20 score on the ACT puts in a good position for College and Universities admissions in the US. Here we are providing a list of Universities and colleges that accept a 20 ACT score. These schools and colleges are good match for your score, as not only you will improve your chances of admissions by applying to these colleges, but also will ensure that you are placed with equally talented students. Some schools that require less than this average score might not be a good match for you as the quality of the students will be lower, though your chances of admissions will be higher at those schools.
Your best choices will be the schools and colleges where the average ACT score of the admitted students is 17 to 22. 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 20 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 20 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.
Best Colleges for 20 ACT Score
Following is the list of best suited colleges with your 20 ACT Score.
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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University of Southern Mississippi | Mississippi | 20 | 27 | 98.84% |
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College of Saint Benedict | Minnesota | 20 | 27 | 87.8% |
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Martin Luther College | Minnesota | 20 | 27 | 83.72% |
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Siena Heights University | Michigan | 20 | 27 | 64.98% |
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Saint Ambrose University | Iowa | 20 | 27 | 73.92% |
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University of Illinois Springfield | Illinois | 20 | 27 | 82.03% |
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Elmhurst University | Illinois | 20 | 27 | 76.01% |
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Millikin University | Illinois | 20 | 27 | 75.4% |
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University of Idaho | Idaho | 20 | 27 | 73.85% |
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Hawaii Pacific University | Hawaii | 20 | 27 | 87.1% |
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Saint Leo University | Florida | 20 | 27 | 80.1% |
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Nova Southeastern University | Florida | 20 | 27 | 75.8% |
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Regis University | Colorado | 20 | 27 | 76.09% |
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University of Northern Colorado | Colorado | 20 | 27 | 78.54% |
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver | Pennsylvania | 20 | 28 | 93.2% |
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United States Merchant Marine Academy | New York | 20 | 28 | 27.35% |
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Bethel University | Minnesota | 20 | 28 | 72.49% |
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Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia | 20 | 28 | 81.73% |
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Harding University | Arkansas | 20 | 28 | 45.12% |
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LeTourneau University | Texas | 20 | 29 | 48.83% |
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William Carey University | Mississippi | 20 | 29 | 53.58% |
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Andrews University | Michigan | 20 | 29 | 91.27% |
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Trinity Christian College | Illinois | 20 | 29 | 70.68% |
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Howard Payne University | Texas | 19 | 22 | 62.29% |
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Presentation College | South Dakota | 19 | 22 | 75.58% |
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Franklin Pierce University | New Hampshire | 19 | 22 | 92.72% |
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Radford University | Virginia | 19 | 23 | 93.34% |
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University of Houston-Clear Lake | Texas | 19 | 23 | 69.37% |
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John A Gupton College | Tennessee | 19 | 23 | 60.87% |
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The University of Tennessee Southern | Tennessee | 19 | 23 | 80.26% |
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate |
FAQ for ACT 20 Score
How does a 20 ACT score compare to the SAT?
A 20 ACT score is equivalent to around a 980 SAT. This is a lower score that will limit your options at selective schools.
What scholarships are available for a 20 ACT score?
A 20 ACT score will likely make you eligible for smaller scholarships at state universities or less selective colleges.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 20 ACT score?
Ivy League schools require scores above 30, so a 20 would not meet their admission standards. It would be advisable to retake the test if you’re aiming for those schools.
Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?
Yes, retaking the test is recommended for top-tier schools. A 20 will limit your options at more competitive colleges.
What is the national average ACT score?
The national average is around 20–21, so a 20 is at the lower end of the spectrum but still technically considered average.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 20 ACT score if submitted?
Submitting a 20 ACT score may not be the most beneficial, but it can still be considered as part of a holistic review.
What GPA is a 20 ACT?
A 20 ACT typically correlates with a GPA between 1.8–2.3, which is below average and may limit your chances at competitive universities.
Can I get into NYU with a 20 ACT?
NYU's average ACT is much higher than 20, so a 20 would not be competitive. Consider retaking or applying to schools with more flexible requirements.
Is 20 a good ACT score for Harvard?
Harvard typically admits students with scores over 30, so a 20 would not be competitive. Retaking the ACT would be necessary for a chance at Harvard.
Can I get into MIT with a 20 ACT?
MIT’s average score is 34, so a 20 would be too low. Retaking the test is essential for a competitive application.
Can I get into Princeton with a 20 ACT score?
Princeton expects scores over 30, so a 20 would not meet their expectations. Retaking the test is highly advised.
What if you improve your ACT score by 2 points (to 22)?
Improving to 22 would open doors for more options at less competitive schools, and possibly improve your scholarship eligibility.