English Proficiency
Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to study at SUNY Empire State University. Evaluation reports must be sent to the university directly from the approved evaluation service. Only official copies are accepted.
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Undergraduate applicants may demonstrate proficiency through the presentation of official test results from the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or equivalent English examination. Empire State University may exempt a prospective student from taking an English examination if the student completed high school in the United States or another Anglophone country, or the student previously completed one or more semesters of study in a regionally accredited college or university in which the language of instruction was English.
Below are the minimum scores to be eligible for consideration for admissions to SUNY Empire’s undergraduate programs. If your scores are lower than those listed in the chart, you may still be considered for admission if you retake the English Language test and submit a passing score.
| Test | Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL IBT (home edition or test center) |
74 |
| IELTS Academic | 60 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 105 |
- Scores must be less than two years old at the time of admission.
- Official scores must be sent directly to SUNY Empire from the testing agency.
- Use the following to send your scores to SUNY Empire:
- TOEFL: 2214 (we are listed as Empire State College and not one of the SUNYs as the others are - TOEFL Destinations Search - Institutions Accepting TOEFL Scores
- IELTS: State University of New York (SUNY), Empire State College
- Duolingo: we are not listed Test your English online
The School for Graduate Studies will accept the TOEFL for tests taken within the past three years. Applicants must score within the 79-94 range on the TOEFL internet-based exam, earn a score of 600 on the paper-based test, or earn a 250 on the computer-based exam.
For more information about the TOEFL exam, visit the ETS website.
International English Language Testing System
The School for Graduate Studies will also accept International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests taken within the last three years. Applicants must achieve a score of 6.5-7 to be considered for admission.
For more information on the IELTS exam, visit the IELTS website.
Graduate applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or from an institution where instruction was in English may be exempt. See the International Graduate Students page for additional information.
