A 15 ACT Score is in the Developing Range. This score is significantly below the threshold for most four-year institutions.
Action Plan: Focus on Community College transfer pathways or intensive ACT remediation. Your path to a 4-year degree is still open, but it may require a two-step approach.
Best Colleges for 15 ACT Score
Following is the list of best suited colleges with your 15 ACT Score.
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate | Status |
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Ohio Christian University | Ohio | 15 | 17 | 39.9% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Indiana | 15 | 18 | 76.14% | SOLID MATCH |
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Bethune-Cookman University | Florida | 15 | 18 | 99.85% | SOLID MATCH |
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Texas Southern University | Texas | 15 | 19 | 93.35% | SOLID MATCH |
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Southern University and A & M College | Louisiana | 15 | 19 | 49.87% | SOLID MATCH |
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Grambling State University | Louisiana | 15 | 19 | 23.68% | COMP. MATCH |
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Life University | Georgia | 15 | 19 | 93.81% | SOLID MATCH |
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Fayetteville State University | North Carolina | 15 | 20 | 79.89% | SOLID MATCH |
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Jackson State University | Mississippi | 15 | 20 | 91.03% | SOLID MATCH |
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Texas A&M University-San Antonio | Texas | 15 | 21 | 92% | SOLID MATCH |
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Wilberforce University | Ohio | 15 | 21 | 52.73% | SOLID MATCH |
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | New Mexico | 15 | 21 | 54.92% | SOLID MATCH |
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Avila University | Missouri | 15 | 21 | 59.54% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Idaho | 15 | 21 | 95.6% | SOLID MATCH |
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Georgia State University-Perimeter College | Georgia | 15 | 21 | 99.59% | SOLID MATCH |
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Gordon State College | Georgia | 15 | 21 | 86.78% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ottawa University-Surprise | Arizona | 15 | 21 | 39.88% | SOLID MATCH |
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Tiffin University | Ohio | 15 | 22 | 79.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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Mercy College of Ohio | Ohio | 15 | 22 | 42.76% | SOLID MATCH |
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Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Ohio | 15 | 22 | 41.27% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Hawaii at Hilo | Hawaii | 15 | 22 | 89.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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Trinity College of Florida | Florida | 15 | 22 | 96.3% | SOLID MATCH |
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Point University | Georgia | 15 | 23 | 67.51% | SOLID MATCH |
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Concordia University Texas | Texas | 15 | 24 | 91.06% | SOLID MATCH |
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Mount Aloysius College | Pennsylvania | 15 | 24 | 90.41% | SOLID MATCH |
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Alcorn State University | Mississippi | 15 | 24 | 24.66% | COMP. MATCH |
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LIM College | New York | 15 | 25 | 98.75% | SOLID MATCH |
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Chamberlain University-Illinois | Illinois | 14 | 17 | 88.57% | SOLID MATCH |
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Winston-Salem State University | North Carolina | 14 | 18 | 68.55% | SOLID MATCH |
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Mississippi Valley State University | Mississippi | 14 | 18 | 51.16% | SOLID MATCH |
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Southern University at New Orleans | Louisiana | 14 | 18 | 60.21% | SOLID MATCH |
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Gallaudet University | District of Columbia | 14 | 18 | 60.94% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Arkansas | 14 | 18 | 57.54% | SOLID MATCH |
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Benedict College | South Carolina | 14 | 19 | 67.3% | SOLID MATCH |
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Missouri Baptist University | Missouri | 14 | 19 | 64.1% | SOLID MATCH |
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Alabama A & M University | Alabama | 14 | 19 | 66.22% | SOLID MATCH |
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Virginia State University | Virginia | 14 | 20 | 89.1% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of the Virgin Islands | Virgin Islands | 14 | 20 | 97.44% | SOLID MATCH |
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Kentucky State University | Kentucky | 14 | 20 | 92.55% | SOLID MATCH |
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Warner University | Florida | 14 | 20 | 47.79% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of North Texas at Dallas | Texas | 14 | 21 | 93.86% | SOLID MATCH |
