Duolingo English Test for A-State: What Score Do You Need?

If you have been searching "Duolingo English Test for US admission" or wondering how many points you actually need, here is the short answer: Arkansas State University (A-State) accepts the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, with different minimums depending on your degree level. Spring 2027 applications close soon (November 1, 2026), while Summer 2027 (March 2, 2027) and Fall 2027 still give you time to plan — a good moment to pick the English test that fits your schedule and budget.

What the Duolingo English Test Is and How A-State Uses It

The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency exam recognized by many US universities as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS. At A-State, it is accepted as one of several valid proof-of-English options for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. The required score is not the same across degree levels, so it helps to know exactly which program you are applying to before you set a target score.

Score Comparison: Duolingo, TOEFL, and IELTS

Below are A-State's published minimums by degree level. These are entry thresholds for consideration, not guarantees of admission — your GPA and overall application still matter.

Degree Level	Duolingo	TOEFL	IELTS
Undergraduate	110	61	5.5
Graduate	120	79	6.0

Undergraduate applicants also need a minimum 2.3 GPA, and if you have SAT/ACT scores, the reference points are an SAT EBRW of 550 or an ACT of 21. Graduate applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA. Full program-specific details are on the undergraduate admissions and graduate admissions pages.

Why Many Students Choose Duolingo

The Duolingo English Test has a few practical advantages that make it appealing when you are pulling an application together quickly:

• Take it at home: no travel to a test center — just a computer, webcam, and a stable internet connection.
• Faster results: turnaround is typically much quicker than waiting for a fixed test date and score release with traditional exams, which helps when you are racing a deadline.
• Generally lower cost: compared with TOEFL or IELTS, Duolingo's fee is usually more accessible — though exact pricing changes over time, so check the official Duolingo English Test site for current rates.
• Flexible scheduling: you can typically register and test almost any day, rather than waiting for a monthly test date.

This article is not comparing which test is harder or easier — that depends on your own strengths. What matters is which test fits your available prep time, budget, and the way you test best.

Things to Check Before You Register

One important detail: Duolingo scores (like TOEFL and IELTS scores) are only valid for a limited period set by the university after your test date. If you test too far in advance, your score could expire before you actually need it for your application. Confirm the exact validity window with the Vietnam Office before you schedule a test, especially if you are targeting Summer 2027 or Fall 2027.

If your score comes in below the required minimum, you still have a path forward: A-State's English Language Academy (ELA) offers six levels of instruction with an 11:1 student-teacher ratio and CEA accreditation. A full ELA semester runs an estimated $6,522 (covering tuition, fees, and related costs). The real advantage is that once you complete the program, you do not need to submit a separate TOEFL or IELTS score to prove English proficiency for your main degree program. Learn more on the ELA program page.

Not Sure If You Qualify Yet? Check Now

Rather than guessing, the fastest way to find out is to use the A-State admission checker and enter your Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS score along with your GPA to see how it compares against the requirements for your degree level. If you are still deciding which term to target, review the application deadlines page to plan your test date and paperwork — Spring 2027 closes November 1, 2026, Summer 2027 closes March 2, 2027, and the exact Fall 2027 deadline should be confirmed with the Vietnam Office once it is announced.

Keep in mind that tuition, deadlines, and English-proficiency policies can change from year to year, so always verify the latest figures before you register for a test or submit your application.

Want Advice for Your Specific Situation?

Every applicant's profile is different — some have a strong GPA and just need the right English score, others benefit more from an ELA pathway. A-State's Vietnam Office can review your background and advise, free of charge, on whether Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or ELA is the better fit. Reach out at study@astate.edu.vn, call the hotline at 097 586 1994, or leave your details on the contact page and the team will follow up promptly.

Photo by Gustavo Tambani on Unsplash