Are you dreaming of studying in the USA without IELTS? Good news! There are many PTE Accepted Universities in USA including Harvard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Colorado State University and more.
As an international student, if you are applying from a non-English speaking country you must have to prove your English language proficiency. However, US universities accept alternative English language tests like PTE, Duolingo, OIETC, and more. Even some universities allow students with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certification. If your previous education was in English, you may qualify for admission without a standardized test.
However, PTE is the best alternative to IELTS due to its widespread acceptance and fast results. The minimum PTE score requirement in the USA is around 50–60. In this blog, we will discuss the PTE accepted universities in USA and how to improve your score for PTE. So, if you want to study in the USA with PTE for the September 2025 intake this blog will help you a lot.
Check Your Eligibility!
What is PTE?
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English. PTE is a Globally recognised English language proficiency test. This test is designed for students and professionals who need proof of their language skills.
Many top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia accept PTE scores for admissions. Unlike IELTS, PTE is fully computerized and provides AI-based scoring. It ensures fast and transparent results within 48 hours. The test evaluates four key skills:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
Since the PTE Academic test is widely accepted by U.S. universities and immigration offices, it’s one of the best alternatives for students who prefer a faster, fairer, and more accessible English test.
Why Choose PTE for Studying Abroad?
Choosing PTE (Pearson Test of English) for studying abroad has become increasingly popular for several reasons:
- Faster Results: PTE provides fast results, usually within 48 hours, whereas IELTS takes up to 13 days to give results. This quick turnaround can help applicants submit scores to universities and meet application deadlines with ease.
- Widely Accepted: PTE is widely accepted by thousands of universities and colleges around the world, including top universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many immigration authorities, especially in Australia, also accept PTE scores.
- Computer-Based Testing: PTE is fully computerized, which means all sections, including speaking, are completed on a computer.
- More Test Dates: PTE offers flexible test dates with 350+ testing centres worldwide. This thing makes it convenient to find a date and location that suits your schedule.
Choosing PTE can make the application process smoother, faster, and more reliable. It provides an efficient way to demonstrate English language proficiency for international education and immigration.
Is PTE Accepted in USA?
Yes! PTE is widely accepted by the US universities, including top institutions like:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Many undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in the USA accept PTE as proof of English proficiency. If you’re planning to study in the September 2025 intake, contact us as soon as possible as we can ensure you the minimum PTE requirements in USA also we can share some tips to improve your PTE score.
PTE Accepted Universities in USA
Many top-ranked U.S. universities accept PTE scores for international student admissions. Below are some of the best PTE accepted universities in USA for international students:
| Universities | PTE Score Requirements for 2025 |
| Columbia University | 65 |
| University of Southern California | 61 |
| Colorado State University | 58 |
| Pace University | 52 |
| Arizona State University | 60 |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | 45 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 65 |
Columbia University
All applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of English skills, no matter which country they’re from. F1 visa applicants also need to provide proof of English skills, even if they listed English as their first language on their application. However, Columbia University accepts the PTE test. The minimum PTE score requirement for Columbia University is an overall 65 & Writing Minimum of 65.
University of Southern California
USC needs to receive your test scores directly from the testing service for them to count as official. Photocopies or paper copies are not accepted. When you register for the PTE Academic test, choose “University of Southern California” from the list of schools. Or, you can give this information to the testing centre after you finish the test.
You don’t need to provide contact information for the specific USC department you’re applying to. The minimum PTE score requirement at the University of Southern California is 61 or above, with 53 or above on each band.
Colorado State University
CSU Graduate School requires proof of English language skills for admission. You can show this by taking the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic tests. The minimum PTE score requirement at Colorado State University is overall 58.
Pace University
Students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a country where English is not the official language, and whose first language is not English, must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson PTE scores. The test scores must be from within the last two years. The minimum PTE requirement at Pace University is an overall 52.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is one of the most popular PTE accepted universities in USA. The minimum PTE score required for Arizona State University is 60.
California State University, Monterey Bay
To be considered for admission at California State University, Monterey Bay, students must complete all academic and English language requirements by the end of the term before they start. Summer classes cannot be used to meet the requirements for Fall admission. All documents must be in the original language and include certified English translations. California State University also accept PTE tests. The minimum PTE requirement for California State University, Monterey Bay is an overall 45.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
If English is not your first language, MIT strongly recommends that you provide English proficiency test scores if you have been using English for less than 5 years, or if you don’t speak English at home or school. This helps the university review your application more completely. The minimum PTE score requirement at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is 65.
Minimum PTE Score Requirements at USA Universities
Most of the universities in USA accept PTE scores of an average of 50-60. However, the minimum PTE score requirement at US universities is 50-55. Some universities accept this score whereas some universities may require a score of more than 60.
| Degree | Minimum PTE Score |
| Bachelor’s | 50-65 |
| Master’s | 55-70 |
Documents Required to Apply for the PTE Accepted Universities in USA
Every university in USA has its admission requirements. However, here are some general documents required to apply for the PTE accepted universities in USA.
- Completed Application Form: Applicants need to fill out the university’s application form.
- PTE Score Report: Submit a valid PTE score report.
- Transcripts: Provide academic transcripts from previous schools.
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually needed for graduate programs.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a personal statement about your goals and reasons for applying.
Final Words
A strong PTE score can open doors to top US universities in 2025, but a well-rounded application also matters. Make sure you have:
- Submitted a strong SOP & LORs
- Maintained a high GPA
- Checked university-specific requirements
Need expert guidance? Contact AIMS Education for a FREE consultation on PTE-accepted universities in USA in 2025! Just submit the enquiry form with the required information and one of our expert counsellors will contact you soon.
FAQ
Which university will accept PTE in the USA?
Ans: Columbia University, Yale University, University of Southern California, Colorado State University, Pace University, University of Pennsylvania, etc. are the best PTE accepted universities in USA.
Is PTE valid for 3 years for PR?
Ans: Although the PTE Academic Score Report is marked as valid for 2 years, it is accepted for immigration purposes in Australia for up to 3 years.
What is the minimum PTE score for a USA student visa?
Ans: The minimum PTE score requirement for a USA student visa is 50-55 for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Is 50 in PTE 6 in IELTS?
Ans: You can think of a PTE score of 46 as being the same as an IELTS band score of 6.0, or a PTE score of 50 as equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.0.
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Ans: In conclusion, there is no clear “easier” test between IELTS and PTE. It depends on what you prefer, what you’re looking for, and which test your chosen university accepts.
Which PTE is most difficult?
Ans: The PTE Reading section is considered the most difficult of the three. Many test-takers lose points in this part. Most questions in the Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks section focus on word combinations, known as collocations.
AIMS Education is a reliable study abroad consultancy firm guiding students in selecting courses, and universities and helping them apply and secure their student visas. Also, AIMS Education is a British Council-certified agent and is listed on the British Council’s global agent list. We provide student recruitment services in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Malta, Finland, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia and UAE. Not only this but also AIMS Education is an ICEF Accredited Agent, UCAS Registered Centre, Expatrio Partner, PTE and Language Cert Partner. With an almost 98% student satisfaction rate and 10+ global awards, AIMS Education is now a name of trust among study abroad aspirants.
