How SAT scores vary across colleges
Each college reports the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores of students who enrolled. Adding the midpoints of the reading and math ranges gives a rough middle score for each school. Across 4-year colleges that report:
| Share of colleges | Middle SAT score at or below |
|---|---|
| 10% | 1005 |
| 25% | 1080 |
| 50% (median college) | 1175 |
| 75% | 1270 |
| 90% | 1405 |
So a score of about 1175 puts you at the typical enrolled student at the median reporting college, and 1405 or higher puts you in the typical range at only the top 10% of colleges. (Adding section midpoints is an approximation, not an exact combined percentile.)
ACT scores
The same pattern for the ACT composite: the middle score at the median reporting college is 24, with 20 at the 10th percentile of colleges and 32 at the 90th.
What counts as good for you
- Inside the middle 50% range: you look like a typical admit on scores.
- Above the 75th percentile: scores will help you.
- Below the 25th percentile: the school is a reach on scores, unless it is test-optional and you choose not to send them.
Check your scores against any school with the test score fit tool. Many colleges are test-optional: for fall 2024, 1,003 four-year colleges said scores are considered but not required.
Sources
- College Scorecard data, U.S. Department of Education, release of October 15, 2026
- College Scorecard data dictionary
