A 27 ACT Score is Highly Competitive (85th percentile). You are well above the national average (approx. 19.9). This score is the 'Sweet Spot' for most four-year public universities.
Common Data Set (CDS) Fact: According to Section C8 of the CDS, many institutions in this tier rank standardized tests as 'Considered' rather than 'Very Important.' Your GPA will carry more weight, but your 27 provides the necessary validation of your transcript.
Best Colleges for 27 ACT Score
Following is the list of best suited colleges with your 27 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 |
|
Bridgewater College | Virginia | 28 | 29 | 90.81% | HARD REACH |
|
Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia | 28 | 29 | 71.29% | HARD REACH |
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Marist University | New York | 27 | 30 | 64.71% | SOLID MATCH |
|
University of Puget Sound | Washington | 27 | 31 | 76.28% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Champlain College | Vermont | 27 | 31 | 66.72% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Wofford College | South Carolina | 27 | 31 | 58.59% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 27 | 31 | 86.39% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Hofstra University | New York | 27 | 31 | 70.59% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Ithaca College | New York | 27 | 31 | 69.94% | SOLID MATCH |
|
St. John's College | New Mexico | 27 | 31 | 49.46% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Seton Hall University | New Jersey | 27 | 31 | 78.9% | SOLID MATCH |
|
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minnesota | 27 | 31 | 77.03% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Loyola University Chicago | Illinois | 27 | 31 | 81.39% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Florida State University | Florida | 27 | 31 | 25.38% | COMP. MATCH |
|
University of Florida-Online | Florida | 27 | 31 | 64.38% | SOLID MATCH |
|
University of Delaware | Delaware | 27 | 31 | 65.11% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Lawrence University | Wisconsin | 27 | 32 | 63.03% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Virginia | 27 | 32 | 57.03% | SOLID MATCH |
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Baylor University | Texas | 27 | 32 | 50.99% | SOLID MATCH |
|
The University of the South | Tennessee | 27 | 32 | 50.9% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Thomas Jefferson University | Pennsylvania | 27 | 32 | 86.14% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Gettysburg College | Pennsylvania | 27 | 32 | 47.51% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | Pennsylvania | 27 | 32 | 54.22% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Willamette University | Oregon | 27 | 32 | 79.11% | SOLID MATCH |
|
The College of Wooster | Ohio | 27 | 32 | 54.32% | SOLID MATCH |
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SUNY at Purchase College | New York | 27 | 32 | 72.83% | SOLID MATCH |
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University at Buffalo | New York | 27 | 32 | 69.3% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Loyola University Maryland | Maryland | 27 | 32 | 76.33% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Indiana University-Bloomington | Indiana | 27 | 32 | 80.37% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Wheaton College | Illinois | 27 | 32 | 89.98% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Whitman College | Washington | 27 | 33 | 49.99% | SOLID MATCH |
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The University of Texas at Austin | Texas | 27 | 33 | 29.12% | COMP. MATCH |
|
Drexel University | Pennsylvania | 27 | 33 | 77.53% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Purdue University-Main Campus | Indiana | 27 | 34 | 50.3% | SOLID MATCH |
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Immaculata University | Pennsylvania | 26 | 28 | 78.45% | SOLID MATCH |
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Salisbury University | Maryland | 26 | 28 | 88.63% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks | Pennsylvania | 26 | 29 | 97.13% | SOLID MATCH |
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Siena College | New York | 26 | 29 | 70.57% | SOLID MATCH |
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Kettering University | Michigan | 26 | 29 | 79.09% | SOLID MATCH |
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Endicott College | Massachusetts | 26 | 29 | 72.29% | SOLID MATCH |
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Salve Regina University | Rhode Island | 26 | 30 | 69.91% | SOLID MATCH |
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Arcadia University | Pennsylvania | 26 | 30 | 79.19% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | 26 | 30 | 96.39% | SOLID MATCH |
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Rowan University | New Jersey | 26 | 30 | 77.82% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Massachusetts | 26 | 30 | 85.24% | SOLID MATCH |
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Goucher College | Maryland | 26 | 30 | 72.9% | SOLID MATCH |
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Maryland Institute College of Art | Maryland | 26 | 30 | 77.29% | SOLID MATCH |
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Beloit College | Wisconsin | 26 | 31 | 57.36% | SOLID MATCH |
