Colleges that Accept Low SAT Scores (2025): Comprehensive List & Application Insights
Worried about your SAT score? You’re not alone! Many students believe that a stellar SAT is the only route to college. In reality, dozens of respected colleges that accept low SAT scores welcome applicants with a broad range of scores—giving you the chance to shine based on academic growth, extracurriculars, or personal achievements. This guide lists 50+ U.S. colleges that accept low SAT scores and offers actionable admissions advice to help your application stand out. Explore, plan confidently, and take your next step toward higher education!
The SAT is scored from 400 to 1600. A “low” SAT score is usually considered below the national average (about 1050 in 2025).
\[ \text{SAT}_{\text{low}} < 1050 \]
But remember: admissions committees review your application holistically—so a low SAT can be offset by strengths elsewhere.
Why Consider Colleges that Accept Low SAT Scores?
- Many schools focus on GPA, essays, recommendations, and leadership over test scores alone
- More U.S. colleges are now test-optional—you can apply without even reporting an SAT score
- Diversified admissions help students with uneven academic records or language backgrounds
- Some colleges have exceptional support programs and upward mobility for motivated students
- Strong "fit" and student support matter more than just score statistics!
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50 U.S. Colleges That Accept Low SAT Scores (Approx. 850–1050+)
| # | College/University | Average SAT or 25th%ile | Admission Rate | Test Policy 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chamberlain College of Nursing (IL) | 810 | 94% | Test Optional |
| 2 | Albany State University (GA) | 820 | 90% | Test Flexible |
| 3 | Manor College (PA) | 830 | 94% | Test Optional |
| 4 | Wright State Univ.–Lake Campus (OH) | 840 | 96% | Test Optional |
| 5 | Gallaudet University (DC) | 841 | 63% | Test Flexible |
| 6 | Chicago State University (IL) | 856 | 67% | Test Optional |
| 7 | Fort Valley State University (GA) | 857 | 61% | Test Optional |
| 8 | Saint Augustine's College (NC) | 860 | 69% | Test Optional |
| 9 | Central State University (OH) | 860 | 62% | Test Optional |
| 10 | Bethel University (TN) | 862 | 83% | Test Optional |
| 11 | Bloomfield College (NJ) | 865 | 77% | Test Optional |
| 12 | Paine College (GA) | 876 | 84% | Test Optional |
| 13 | Livingstone College (NC) | 880 | 72% | Test Optional |
| 14 | Virginia Union University (VA) | 880 | 91% | Test Optional |
| 15 | Hillsdale FWB College (OK) | 883 | 78% | Test Optional |
| 16 | Rust College (MS) | 889 | 61% | Test Optional |
| 17 | CUNY Medgar Evers College (NY) | 890 | 85% | Test Optional |
| 18 | Villa Maria College (NY) | 890 | 86% | Test Optional |
| 19 | Grambling State University (LA) | 910 | 97% | Test Optional |
| 20 | Shaw University (NC) | 910 | 65% | Test Optional |
| 21 | Wilberforce University (OH) | 910 | 67% | Test Optional |
| 22 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | 920 | 80% | Test Optional |
| 23 | University of the District of Columbia | 940 | 73% | Test Optional |
| 24 | Texas Southern University | 950 | 63% | Test Optional |
| 25 | Lincoln University (MO) | 950 | 66% | Test Optional |
| 26 | Arkansas Baptist College | 960 | 71% | Test Optional |
| 27 | Bluefield State College (WV) | 970 | 86% | Test Optional |
| 28 | Edward Waters College (FL) | 980 | 90% | Test Optional |
| 29 | Miles College (AL) | 980 | 89% | Test Optional |
| 30 | Paine College (GA) | 983 | 88% | Test Optional |
| 31 | Alcorn State University (MS) | 990 | 74% | Test Optional |
| 32 | Selma University (AL) | 990 | 84% | Test Optional |
| 33 | Prairie View A&M University (TX) | 990 | 77% | Test Optional |
| 34 | Wiley College (TX) | 990 | 91% | Test Optional |
| 35 | University of West Georgia | 995 | 79% | Test Optional |
| 36 | Florida Memorial University | 1000 | 43% | Test Optional |
| 37 | Concordia Univ.–Chicago (IL) | 1000 | 76% | Test Optional |
| 38 | Jackson State University (MS) | 1000 | 62% | Test Optional |
| 39 | Benedict College (SC) | 1010 | 88% | Test Optional |
| 40 | Kentucky State University | 1015 | 83% | Test Optional |
| 41 | Central Methodist University (MO) | 1020 | 73% | Test Optional |
| 42 | Cedar Crest College (PA) | 1030 | 73% | Test Optional |
| 43 | Mississippi Valley State Univ. | 1030 | 78% | Test Optional |
| 44 | Medaille College (NY) | 1035 | 66% | Test Optional |
| 45 | Coppin State University (MD) | 1040 | 54% | Test Optional |
| 46 | Keystone College (PA) | 1045 | 71% | Test Optional |
| 47 | Chowan University (NC) | 1048 | 78% | Test Optional |
| 48 | University of Pikeville (KY) | 1050 | 78% | Test Optional |
| 49 | Missouri Western State University | 1050 | 73% | Test Optional |
| 50 | Tarleton State University (TX) | 1050 | 71% | Test Optional |
Advice for Applying to Colleges that Accept Low SAT Scores
- Highlight your strengths elsewhere: GPA, honors/AP/IB classes, activities, leadership, and volunteer work
- Write a compelling personal statement explaining your resilience, goals, or academic journey
- Ask for recommendation letters that speak to your growth, motivation, or teacher relationships
- Take advantage of test-optional policies (apply without reporting an SAT score if it won’t help!)
- Show college “fit”: Mention why each school is a great match for your goals, values, and growth
- Consider retaking the SAT for a better score or taking the ACT if it plays to your strengths
- Don’t give up—hundreds of 4-year colleges enroll and nurture students with low SATs
FAQs about Colleges that Accept Low SAT Scores
Are colleges that accept low SAT scores “bad”? Absolutely not! Many such schools have strong majors, supportive teaching, and thriving campus communities. Remember, a “low” SAT is only one factor among many—greatness is possible from anywhere.
What’s the minimum SAT for “low SAT” colleges? Many listed here accept SATs in the 800–1050 range. Some have open admissions or test-optional policies—you might not need to submit a score at all.
Can I get financial aid at colleges that accept low SAT scores? Yes—most offer both need-based and merit scholarships! Strong grades, community service, and leadership can help earn scholarships even with a lower test score.
How can I compare my SAT to others? Use the free SAT Percentile to Letter Grade Converter or SAT to ACT Conversion Calculator 2025 for context on your performance.