Universities Accepting IELTS 5.5 Band Scores in USA 2025

There is a chance that your IELTS score might fall short of the average band requirement for a US university. In such circumstances, you can make an appointment with your university's admission officer to acquire further information. Find out whether there are any exemptions or alternatives that will allow you to complete the course.

Moreover, apply to universities that accept your band score. You can also search for alternate courses that do not require a high IELTS score. Further, if your IELTS results are insufficient, you may retake the exam or take another English language competency test such as the TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.'

Most of the time, the university’s eligibility criteria for admission remain unchanged for years. So, visit the official website and check the requirements and eligibility criteria on your own. Normally, official announcements and notifications will have all the information you will need.

So, if you have scored 5.5 band scores in IELTS and are planning to study in US, then here is the list of universities accepting IELTS 5.5 Band Scores in USA.

Let us discuss some of the top universities accepting IELTS 5.5 band scores in detail in this section:

California State University, Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, California. It is part of the California State University system. It is one of the biggest public institutions in California, enrolling about 20,000 undergraduates. The academic calendar at CSULA is based on quarters. 

• University Ranking: 1401+

• Acceptance Rate: 91%

• Popular Courses: Economics, Counselling, Nutrition, Criminalistics, and Psychology. 

The University of Hawaii, Hilo, is a public university and a part of the University of Hawaii System's ten general campuses. It was originally established as Hilo Center in 1945 in the Hilo Boys School's Lyman Hall, and it served as a satellite campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The university hosts around 3400 students, including 2.5% international students.

• University Ranking: 386

• Acceptance Rate: 92%

• Popular Courses: Arts & Sciences, Pharmacy, Natural and Health Sciences, Business and Economics, and Agriculture. 

In the US state of Wisconsin, there is a network of public universities known as the Universities of Wisconsin. It is one of the biggest public higher education systems in the US, with over 160,000 annual enrollment and about 41,000 academic staff members connected throughout the entire state. Ranking among the top research universities in the country, UWM collaborates with top Wisconsin and national businesses to further knowledge, commercialise innovative discoveries, and equip students for employment in a global economy. Also, it is important to know that the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, offers conditional admission with an IELTS score band of 5.5. So, you will need to find out if your graduate program accepts conditional admission. 

• University Ranking: 1001 - 1200

• Acceptance Rate: 89%

• Popular Courses: Freshwater Sciences, Labour Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, and Information and Library Sciences

Central Michigan University is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was established as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute in 1892. It is a national leader in higher education and offers students from throughout the globe an excellent education. They are totally committed to pursuing wisdom, creativity, invention, and innovation in their teachings. 

• University Ranking: 1201 - 1400 

• Acceptance Rate: 77% 

• Popular Courses: Computer Science and IT, Mathematics, Geographical Information Sciences, Administration, and Music Composition. 

The University of Mississippi is a public research institution with a medical facility in Jackson that is close to Oxford, Mississippi. It is the second-largest public institution in Mississippi by enrollment and the state's oldest. The University of Mississippi is the flagship institution of higher learning for the state, inspiring and educating a vibrant and varied population. Its transforming experiences allow members to flourish academically, socially, and culturally. With nearly 40 degree programs, the liberal arts college is dedicated to removing obstacles in a proactive and responsive manner so that each graduate can realise their full potential.

• University Ranking: 1001-1200

• Acceptance Rate: 90%

• Popular Courses: Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Elementary Education and Teaching, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration and Management, and Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

A student visa for the United States requires a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four areas of the IELTS band criteria, with an overall score of 6.5. However, the actual requirements may differ depending on the programme. With an IELTS score of 5.5, you can get into a university with a 5.5 IELTS score requirement in the United States.

While there is no hard and fast rule, students are always advised to have an IELTS score of 6.0 band to better get a student visa to the United States.

In summary, the United States has traditionally been known for its stringent English language proficiency requirements for Indian students. However, it is gradually changing as a large number of universities are now open to accepting IELTS scores as low as 5.5 bands, making higher education in the USA more accessible to a wider range of Indian students. Moreover, prospective students need to remember that individual program requirements may still vary. As these opportunities continue to expand, students with slightly lower IELTS scores have reason to be optimistic about their prospects of studying in the USA.

So, in case if you are planning to study in USA? We encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) for the best guidance regarding universities accepting IELTS 5.5 band scores in USA. If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study in USA. Apart from this, our expert counsellors will also provide assistance in the visa process for your successful study abroad journey. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

Q: What is the minimum IELTS score required to study in the USA?

A: Generally, to secure admission to US universities, students require a minimum IELTS score between 6.0 to 6.5. However, few universities may accept an IELTS score of 5.5 bands.

Q: How many US universities accept IELTS scores?

A: Almost all the universities in the US accept IELTS as proof of international student’s English language proficiency skills.

Q: Can we achieve a US student visa with a 5.5 IELTS band score?

A: Achieving a US student visa with a 5.5 IELTS band score would be a little difficult. However, with the right strategies, you can achieve it.