What Level of English is Required for College in the United States?

Students walking to school.
 

When it comes to success in and out of college, having the ability to speak and communicate in English will help you start a career, acquire lifelong skills, and communicate comfortably with the majority of people in the United States. But, it starts with a proper education and the ability to use and understand English in an academic setting.

Degree Admission Requirements 

Alongside a completion of a high school diploma, a GED, or your country’s equivalent, grades meeting a minimum grade point average (GPA), and a score on a standardized test such as the SAT or the ACT, your English proficiency is one of the most important elements of determining if you qualify for a college degree or not for the vast majority of schools in America. How do you know? And what happens if you don’t? We will go through the level of English required for university applications, as well as alternatives for those who do not qualify. 

College English Skill Requirements in the USA

Even if you are not planning to enroll in a degree program focusing on the English language, having proficiency in English will be crucial for long term success in and out of school, as it can help everyone, from scientists to businessmen, have a stronger ability to communicate with others and succeed in life. 

While the English language level required can depend on the school, it is expected that non-native English speakers have the ability to communicate in class, read their academic coursework, and write proper sentences in response. 

How to Determine Your English Language Level?

While it depends on the university, there are a few standard English language tests that can determine your proficiency level: 

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 for undergraduate programs and 89 for graduate programs.
  • TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): At least 650 for undergraduate programs and at least 700 for graduate programs.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 6.0 for undergraduate programs and 6.5 for graduate programs.
  • CAMBRIDGE FCE (First Certificate in English): A grade of “B” (B2 level) or higher, with preference given to Cambridge Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) certificates.
  • Duolingo English Exam: A minimum score of 95 for undergraduate programs and 105 for graduate programs.

What Should I do if I don’t Meet the English Language Requirements for College in America? 

If you’re results are below the required English language level and have a Spanish speaking background, there are some alternatives where you can still go to college, learn English, and get an accredited degree. St. Augustine College is proud to be a higher education institution that can help those looking at applying to a university in America with a Spanish speaking background. 

The goal of St. Augustine is to help students whose primary language is Spanish and slowly teach them English along side their academic focus, mean that when they graduate from St. Augustine College, they can not only apply for a job, but they will have the English skills needed to help them. If you want to learn more on how to advance your education and your English language skills at the same time, reach out and contact us today.