University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for CU Denver?

CU Denver asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 105, with at least 85 in literacy, conversation, comprehension and production, for undergraduate programmes other than Nursing and for most graduate programmes. Undergraduates who fall short can be considered for the LynxDirect pathway at the CU Denver ESL Academy, which accepts Duolingo 95. Nursing sets its own requirement.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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 programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate, all programmes except Nursing105Literacy, conversation, comprehension and production 85 each
Graduate, most programmes105Same 85 subscores; College of Nursing excluded
LynxDirect Pathway (undergraduate)95 overallCU 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

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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