University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Colorado State University?

Colorado State University asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 110 for undergraduate direct admission and 120 for graduate admission. Undergraduates with good grades but no qualifying score can be considered for conditional admission through the Intensive English Program. Departments can set higher graduate scores, and graduate scores must be from the two years before admission.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

Colorado State Duolingo minimums by level

From CSU's undergraduate English language proficiency page and the Graduate School's English proficiency page. The undergraduate page names TOEFL, IELTS Academic and the Duolingo English Test (DET) as the preferred proof of English.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate direct admission110Clear admission minimum
Graduate School120Your department may set a higher score
Graduate programme taught in your native languageWaivedPer the Graduate School page

Validity, sending and the IELTS comparison

The Graduate School page says official scores must come directly from the testing agency, must have been taken within two years before admission, and that photocopies are not accepted. Neither page sets Duolingo subscores. The Graduate School does not accept IELTS General Training, the IELTS Indicator or iTEP. Neither page says anything about teaching assistantships.

For comparison, the same pages set IELTS Academic at 6.0 for undergraduate direct admission and 6.5 for graduate admission, with the Graduate School accepting the IELTS One Skill Retake.

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If your Duolingo score falls short

The undergraduate page says you will be considered for conditional admission if you meet CSU's academic standards but have not sent a qualifying TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score. Conditionally admitted students enrol in CSU's Intensive English Program until they finish the Academic English Program or reach the required score. Finishing the IEP also counts as proof of English. The graduate page lists no conditional route.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Colorado State programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Colorado State need for undergraduates?+

110 for direct undergraduate admission, per CSU's international admissions page.

What Duolingo score does the CSU Graduate School need?+

120. Your department may ask for more.

How old can my Duolingo result be for CSU graduate admission?+

Official scores must be from within two years before admission and sent directly by the testing agency.

Can I get conditional admission to CSU without a Duolingo score?+

Undergraduates who meet the academic standards can be considered for conditional admission and study in the Intensive English Program first.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 31 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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