27 ACT Colleges: Best Schools for 27 ACT Score

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.

LogoCollegeStateACT 25th PercentileACT 75th PercentileAcceptance RateStatus
LogoCollegeStateACT 25th PercentileACT 75th PercentileAcceptance RateStatus
Bridgewater College Bridgewater CollegeVirginia 2829 90.81% HARD REACH
Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia 2829 71.29% HARD REACH
Marist University Marist UniversityNew York 2730 64.71% SOLID MATCH
University of Puget Sound University of Puget SoundWashington 2731 76.28% SOLID MATCH
Champlain College Champlain CollegeVermont 2731 66.72% SOLID MATCH
Wofford College Wofford CollegeSouth Carolina 2731 58.59% SOLID MATCH
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPennsylvania 2731 86.39% SOLID MATCH
Hofstra University Hofstra UniversityNew York 2731 70.59% SOLID MATCH
Ithaca College Ithaca CollegeNew York 2731 69.94% SOLID MATCH
St. John's College St. John's CollegeNew Mexico 2731 49.46% SOLID MATCH
Seton Hall University Seton Hall UniversityNew Jersey 2731 78.9% SOLID MATCH
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinnesota 2731 77.03% SOLID MATCH
Loyola University Chicago Loyola University ChicagoIllinois 2731 81.39% SOLID MATCH
Florida State University Florida State UniversityFlorida 2731 25.38% COMP. MATCH
University of Florida-Online University of Florida-OnlineFlorida 2731 64.38% SOLID MATCH
University of Delaware University of DelawareDelaware 2731 65.11% SOLID MATCH
Lawrence University Lawrence UniversityWisconsin 2732 63.03% SOLID MATCH
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVirginia 2732 57.03% SOLID MATCH
Baylor University Baylor UniversityTexas 2732 50.99% SOLID MATCH
The University of the South The University of the SouthTennessee 2732 50.9% SOLID MATCH
Thomas Jefferson University Thomas Jefferson UniversityPennsylvania 2732 86.14% SOLID MATCH
Gettysburg College Gettysburg CollegePennsylvania 2732 47.51% SOLID MATCH
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPennsylvania 2732 54.22% SOLID MATCH
Willamette University Willamette UniversityOregon 2732 79.11% SOLID MATCH
The College of Wooster The College of WoosterOhio 2732 54.32% SOLID MATCH
SUNY at Purchase College SUNY at Purchase CollegeNew York 2732 72.83% SOLID MATCH
University at Buffalo University at BuffaloNew York 2732 69.3% SOLID MATCH
Loyola University Maryland Loyola University MarylandMaryland 2732 76.33% SOLID MATCH
Indiana University-Bloomington Indiana University-BloomingtonIndiana 2732 80.37% SOLID MATCH
Wheaton College Wheaton CollegeIllinois 2732 89.98% SOLID MATCH
Whitman College Whitman CollegeWashington 2733 49.99% SOLID MATCH
The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at AustinTexas 2733 29.12% COMP. MATCH
Drexel University Drexel UniversityPennsylvania 2733 77.53% SOLID MATCH
Purdue University-Main Campus Purdue University-Main CampusIndiana 2734 50.3% SOLID MATCH
Immaculata University Immaculata UniversityPennsylvania 2628 78.45% SOLID MATCH
Salisbury University Salisbury UniversityMaryland 2628 88.63% SOLID MATCH
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks Pennsylvania State University-Penn State BerksPennsylvania 2629 97.13% SOLID MATCH
Siena College Siena CollegeNew York 2629 70.57% SOLID MATCH
Kettering University Kettering UniversityMichigan 2629 79.09% SOLID MATCH
Endicott College Endicott CollegeMassachusetts 2629 72.29% SOLID MATCH
Salve Regina University Salve Regina UniversityRhode Island 2630 69.91% SOLID MATCH
Arcadia University Arcadia UniversityPennsylvania 2630 79.19% SOLID MATCH
