7.0
Princeton University Princeton, NJ - 6.5
Purdue University West Lafayette, IN - 6.5
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY - 7.0
Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI - 6.5
Rice University Houston, TX - 7.0
Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY - 7.0
Rocky Mountain College Billings, MT - 6.5
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Camden, NJ - 7.0
Salem International University Salem, WV - 6.5
San Diego State University San Diego - 7.0
Santa Clara University School of Law, CA - 7.0
Seattle University Seattle, WA - 7.0
State University New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh, NY - 6.5
Stratford University Falls Church, VA - 6.5
Suffolk University Boston, MA - 6.5
Texas A&M University College Station, TX - 6.0
University at Buffalo, State University of New York Buffalo, NY - 6.5
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL - 6.5
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR - 6.5
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT - 7.0
University of California, Berkeley, CA - 7.0
University of California, Davis, CA - 7.0
University of California, Irvine, CA - 7.0
University of California, Los Angeles, CA - 7.0
University of California, Merced, CA - 7.0
University of California, Santa Barbara - 7.0
University of California, San Diego La Jolla, CA - 7.0
University of California, San Francisco, CA - 7.0
University of Cincinnati, OH - 6.5
University of Chicago, IL - 7.0
University of Connecticut, CT - 6.5
University of Denver, Law School Denver, CO - 7.0
University of Georgia Athens, GA - 6.5
University of Hawaii, Manoa Honolulu, HI - 7.0
University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD - 7.0
University of Michigan Business School Ann Arbor, MI - 7.0
University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN - 6.5
University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, NC - 7.0
University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education Philadelphia, PA - 7.0
University of Phoenix - 6.5
University of Pittsburgh, PA - 6.5
University of San Francisco, CA - 6.5
University of Tampa, FL - 7.0
University of Texas, Arlington, TX - 7.0
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA - 7.0
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, WI - 7.0
Utah State University Logan, UT - 6.0
Virginia Polytechnic Institute Blacksburg, VA - 7.0
Washington State University Pullman, WA - 7.0
Yale University, Divinity School New Haven, CT - 7.0

Required Minimum IELTS scores for four year undergraduate programs (Partial list):
Brigham Young University, Hawaii - 4.5
Arkansas State University - 5.0
Arkansas Tech University  - 5.0
California State University, Chico - 5.0
Bemidji State University MN - 5.5
Alliant International University CA - 6.0
Benedictine College KS - 6.0
California Lutheran University - 6.5
Adelphi University NY - 6.5
Amherst College MA - 7.0
Brandeis University MA - 7.0
Brown University RI - 7.0