University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for UCCS?

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) asks undergraduates for a Duolingo English Test score of 105. The Graduate School sets Duolingo levels by programme: 115 for most, 120 for programmes such as the MBA and DBA, 125 for Nutrition and Dietetics and Applied Physiology, and 130 for Chemistry and Biochemistry. Graduate test scores must be from the last two years.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

UCCS Duolingo minimums by level and programme

From UCCS's undergraduate English proficiency page and the Graduate School's English proficiency requirements.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate105Official scores sent directly upon admission
Most graduate programmes (e.g. Computer Science, Psychology, MSW)115Graduate IELTS 6.5
MBA and DBA, Applied Geography MA, Athletic Training, Health Promotion MSc120Health Promotion lists IELTS 7
Nutrition and Dietetics MSc, Applied Physiology MSc125IELTS 7
Chemistry and Biochemistry MSc130IELTS 7

How UCCS handles Duolingo scores

Undergraduates may send photocopies or scans for initial review, but official scores must be sent directly to UCCS from the testing agency upon admission.

For graduate study, tests must have been taken in the last two years, and programmes choose which proficiency methods they allow, so UCCS asks you to check with your programme. Neither page gives a Duolingo subscore rule.

For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.0, and the graduate table sets 6.5 for most programmes.

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If your Duolingo score is below UCCS's level

Undergraduates can meet the requirement by completing a UCCS-approved English programme, such as the CU Boulder International English Center, HOFT or the ELS Language Center, with the approved scores. Graduate applicants can also use an approved English training programme or criteria their programme has set.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does UCCS need?+

105 for undergraduates; 115 for most graduate programmes, rising to 130 for Chemistry and Biochemistry.

How recent must my Duolingo score be for UCCS graduate study?+

Taken in the last two years.

What Duolingo score does the UCCS MBA need?+

120 for the MBA and DBA.

What is UCCS's IELTS equivalent?+

IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for most graduate programmes.

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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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