Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
CU Denver Duolingo minimums by level
From the CU Denver catalog's undergraduate English language proficiency page and International Admissions' graduate application page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, all programmes except Nursing | 105 | Literacy, conversation, comprehension and production 85 each |
| Graduate, most programmes | 105 | Same 85 subscores; College of Nursing excluded |
| LynxDirect Pathway (undergraduate) | 95 overall | CU Denver ESL Academy |
Subscores, sending and the IELTS comparison
The undergraduate page says CU Denver is aware of Duolingo's newer speaking, writing, reading and listening subscores but will keep using the integrated subscore minimums of 85 shown above. To send scores, both pages say to search for "University of Colorado Denver". The graduate page adds that Duolingo reports must be sent officially through the Duolingo website, and tells applicants to check their programme's minimum. Neither page states a validity period or mentions teaching assistantships.
For comparison, the same pages set IELTS Academic at 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each band for both levels, and 6.0 for LynxDirect.
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If your Duolingo score falls short
Undergraduate applicants (except Nursing) and some graduate applicants can be considered for conditional admission if they apply without enough proof of English. Undergraduates who meet none of the English options are considered for LynxDirect, whose entry level is Duolingo 95 overall or completion of ESL Academy Level 4. Completing every Level 5 class at the ESL Academy meets the English requirement for any CU Denver programme.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CU Denver programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does CU Denver need?+
105 overall with 85 in literacy, conversation, comprehension and production, for undergraduate programmes except Nursing and most graduate programmes.
Does CU Denver use the new Duolingo skill subscores?+
No. The catalog says it will keep using the integrated subscore minimums of 85.
What Duolingo score gets me into the LynxDirect pathway?+
95 overall, per the CU Denver catalog.
How do I send Duolingo results to CU Denver?+
Send them officially through the Duolingo website and search for University of Colorado Denver.
Keep reading
Related
- CU Denver IELTS requirement
- CU Boulder Duolingo requirement
- How to send Duolingo English Test results
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- All 3605 guides
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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