Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Nebraska-Lincoln TOEFL minimums by level
From the undergraduate international requirements, Graduate Studies English proficiency page, graduate catalogue admission policy and the Computer Science MS page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate general admission (new scale) | 4.0, with 4.0 in each section | School code 6877 |
| Undergraduate general admission (old scale) | 79, with 18 in each section | Architecture and Education also 79 |
| College of Engineering (old scale) | 80 | Undergraduate |
| College of Journalism and Mass Communications (old scale) | 100 | Undergraduate |
| Graduate Studies | 4 (after 21 Jan 2026); 79 (before) | Departments may require more |
| Computer Science MS | 100 | Higher departmental level |
How Nebraska-Lincoln handles TOEFL scores
Graduate Studies treats TOEFL scores as valid for two years. Send them via ETS to institution code 6877; Computer Science notes that no department code is needed. Undergraduate full admission needs official scores sent electronically from the testing agency.
Graduate students with a TOEFL writing score below 5 or a total below 5.5 (writing below 25 or total below 100 on older tests) must take and pass a three-credit English course on arrival. New teaching assistants who are non-native speakers must attend the International Teaching Assistant Institute.
For comparison, the Graduate Studies page sets IELTS at 6.5, and the undergraduate page sets 6.5 with 6.0 subscores.
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If your TOEFL score is below Nebraska-Lincoln's level
Undergraduates who do not meet English proficiency are enrolled in the Nebraska Intensive English Program and are conditionally admitted, with progress to full admission reviewed at the end of each semester. Graduate Studies points applicants who are not yet ready for English-medium study to the same Intensive English Program.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Nebraska-Lincoln programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Nebraska-Lincoln require?+
4, or 79 on tests before 21 January 2026, for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Does UNL Journalism need a higher TOEFL score?+
Yes. The College of Journalism and Mass Communications lists 100 on the old scale.
Does UNL offer conditional admission?+
Yes. Undergraduates below the minimum enter the Intensive English Program with conditional admission.
What is Nebraska-Lincoln's TOEFL code?+
6877.
Keep reading
Related
- Nebraska-Lincoln IELTS requirement
- Iowa TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL score scale (2026)
- IELTS vs TOEFL for the USA
- All 3989 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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