English Language Proficiency Requirements for Admission

Proof of proficiency testing in English is now required to receive an I-20 for both F-1 academic admission and for English as a Second Language training admission.

Admission to Cuyahoga Community College for Academic Studies:

Students who have met a certain level of English proficiency may be admitted to the College for Academic Studies to study on an I-20 for their declared major. Students studying with an I-20 in Academic Studies may be approved for studies up to 36 months at the College. To be considered for Academic Studies admission in their major, prospective students must submit their current level of English proficiency in the form of one of the following assessments by meeting, or exceeding, the following scores:

• TOEFL (iBT, online test): 79 (no sub-score can be lower than 18)* or above
• TOEFL (computer-based test): 213* or above
• TOEFL (paper test): 550* or above
• IELTS (academic test): 6.0* or above
• ACT: 18 or above (in Reading)*
• SAT: 480 or above (in Reading)*
• Cuyahoga Community College ACCUPLACER (If currently in U.S.) ― Placement into ENG-1010 or above
• Transfer credit in college-level English with a grade of "C" or better from an accredited U.S. college or university

*Scores are valid up to two years from the test date

Admission to Cuyahoga Community College for English as a Second Language training:

Students who have not met the test scores of the above English proficiency requirement (via TOEFL, IELTS, ACT, SAT or ESL placement testing), may be admitted to the College for language training to study on an I-20 for English as a Second Language (ESL). Students studying ESL may be approved for an I-20 up to 18 months and will be able to maintain F-1 status with full-time ESL. Upon completion of ESL Level III, students will receive a certificate of achievement through the Registrar’s Office. Students will then be able to change education levels and receive an I-20 to pursue an associate degree in their field of choice.

To be considered for admission for ESL, prospective students must submit proof of their current level of English proficiency using one of the following assessments listed below for review by Cuyahoga Community College:

• TOEFL (iBT, online test): Minimum score of 16* (no sub-score less than 4)
• IELTS (academic test): 4.0* or above
• ACT*
• SAT*
• Cuyahoga Community College ACCUPLACER (If currently in U.S.)

*Scores are valid up to two years from the test date.