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Marquette University | Wisconsin | 26 | 31 | 87.44% | SOLID MATCH |
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Gonzaga University | Washington | 26 | 31 | 75.96% | SOLID MATCH |
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Patrick Henry College | Virginia | 26 | 31 | 81.98% | SOLID MATCH |
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Texas Christian University | Texas | 26 | 31 | 42.6% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Rhode Island | Rhode Island | 26 | 31 | 77.07% | SOLID MATCH |
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Duquesne University | Pennsylvania | 26 | 31 | 78.85% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Dayton | Ohio | 26 | 31 | 61.65% | SOLID MATCH |
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Miami University-Oxford | Ohio | 26 | 31 | 82.09% | SOLID MATCH |
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Clarkson University | New York | 26 | 31 | 77.16% | SOLID MATCH |
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SUNY College at Geneseo | New York | 26 | 31 | 63.53% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | New Hampshire | 26 | 31 | 86.87% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Louis University | Missouri | 26 | 31 | 81.47% | SOLID MATCH |
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Hope College | Michigan | 26 | 31 | 75.85% | SOLID MATCH |
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Michigan State University | Michigan | 26 | 31 | 83.92% | SOLID MATCH |
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Simmons University | Massachusetts | 26 | 31 | 66% | SOLID MATCH |
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Emmanuel College | Massachusetts | 26 | 31 | 80.6% | SOLID MATCH |
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Butler University | Indiana | 26 | 31 | 85.87% | SOLID MATCH |
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DePauw University | Indiana | 26 | 31 | 54.06% | SOLID MATCH |
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DePaul University | Illinois | 26 | 31 | 73.53% | SOLID MATCH |
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Agnes Scott College | Georgia | 26 | 31 | 67.31% | SOLID MATCH |
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Rollins College | Florida | 26 | 31 | 40.56% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of San Francisco | California | 26 | 31 | 50.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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Hendrix College | Arkansas | 26 | 31 | 52.98% | SOLID MATCH |
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Austin College | Texas | 26 | 32 | 46.66% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of South Carolina-Columbia | South Carolina | 26 | 32 | 61.49% | SOLID MATCH |
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Hobart William Smith Colleges | New York | 26 | 32 | 57.28% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pratt Institute-Main | New York | 26 | 32 | 53.17% | SOLID MATCH |
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Gordon College | Massachusetts | 26 | 32 | 58.78% | SOLID MATCH |
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Centre College | Kentucky | 26 | 32 | 54.34% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pepperdine University | California | 26 | 32 | 49.85% | SOLID MATCH |
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United States Air Force Academy | Colorado | 26 | 33 | 13.93% | COMP. MATCH |
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington | Pennsylvania | 25 | 27 | 93.31% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Anselm College | New Hampshire | 25 | 27 | 78.32% | SOLID MATCH |
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Western New England University | Massachusetts | 25 | 27 | 83.26% | SOLID MATCH |
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James Madison University | Virginia | 25 | 29 | 76.25% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ohio Northern University | Ohio | 25 | 29 | 73.35% | SOLID MATCH |
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Marymount Manhattan College | New York | 25 | 29 | 78.88% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Central Florida | Florida | 25 | 29 | 39.52% | SOLID MATCH |
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Quinnipiac University | Connecticut | 25 | 29 | 77% | SOLID MATCH |
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George Mason University | Virginia | 25 | 30 | 88.83% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Scranton | Pennsylvania | 25 | 30 | 84.35% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Portland | Oregon | 25 | 30 | 95.39% | SOLID MATCH |
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John Carroll University | Ohio | 25 | 30 | 81.1% | SOLID MATCH |
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Warren Wilson College | North Carolina | 25 | 30 | 77.62% | SOLID MATCH |
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Long Island University | New York | 25 | 30 | 89.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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Nazareth University | New York | 25 | 30 | 79.5% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of St Thomas | Minnesota | 25 | 30 | 84.94% | SOLID MATCH |
