PTE Accepted Universities in the USA – Top Colleges List

When it comes to studying in the United States, proving English proficiency is a key step for international students. Among the globally recognised tests, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) has rapidly gained popularity for its fair scoring, fast results, and acceptance by top institutions. Whether you are aiming for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs, exploring the list of PTE accepted universities in the USA helps you plan your study abroad journey more effectively. With growing recognition and accessibility, PTE is now considered one of the most reliable gateways to world-class education in America.

Why Choose PTE?

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) has become a trusted pathway for international students planning to study in the U.S. Known for its AI-driven scoring system, the test ensures complete fairness and accuracy, while its computer-based format makes it modern and stress-free. A major advantage is the quick result turnaround of just 2–5 business days, helping students meet tight university deadlines with ease. Today, more than 1,500 institutions, including Ivy League schools and top public universities, are listed among PTE accepted universities in the USA, making it one of the most reliable and widely recognised English proficiency exams for admission into undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

PTE Exam Criteria

The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is a computer-based English proficiency test designed to evaluate the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of non-native speakers. The test is scored on a 10–90 scale, with most U.S. universities requiring a minimum of 50–70+, depending on the course and institution tier.

• Eligibility: No specific age or qualification requirement, but candidates must be at least 16 years old (those under 18 need parental consent).
• Test Format:
• Speaking & Writing (54–67 mins) – personal introduction, essay writing, sentence repetition.
• Reading (29–30 mins) – multiple-choice, re-order paragraphs, fill-in-the-blanks.
• Listening (30–43 mins) – summarising spoken text, multiple-choice, highlight correct summary.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours in a single sitting.
• Results: Delivered within 2–5 business days.
• Acceptance: Valid for study abroad, work, and migration, including over 1,500 U.S. universities and colleges.

Benefits of Online Colleges vs. Offline (Campus-Based)

 Tier 1 U.S. Universities Accepting PTE

1. Harvard University

Harvard is a global leader in education, research, and innovation. With world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and an unmatched alumni network, it provides opportunities in every field. Its generous financial aid makes it accessible even to students from middle-income families.

• PTE Score Eligibility: around 75 (some UG programs accept 68).
• Courses & Duration: Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (1–2 years), PhD (varies). Programs across law, medicine, business, engineering, and the sciences.
• Fees:
• UG tuition: USD 56,550/year; total cost (housing, meals, health) USD 82,866.
• Graduate tuition: ~USD 55,440/year.
• Aid: From 2025–26, tuition is free for families earning ≤ USD 200k; all billed expenses covered if ≤ USD 100k.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is ranked among the best technical institutes in the world. It’s perfect for students aiming for cutting-edge careers in engineering, AI, data science, or entrepreneurship. Strong industry links with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla give graduates a career advantage.

• PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 65, recommended 70.
• Courses & Duration: Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (1–2 years), PhDs (longer). Specialises in engineering, science, computer science, business analytics, architecture, and economics.
• Fees:
• Annual cost: USD 89,340 (tuition, housing, meals, student fees).
• Tuition alone: USD 64,310.
• Net cost with aid: USD 12,938 for many undergraduates.
  

3. Stanford University

Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford offers unmatched exposure to the global tech ecosystem. Its innovation culture, access to venture capital networks, and interdisciplinary programs make it the go-to place for future entrepreneurs and researchers.

• PTE Score Eligibility: Usually, 68+.
• Courses & Duration: Bachelor’s (~4 years), Master’s (1–2 years), PhD. Programs include engineering, business (Stanford GSB), humanities, arts, law, and sciences.
• Fees:
• UG tuition: ~USD 55,473/year.
• Graduate tuition: ~USD 54–58k/year.
• Additional living expenses increase total cost by USD 20–30k/year.

4. Yale University

Yale is known for its liberal arts curriculum, historic Ivy League prestige, and strong emphasis on leadership and critical thinking. Its law and arts programs are especially world-renowned. The campus community is tight-knit, offering great peer learning and networking opportunities.

