TOEFL Minimum Score for US Universities (2026): College-Wise Requirements, Cutoffs & Smart Admission Strategy

TOEFL Minimum

If you’re planning to study in the United States, one of the first questions you’ll face is simple but critical: what is the TOEFL minimum score for US universities?

In 2026, TOEFL remains one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests across American institutions. However, there is no single universal cutoff. TOEFL score requirements vary widely depending on the type of university, level of study, program competitiveness, and visa expectations.

This detailed guide explains exact TOEFL minimum scores for US universities, college-wise score ranges, undergraduate vs graduate requirements, section-wise cutoffs, waiver rules, and realistic admission strategies — all updated for 2026 admissions.

Why TOEFL Scores Matter for US Universities

The TOEFL iBT is administered by Educational Testing Service and is accepted by 11,500+ institutions worldwide, including virtually all accredited US universities.

US universities use TOEFL scores to:

• Evaluate academic English readiness

• Predict classroom participation ability

• Meet visa compliance standards

• Maintain institutional accreditation benchmarks

In 2026, TOEFL continues to be preferred over many alternatives due to its strong academic focus.

TOEFL Exam Overview (2026 Format)

Section	Score Range
Reading	0–30
Listening	0–30
Speaking	0–30
Writing	0–30
Total Score	0–120

Important 2026 Update: TOEFL iBT remains shorter (≈2 hours) but score requirements have not been reduced by US universities.

TOEFL Minimum Score for US Universities: General Overview

There is no fixed TOEFL cutoff for all US universities. However, based on verified admissions data:

University Type	Minimum TOEFL iBT Score
Top-Tier Universities	90–100+
Mid-Ranked Universities	80–89
Average Universities	70–79
Conditional / Pathway Programs	60–69

👉 Higher-ranked universities almost always expect higher TOEFL scores, especially for graduate programs.

TOEFL Minimum Score for Top US Universities (2026)

Top universities maintain strict English proficiency standards due to academic rigor.

University Tier	TOEFL iBT Requirement
Ivy League & Top 20	100–110
Top 50 Universities	90–100
Top 100 Universities	85–95

Examples (Verified Ranges)

• Engineering, Law, Medicine → 100+

• Business & Management → 95+

• Humanities & Social Sciences → 90–95

TOEFL Minimum Score for Mid-Ranked US Universities

Mid-ranked universities offer a balance of accessibility and quality.

Category	TOEFL Score
Public State Universities	80–90
Regional Research Universities	78–88
Liberal Arts Colleges	80–90

These universities often review applications holistically, so slightly lower TOEFL scores can be compensated with:

• Strong GPA

• Relevant work experience

• SOP & LOR strength

TOEFL Minimum Score for US Universities Offering Conditional Admission

Many US universities offer conditional or pathway admissions for students who fall short of TOEFL requirements.

Program Type	TOEFL Score Accepted
Conditional Admission	60–70
ESL + Degree Pathway	55–65
Bridge Programs	65–75

These programs allow students to improve English on campus before starting their main degree.

TOEFL Minimum Score: Undergraduate vs Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s)

University Level	TOEFL Score
Top Universities	90–100
Mid-Level	75–85
Conditional	60–70

Graduate Programs (Master’s / PhD)

Program Type	TOEFL Score
MS / MBA	90–100
PhD Programs	95–105
Research-Focused Programs	100+

🔹 Graduate programs generally require higher TOEFL scores due to presentations, research writing, and seminars.

Section-Wise TOEFL Cutoffs (Very Important in 2026)

Many US universities now specify minimum section scores, not just total scores.

Section	Common Minimum
Reading	20–22
Listening	20–22
Speaking	22–24
Writing	22–24

⚠️ A high total score can still be rejected if one section (especially Speaking or Writing) is weak.

TOEFL Score Requirements by Field of Study

Field	TOEFL iBT Score
Engineering & STEM	85–100
Business / MBA	90–100
Computer Science	85–95
Medicine / Health	100–110
Arts & Humanities	80–90
Education	90–100

TOEFL Waiver Rules for US Universities (2026)

Some students may not need TOEFL if they meet waiver conditions.

Common TOEFL waiver criteria:

• Previous degree taught fully in English

• 2–4 years of study in an English-speaking country

• Citizenship of exempt countries (limited cases)

Waivers are university-specific — always check official admission pages.

How Competitive Is a “Safe” TOEFL Score?

A realistic safe TOEFL score for US universities in 2026 is :

Admission Goal	Safe TOEFL Score
Top Universities	100+
Mid-Ranked	85–90
Broad Acceptance	80+

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FAQ: TOEFL Minimum Score for US Universities (2026)

Q1. What is the TOEFL minimum score for US universities in 2026?

The TOEFL minimum score for US universities typically ranges from 70 to 100+, depending on university ranking, program type, and level of study. Top universities usually require 90–100 or higher.

Q2. Can I get admission in US universities with 70 TOEFL score?

Yes, many mid-ranked and conditional admission universities accept TOEFL scores around 70, especially for undergraduate programs or pathway options.

Q3. Is TOEFL 80 enough for MS in USA?

TOEFL 80 is sufficient for many public and mid-tier universities, but top MS programs usually require 90+.

Q4. Is TOEFL mandatory for US student visa?

While TOEFL is not a direct visa requirement, it is required by most US universities, which in turn issue the I-20 needed for the F-1 visa.

Final Thoughts: Aim Higher Than the Minimum

Meeting the TOEFL minimum score is just the starting point. A higher score:

• Improves admission chances

• Reduces need for conditional offers

• Strengthens visa credibility

• Opens scholarship opportunities

In 2026’s competitive admissions cycle, aiming 5–10 points above the minimum gives you a clear advantage.

Call to Action: Plan Your TOEFL & US Admission Smartly

🎯 Ready to target the right TOEFL score for your dream US university?

🔗 Useful & Trusted Resources:

• Official TOEFL Info: https://www.ets.org/toefl

• TOEFL Score Use by Universities: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores

• US University Search: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges