University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for St. Cloud State University?

St. Cloud State University uses TOEFL tiers for graduate admission: 4.5 (legacy 100 or more) for full admission, 4.0 (legacy 79 to 99) for provisional admission with English courses, and 3.5 (legacy 61 to 78) for conditional language admission. Undergraduates need 61 for tests before 21 January 2026, or 3.5 after, with section minimums.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

St. Cloud State TOEFL minimums by level

From the graduate English proficiency page, the graduate admission criteria page and the international undergraduate English proficiency page.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate, tests before 21 Jan 202661Reading, Writing and Listening 15 or higher
Undergraduate, tests after 21 Jan 20263.5Reading 3.5; Writing and Listening 3.0
Graduate, full admission4.5; legacy 100Any graduate programme
Graduate, provisional admission4.0, no subscore below 4.0; legacy 79 to 99, no subscore below 17Must complete EAP 511 and EAP 512
Graduate, conditional language admission3.5; legacy 61 to 78Complete Intensive English Center Level 5 first
Graduate, three-year degree pathway68, no subscore below 16Provisional admission with GPA 2.75

How St. Cloud State handles TOEFL scores

Graduate applicants below 3.5 (legacy 61) are not eligible for graduate admission. The graduate page does not accept the Duolingo English Test, IELTS General Training, or medium of instruction letters. The undergraduate page says test reports must be less than two years old and official scores must be sent directly to SCSU.

For comparison, the graduate page sets IELTS Academic at 7.5 for full admission, 6.5 to 7.0 for provisional and 5.5 to 6.0 for conditional language admission; the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 5.5.

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If your TOEFL score is below St. Cloud State's level

Graduate applicants in the provisional band take EAP 511 and EAP 512 alongside their programme, and those in the conditional band complete Intensive English Center Level 5 before starting graduate coursework. The exemptions page says even exempt students may be asked to take an English placement test and may then need ESL or EAP 511 and 512. Undergraduates can also qualify by completing St. Cloud State's Intensive English Center with a letter from its director.

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

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does St. Cloud State need for full graduate admission?+

4.5, or 100 or more on the legacy scale.

Can I be admitted to a St. Cloud State graduate programme with a lower TOEFL?+

Yes. 4.0 (79 to 99) gives provisional admission with EAP 511 and 512, and 3.5 (61 to 78) gives conditional language admission.

What TOEFL score do St. Cloud State undergraduates need?+

61 with Reading, Writing and Listening of 15, or 3.5 after 21 January 2026.

Does St. Cloud State graduate admission accept Duolingo?+

No. The graduate page lists the Duolingo English Test as not accepted.

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Guide updated on 1 November 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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