21 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 21 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 18 to 23. 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 21 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 21 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 21 ACT Score
Following is the list of best suited colleges with your 21 ACT Score.
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Azusa Pacific University | California | 21 | 28 | 87% |
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Ouachita Baptist University | Arkansas | 21 | 28 | 72.32% |
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University of Arkansas | Arkansas | 21 | 28 | 78.93% |
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Chatham University | Pennsylvania | 21 | 29 | 66.33% |
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | Pennsylvania | 21 | 29 | 81.68% |
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Rider University | New Jersey | 21 | 29 | 84.13% |
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Mississippi State University | Mississippi | 21 | 29 | 75.19% |
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Lewis University | Illinois | 21 | 29 | 74.06% |
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Berry College | Georgia | 21 | 29 | 66.31% |
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Western Colorado University | Colorado | 21 | 29 | 91.85% |
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University of Arizona | Arizona | 21 | 29 | 86.76% |
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University of Tulsa | Oklahoma | 21 | 30 | 69.18% |
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SUNY College at Plattsburgh | New York | 21 | 30 | 70.24% |
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University of Missouri-Kansas City | Missouri | 21 | 30 | 69.48% |
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University of St Francis | Illinois | 21 | 30 | 58.42% |
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Ursuline College | Ohio | 20 | 22 | 85.08% |
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Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | New Jersey | 20 | 23 | 84.09% |
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Baptist Health Sciences University | Tennessee | 20 | 24 | 40.93% |
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Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | North Carolina | 20 | 24 | 44.9% |
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LIM College | New York | 20 | 24 | 83.82% |
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Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Louisiana | 20 | 24 | 84.78% |
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Buena Vista University | Iowa | 20 | 24 | 77.27% |
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Delaware State University | Delaware | 20 | 24 | 54.92% |
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McMurry University | Texas | 20 | 25 | 56.5% |
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University of South Carolina-Upstate | South Carolina | 20 | 25 | 78.58% |
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Coastal Carolina University | South Carolina | 20 | 25 | 78.63% |
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Lycoming College | Pennsylvania | 20 | 25 | 75.22% |
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Lancaster Bible College | Pennsylvania | 20 | 25 | 97.15% |
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Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | Ohio | 20 | 25 | 78.66% |
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Gardner-Webb University | North Carolina | 20 | 25 | 74.95% |
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate |
FAQ for ACT 21 Score
How does a 21 ACT score compare to the SAT?
A 21 ACT score is roughly equivalent to a 1000 SAT. This is generally considered a low-average score for many universities.
What scholarships are available for a 21 ACT score?
A 21 ACT score may make you eligible for some scholarships at state universities, but top-tier scholarships will likely be out of reach.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 21 ACT score?
Ivy League schools typically require scores above 30, so a 21 would not be competitive for those schools. You may want to look at less competitive options.
Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?
Yes, if you want to apply to Ivy League or selective schools, retaking is advisable. For many other colleges, a 21 is still acceptable.
What is the national average ACT score?
The national average ACT score is 20–21, so a 21 is slightly above average but not enough for top-tier schools.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 21 ACT score if submitted?
Yes, submitting a 21 ACT score will still be considered at test-optional colleges, but you should focus on strengthening other parts of your application.
What GPA is a 21 ACT?
A 21 ACT usually corresponds to a GPA between 2.0 and 2.4, which suggests an average academic standing.
Can I get into NYU with a 21 ACT?
NYU’s average ACT is much higher than 21, so a 21 would not be competitive. Consider retaking or applying to less selective schools.
Is 21 a good ACT score for Harvard?
Harvard’s average ACT is much higher than a 21, so it is not considered competitive. Retaking and aiming for a higher score would improve your chances.
Can I get into MIT with a 21 ACT?
MIT’s average score is 34, so a 21 would not meet their standards. Retaking the test is necessary if you wish to apply to MIT.
Can I get into Princeton with a 21 ACT score?
Princeton expects scores above 30, so a 21 is significantly below their typical range. You may want to retake the test to increase your chances.
What if you improve your ACT score by 2 points (to 23)?
Improving to 23 would make you more competitive for state universities and increase your scholarship opportunities.