California State University officials are weighing a move to remove the mandatory TOEFL requirement for non-native English speakers. Vice Chancellor Dilcie Perez has proposed a multi-measure approach that would include alternatives like Duolingo or SAT scores.
Replacing TOEFL with Duolingo and SAT scores
A new proposal within the California State University system aims to dismantle the single-test barrier that many international applicants face. Instead of the traditional TOEFL requirement, the system would allow for a variety of credentials, including the Duolingo English Test, SAT scores, or results from Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.
As reported in the source,Vice Chancellor Dilcie Perez argues that the current reliance on the TOEFL creates unnecessary obstacles. The high cost of the exam and its limited availability in certain global regions have historically restricted the pool of potential applicants. By broadening the scope of acceptable English proficiency proofs, Cal State hopes to foster a more equitable and diverse student body.
The 2.5% of students driving campus revenue
International students make up only approximately 2 .5% of the total California State University population, yet their economic impact is disproportionately large. these students typically pay full tuition rates, which serves as a critical revenue stream that helps subsidize the education of domestic students across the system.
The push for more flexible admissions comes at a sensitive time for California's higher education landscape. The report notes that the international education market has struggled significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state has yet to see a full recovery in international enrollments. Attracting these students is therefore not just a matter of diversity, but of institutional financial stability.
The U.S. State Department's potential veto
A significant regulatory hurdle remains for the California State University system despite its efforts to lower entry barriers .. There is a question of whether Cal State's policy change will actually result in higher enrollment if federal requirements remain unchanged.
Former immigration official Lynn Tramonte suggests that the U.S. State Department may effectively nullify the impact of this proposal. Because the State Department maintains its own strict English proficiency standards for issuing student visas,applicants may still be required to prove their language skills regardless of whether Cal State accepts the Duolingo or SAT tests. This creates a disconnect between university admissions policy and federal immigration law that remains an unverified variable in the success of the plan.
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