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Union Commonwealth University | Kentucky | 14 | 21 | 55.04% | SOLID MATCH |
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Upper Iowa University | Iowa | 14 | 21 | 93.38% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Martin's University | Washington | 14 | 22 | 75.93% | SOLID MATCH |
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College of Coastal Georgia | Georgia | 14 | 22 | 98.51% | SOLID MATCH |
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Cottey College | Missouri | 14 | 24 | 66.31% | SOLID MATCH |
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Millikin University | Illinois | 14 | 24 | 54.05% | SOLID MATCH |
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Greenville University | Illinois | 14 | 24 | 95.37% | SOLID MATCH |
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Manhattan Christian College | Kansas | 14 | 26 | 100% | SOLID MATCH |
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Sul Ross State University | Texas | 13 | 21 | 95.62% | SOLID MATCH |
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Dallas Christian College | Texas | 13 | 21 | 84.03% | SOLID MATCH |
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Baker University | Kansas | 13 | 21 | 92.1% | SOLID MATCH |
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Kentucky Mountain Bible College | Kentucky | 13 | 22 | 35.71% | SOLID MATCH |
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Davis & Elkins College | West Virginia | 1 | 14 | 58.23% | PROBABLE |
Your best choices will be the schools and colleges where the average ACT score of the admitted students is 13 to 17. We are also showing you the 25th percentile and 75th percentile ACT Score of the admitted students so that you can have a clear understanding of how many students score what ACT Score. If your 15 ACT Score is higher than 25th percentile, it means your score is better than the quarter of the admitted students, and if it is higher than 75th percentile, then it means your ACT score of 15 is higher than 75% of the students admitted at that school.
Choose a college where your score is near to 75th percentile, this will maximize your chances of admission. You can also apply to other schools as well, but to be on safe side, you must apply to at least 2-3 such schools and colleges.
Data Methodology & Expert Verification
The admission statuses (Elite Reach, Competitive Match, etc.) displayed on this page are calculated using a proprietary 7-tier multivariate logic. Unlike static lists, our algorithm cross-references the student's score of 15 against:
- 2024-2025 Common Data Set (CDS): Specifically Section C8 (Standardized Testing) and Section C9 (Percentiles).
- IPEDS Analytics: Latest federal reporting on institutional acceptance rates.
- 2026 Trend Analysis: Adjustments for schools that have recently reinstated mandatory testing (e.g., Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard).
Note: Standardized test scores are one component of a holistic application. For 2026, many institutions place "Very Important" weight on the rigors of your secondary school record and GPA.
FAQ for ACT 15 Score
How does a 15 ACT score compare to the SAT?
A 15 ACT score is roughly equivalent to an SAT score of around 850. This is a low score and would likely limit your options at most colleges.
What scholarships are available for a 15 ACT score?
With a 15 ACT score, you may qualify for minimal merit-based scholarships at state schools, but high-value scholarships are typically out of reach.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 15 ACT score?
Ivy League schools typically require scores above 30, so a 15 would not be competitive. Retaking the test would be necessary if you want to apply to these prestigious schools.
Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?
Yes, retaking the ACT is crucial if you wish to attend a more selective college. Focus on improving your overall score by working on your weakest areas.
What is the national average ACT score?
The national average ACT score is 20–21, so a 15 is below average and may severely limit your college options.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 15 ACT score if submitted?
Submitting a 15 ACT score to test-optional colleges is unlikely to enhance your application. You may want to focus on other strengths.
What GPA is a 15 ACT?
A 15 ACT typically corresponds to a GPA between 1.0 and 1.5, which is below average and would limit your eligibility for selective universities.
Can I get into NYU with a 15 ACT?
NYU’s average ACT score is well above a 15, so retaking the test or applying to less competitive schools is advised.
Is 15 a good ACT score for Harvard?
Harvard requires scores above 30, so a 15 is far below their typical range. Retaking the ACT is necessary for a better chance.
Can I get into MIT with a 15 ACT?
MIT typically requires scores above 34, so a 15 is far from their standards. Retaking the ACT is a must if you wish to apply.
Can I get into Princeton with a 15 ACT score?
Princeton’s average ACT score is above 30, so a 15 would not be competitive. Retaking the ACT would significantly improve your chances.
What if you improve your ACT score by 2 points (to 17)?
Improving to 17 would still place you below average, and you will need to retake the ACT for a competitive application.