• PTE Score Eligibility: UG  60–80; graduate programs usually require 70+.
• Courses & Duration: Offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in law, global affairs, medicine, arts, and sciences.
• Fees:  USD 55k–60k tuition annually (living costs extra).

5. Columbia University

Columbia’s location in New York City provides direct access to finance, media, and cultural industries. It’s especially famous for its journalism school and international relations programs. Students benefit from global exposure and strong job opportunities in NYC.

• PTE Score Eligibility: 68 minimum.
• Courses & Duration: Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (1–2 years), PhD. Popular fields include journalism, political science, engineering, economics, and international affairs.
• Fees: USD 55–60k/year tuition; housing and other costs USD 20–25k extra.
  

Tier 2 Universities in the USA Accepting PTE

1. Arizona State University (ASU)

ASU has been ranked among the most innovative U.S. universities for multiple years. It offers flexible learning formats, strong research opportunities, and affordable tuition compared to Ivy League institutions. Its partnerships with global companies, such as Microsoft and Starbucks, also create strong career pathways.

PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 60.

Courses & Duration:

• Undergraduate: 4 years across business, computer science, engineering, liberal arts, and design.
• Graduate: 1–2 years (master’s in data science, MBA, engineering, sustainability, etc.).

Fees:

• UG tuition: USD 32,000–36,000 per year (out-of-state).
• PG tuition: USD 25,000–30,000 per year.

2. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

UIC is known for its diversity and strong focus on health sciences, engineering, and business programs. Being in Chicago provides students with access to internships and job opportunities in one of the largest U.S. financial and tech hubs.

PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 54.

Courses & Duration:

• Undergraduate: 4 years in health sciences, architecture, business, computer engineering, and liberal arts.
• Graduate: 1–2 years in MBA, public health, engineering, data analytics, and nursing.

Fees:

• UG tuition: USD 30,000–33,000 per year.
• PG tuition: USD 27,000–32,000 per year.

3. University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)

UT Dallas is especially strong in STEM fields, business, and computer science. With its location near Dallas–Fort Worth, students benefit from one of the largest job markets in the U.S. It’s also known for affordable tuition compared to other Tier 1 schools while still maintaining excellent academic standards.

PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 67.

Courses & Duration:

• Undergraduate: 4 years in computer science, biomedical engineering, business administration, and economics.
• Graduate: 1–2 years in finance, IT management, engineering, and supply chain.

Fees:

• UG tuition: USD 35,000–37,000 per year.
• PG tuition: USD 28,000–32,000 per year.

Tier 3 Universities in the USA Accepting PTE

1. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

CSULB is one of the largest campuses of the California State University system. Known for its affordable tuition, diverse student population, and location near Los Angeles, it offers strong academic programs without the high Ivy League price tag.

PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 50–53.

Courses & Duration:

• Undergraduate: 4 years in business administration, liberal arts, engineering, psychology, and fine arts.
• Graduate: 1–2 years in computer engineering, education, MBA, and health sciences.

Fees:

• UG tuition: USD 18,000–20,000 per year.
• PG tuition: USD 16,000–18,000 per year.

2. University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

UNC Wilmington is widely respected for its marine sciences and coastal studies. Students also appreciate a safe, community-driven campus environment with affordable living costs compared to those in big U.S. cities.

PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 54.

Courses & Duration:

• Undergraduate: 4 years in marine biology, business, IT, and arts.
• Graduate: 1–2 years in MBA, data science, and coastal engineering.

Fees:

• UG tuition: USD 17,000–19,000 per year.
• PG tuition: USD 16,000–18,000 per year.

3. San Jose State University (SJSU)

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU provides excellent access to internships and jobs in the tech industry. It combines affordable education with strong networking opportunities in one of the most innovative regions of the world.

PTE Score Eligibility: Minimum 53–56.

