Low TOEFL Scores US Universities: This is a list of Universities in the United States of America that accept low TOEFL scores for admission. You will be amazed at some low scores these schools in the USA accept, but be warned, these are not very low scores.
If you have a low score in your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and wants to study in a United States University, don’t despair. There are universities that will accept you for admission if you score around average. Average scores in TOEFL are considered low for admission into Universities in Europe.
For example, you will see Universities in Germany asking for 95 TOEFL iBT score out of a total of 120. I have even encountered Universities asking for as much as 110 out of a total of 120. That’s huge.
List of Universities in the USA Accepting Low TOEFL Scores
Here is a list of Universities that we have checked out and confirmed to accept average scores. This is not exhaustive, we must admit but as we get more information about more Universities, we will add to the list.
1.) Idaho State University: The University accepts both TOEFL and IELTS for English Proficiency. For TOEFL, the minimum score of 61 is accepted on the computer-based exam (iBT).
2.) California State University, Fullerton: Regardless of citizenship, all applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency before an admissions decision can be made. Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted. TOEFL scores requirement differ between courses.
- Masters/Graduate Programme: 550 Paper or 80 iBT
- Music: 560 or 83 iBT
- MBA/Graduate Business: 570 or 88-89 iBT
- Engineering/Computer Science: 550 or 80 iBT
- Art with concentration in Graphic Design: 85 iBT
3.) Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts: The University would consider a student with a 60-69 TOEFL for conditional admission (full-time enrollment in our ESL program for at least one semester- depending on performance student would then be able to enter the university with no additional application). Scores of 70-79 would qualify a student for provisional admission, which equates to 2 university classes and 2 ESL.
4.) Dean University, Massachusetts: At Dean, they are more flexible. While they prefer TOEFL scores of 79 and above, we recognize that students sometimes score lower despite having good academic records.
When this is the case, students may enroll in our International Student FOCUS Program where they receive English language support in credit-bearing classes that count toward their Bachelor’s or Associate Degree. Click here for details.
5.) Michigan State University: International applicants whose first language is not English must meet one of the following language proficiency requirements for regular admission to Michigan State University. Students with acceptable academic credentials who do not meet language proficiency requirements may be admitted on provisional status with the scores indicated below.
TOEFL:
Regular admission:
- Internet-based test: score of 79 with no subscore below 17
- Paper-based test: score of 550 with no subscore below 52
Provisional admission:
- Internet-based test: 60-78
- Paper-based test: 500-549
Please note that this is just one of the 9 testing methods you can choose from.
6.) Miami University of Ohio: To study at Miami University, you must be able to understand lectures in English from the first day of classes. Because of this expectation, if your native language is not English, you are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, or provide alternative evidence of English language proficiency.
Students who provide an English proficiency score that is below the requirement (TOEFL 65-79 iBT) may be considered for conditional admission through Miami University’s American Culture and English (ACE) Program. Normal admission TOEFL score requirement is Internet-based: 80; Paper-based: 550.
7.) Pittsburg State University: Offers conditional admission to both undergraduate and graduate students with lower TOEFL/IELTS scores. These students will be placed in Intensive English Program. Students entering this program will take a placement test upon arrival and be placed in one of 6 levels of courses — each lasting eight weeks.
Once a student has passed the final level they are able to enroll in their degree program full time without having to take further English testing. Students may also present a passing TOEFL/IELTS score at any time and be fully admitted to their degree program.
Some may argue that these scores are still a bit high, since a score of 60 on a scale of 120 is considered average. If you have ever tried to apply for admission into tuition-free Universities in Europe, you would realize that these are low scores compared to what is required in Europe.
PS: I have taken TOEFL myself and I scored 105 out of 120. That was my first attempt without much practice. I only checked the formats of the exam before attempting it. I am confident I can score higher if I try again. I will share with you some tips that can help you score high in TOEFL.