Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
College of DuPage IELTS levels
From College of DuPage's English proficiency page. A minimum English score is required for admission, and the score decides your I-20 level.
| Programme or placement | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| College-ready, associate-level I-20 | 6.5 or above | TOEFL iBT 79+, Duolingo 115+ |
| English Language Studies (ELS) I-20 | 3 to 6 | TOEFL iBT 40-78, Duolingo 70-114 |
| Not eligible for admission | 2.5 or lower | TOEFL iBT 39 or lower, Duolingo 69 or lower |
Exemptions
You may be exempt if you are from a country where English is the primary language: Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK and the US Virgin Islands.
An ACT composite of 20 or higher, graduating from a US high school, completing English 1101 or an equivalent at an accredited US college, or a US bachelor's or master's degree may also exempt you.
Free test: are you at College of DuPage's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Students already in the US
Students living in the US and enrolled at language training schools must show their level with TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo, the ACT or COD's own Kaplan Test of English placement test. ELS-level students take placement exams and enrol in English Language Studies courses under the current placement guidelines.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on College of DuPage's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where College of DuPage publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does College of DuPage need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 for an associate-level I-20. 3 to 6 brings an English Language Studies I-20.
Can I get into College of DuPage with IELTS 5.5?+
Yes, at the English Language Studies level. You take placement exams and ELS courses first.
Does College of DuPage accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 115 for college-ready status and 70 to 114 for ELS.
What is the lowest IELTS College of DuPage accepts?+
IELTS 3. Scores of 2.5 or lower are not eligible for admission.
Keep reading
Related
- UIUC IELTS requirement
- DePaul University IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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