Courses & Duration:

• Undergraduate: 4 years in computer science, business, arts, and engineering.
• Graduate: 1–2 years in MBA, computer engineering, and data analytics.

Fees:

• UG tuition: USD 19,000–21,000 per year.
• PG tuition: USD 18,000–20,000 per year.

Scholarships Generally Offered in the USA

Many U.S. universities offer scholarships to ease the financial burden for international students. These can be merit-based (for strong academic scores or high PTE results), need-based (for students with limited financial resources), or departmental awards for specific fields of study. In addition, some scholarships are funded by governments, private organisations, or country-specific programs. While a good PTE score can strengthen your profile, scholarships are usually awarded based on a combination of factors such as GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and financial background.

List of Scholarships Available for International Students

Merit-Based Scholarships in the USA

Merit scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic records, strong standardised test scores, or leadership achievements. For international students, a high PTE score combined with good grades can strengthen applications. Examples include the Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and university-specific merit awards.

Need-Based Scholarships for Global Students

Need-based scholarships are designed to make education accessible to talented students from lower-income families. Universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale offer generous financial aid packages that often cover tuition, housing, and living expenses. These scholarships require proof of financial need, which can be demonstrated through documents such as income certificates or sponsor details.

Government-Funded Scholarships in the USA

Several U.S. government initiatives support international students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the most popular, offering tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. Similarly, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship supports mid-career professionals in leadership training and academic study.

University-Specific Scholarships and Grants

Many U.S. universities provide their own scholarships. For example, New York University offers Wagner Scholarships, while Boston University provides Presidential Scholarships. These awards typically cover partial tuition and are renewable for multiple years, contingent upon academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in the USA

Eligibility varies, but common requirements include:

• Strong academic record (minimum GPA requirement).
• Proof of English proficiency (PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL).
• Recommendation letters and essays.
• Demonstrated leadership or extracurricular achievements.
• For need-based aid, financial documents are required to prove income levels.

How a Good PTE Score Can Support Your Scholarship Application

While scholarships are not given solely based on PTE scores, a high PTE score (65–75+) proves strong English proficiency and improves your admission chances at top universities. Many institutions consider English test scores as part of merit evaluation, especially for international applicants.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Securing Scholarships

• Apply early, as many scholarships have strict deadlines.
• Prepare a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and essays.
• Highlight extracurriculars, leadership, and volunteer work.
• Maintain high academic performance throughout your studies.
• Explore both university-based and external funding options to maximise chances.

Careers After Studying in the USA

Graduates from PTE-accepted universities in the USA can work under Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 1 year, and STEM graduates can extend it to 3 years. Popular career paths include engineering, technology, healthcare, finance, and research. A U.S. degree backed by strong English skills not only improves job prospects in America but also gives graduates a global edge in their careers.

Visa Eligibility and PR Details

The PTE Academic exam is widely accepted by more than 1,500 U.S. universities and colleges as proof of English proficiency, making it a reliable option for international students applying for an F-1 study visa. A good PTE score, usually ranging from 50 to 75+, depending on the university, not only helps secure admission but also strengthens your visa application. However, it’s important to note that while PTE is valid for U.S. university admissions and student visas, it is not currently accepted for U.S. Permanent Residency (PR) applications. For PR, other eligibility criteria and immigration pathways apply, whereas PTE remains a pathway to study and work opportunities through programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.

Final Words

Choosing the right university in the U.S. begins with proving your English proficiency, and the PTE exam has made this process faster, fairer, and widely accessible. By exploring pte accepted universities in the USA and understanding the score requirements, fees, courses, and scholarship options at Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 institutions, you can plan your study abroad journey with confidence. Whether your goal is to pursue research at a top-ranked institution or gain practical skills at a regional university, PTE ensures you meet the language requirements and take the first step toward success. The U.S. remains a land of opportunity, and with PTE, your pathway to world-class education is clearer than ever.