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Washington College | Maryland | 25 | 30 | 65.54% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ball State University | Indiana | 25 | 30 | 71.6% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Mary's College | Indiana | 25 | 30 | 81.11% | SOLID MATCH |
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Valparaiso University | Indiana | 25 | 30 | 92.22% | SOLID MATCH |
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Florida Southern College | Florida | 25 | 30 | 59.07% | SOLID MATCH |
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United States Coast Guard Academy | Delaware | 25 | 30 | 24.32% | COMP. MATCH |
|
University of Redlands | California | 25 | 30 | 80.92% | SOLID MATCH |
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Texas A&M University-College Station | Texas | 25 | 31 | 63.25% | SOLID MATCH |
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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Tennessee | 25 | 31 | 45.99% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Allegheny College | Pennsylvania | 25 | 31 | 58.53% | SOLID MATCH |
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Moore College of Art and Design | Pennsylvania | 25 | 31 | 60.51% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ohio Wesleyan University | Ohio | 25 | 31 | 50.67% | SOLID MATCH |
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Le Moyne College | New York | 25 | 31 | 75.29% | SOLID MATCH |
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The College of New Jersey | New Jersey | 25 | 31 | 62.14% | SOLID MATCH |
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Drew University | New Jersey | 25 | 31 | 69.44% | SOLID MATCH |
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Missouri University of Science and Technology | Missouri | 25 | 31 | 73.07% | SOLID MATCH |
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Gustavus Adolphus College | Minnesota | 25 | 31 | 61.8% | SOLID MATCH |
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Michigan Technological University | Michigan | 25 | 31 | 87.94% | SOLID MATCH |
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Wentworth Institute of Technology | Massachusetts | 25 | 31 | 85.37% | SOLID MATCH |
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Northwest Nazarene University | Illinois | 25 | 31 | 62.95% | SOLID MATCH |
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Bradley University | Illinois | 25 | 31 | 76.66% | SOLID MATCH |
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Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois | 25 | 31 | 55.42% | SOLID MATCH |
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Mercer University | Georgia | 25 | 31 | 66.46% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Alabama in Huntsville | Alabama | 25 | 31 | 74.25% | SOLID MATCH |
|
Auburn University | Alabama | 25 | 31 | 50.47% | SOLID MATCH |
Your best choices will be the schools and colleges where the average ACT score of the admitted students is 25 to 29. 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 27 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 27 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 27 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 27 Score
How does a 27 ACT score compare to the SAT?
A 27 ACT is approximately equivalent to a 1300 SAT. It’s a solid score for many colleges and universities.
What scholarships are available for a 27 ACT score?
Many schools offer merit-based scholarships for scores in the 27 range. You might also qualify for local scholarships.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 27 ACT score?
Ivy League schools generally require scores above 30, but your 27 will keep you competitive for mid-range colleges.
Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?
Retaking may help if you're aiming for Ivy League schools or competitive scholarships, but this score is good for most universities.
What is the national average ACT score?
The national average ACT score is around 20–21, so a 27 places you well above average and in the top 15–20% of test-takers.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 27 ACT score if submitted?
Yes, a 27 will help strengthen your application at test-optional colleges.
What GPA is a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT typically corresponds to a GPA of around 3.0–3.3, showing that you have an average academic performance.
Can I get into NYU with a 27 ACT?
NYU generally prefers scores in the 30–33 range, but a 27 is still competitive, especially when combined with a good GPA and strong extracurriculars.
Is 27 a good ACT score for Harvard?
Harvard usually looks for scores above 30, but a 27 can still be competitive with exceptional grades and extracurriculars.
Can I get into MIT with a 27 ACT?
MIT typically admits students with scores of 34 and above. A 27 is lower than their average, but your overall application could still be strong enough for consideration.
Can I get into Princeton with a 27 ACT score?
Princeton’s average ACT is around 34, so a 27 is lower. However, you might still be considered if you have other strengths in your application.
What if you improve your ACT score by 2 points (to 29)?
Improving to 29 would make you a more competitive candidate for higher-ranked universities and more scholarship opportunities.