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg Pennsylvania State University-Penn State HarrisburgPennsylvania 2630 96.39% SOLID MATCH
Rowan University Rowan UniversityNew Jersey 2630 77.82% SOLID MATCH
University of Massachusetts-Lowell University of Massachusetts-LowellMassachusetts 2630 85.24% SOLID MATCH
Goucher College Goucher CollegeMaryland 2630 72.9% SOLID MATCH
Maryland Institute College of Art Maryland Institute College of ArtMaryland 2630 77.29% SOLID MATCH
Beloit College Beloit CollegeWisconsin 2631 57.36% SOLID MATCH
Marquette University Marquette UniversityWisconsin 2631 87.44% SOLID MATCH
Gonzaga University Gonzaga UniversityWashington 2631 75.96% SOLID MATCH
Patrick Henry College Patrick Henry CollegeVirginia 2631 81.98% SOLID MATCH
Texas Christian University Texas Christian UniversityTexas 2631 42.6% SOLID MATCH
University of Rhode Island University of Rhode IslandRhode Island 2631 77.07% SOLID MATCH
Duquesne University Duquesne UniversityPennsylvania 2631 78.85% SOLID MATCH
University of Dayton University of DaytonOhio 2631 61.65% SOLID MATCH
Miami University-Oxford Miami University-OxfordOhio 2631 82.09% SOLID MATCH
Clarkson University Clarkson UniversityNew York 2631 77.16% SOLID MATCH
SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at GeneseoNew York 2631 63.53% SOLID MATCH
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus University of New Hampshire-Main CampusNew Hampshire 2631 86.87% SOLID MATCH
Saint Louis University Saint Louis UniversityMissouri 2631 81.47% SOLID MATCH
Hope College Hope CollegeMichigan 2631 75.85% SOLID MATCH
Michigan State University Michigan State UniversityMichigan 2631 83.92% SOLID MATCH
Simmons University Simmons UniversityMassachusetts 2631 66% SOLID MATCH
Emmanuel College Emmanuel CollegeMassachusetts 2631 80.6% SOLID MATCH
Butler University Butler UniversityIndiana 2631 85.87% SOLID MATCH
DePauw University DePauw UniversityIndiana 2631 54.06% SOLID MATCH
DePaul University DePaul UniversityIllinois 2631 73.53% SOLID MATCH
Agnes Scott College Agnes Scott CollegeGeorgia 2631 67.31% SOLID MATCH
Rollins College Rollins CollegeFlorida 2631 40.56% SOLID MATCH
University of San Francisco University of San FranciscoCalifornia 2631 50.77% SOLID MATCH
Hendrix College Hendrix CollegeArkansas 2631 52.98% SOLID MATCH
Austin College Austin CollegeTexas 2632 46.66% SOLID MATCH
University of South Carolina-Columbia University of South Carolina-ColumbiaSouth Carolina 2632 61.49% SOLID MATCH
Hobart William Smith Colleges Hobart William Smith CollegesNew York 2632 57.28% SOLID MATCH
Pratt Institute-Main Pratt Institute-MainNew York 2632 53.17% SOLID MATCH
Gordon College Gordon CollegeMassachusetts 2632 58.78% SOLID MATCH
Centre College Centre CollegeKentucky 2632 54.34% SOLID MATCH
Pepperdine University Pepperdine UniversityCalifornia 2632 49.85% SOLID MATCH
United States Air Force Academy United States Air Force AcademyColorado 2633 13.93% COMP. MATCH
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New KensingtonPennsylvania 2527 93.31% SOLID MATCH
Saint Anselm College Saint Anselm CollegeNew Hampshire 2527 78.32% SOLID MATCH
Western New England University Western New England UniversityMassachusetts 2527 83.26% SOLID MATCH
James Madison University James Madison UniversityVirginia 2529 76.25% SOLID MATCH
Ohio Northern University Ohio Northern UniversityOhio 2529 73.35% SOLID MATCH
Marymount Manhattan College Marymount Manhattan CollegeNew York 2529 78.88% SOLID MATCH
University of Central Florida University of Central FloridaFlorida 2529 39.52% SOLID MATCH
Quinnipiac University Quinnipiac UniversityConnecticut 2529 77% SOLID MATCH
George Mason University George Mason UniversityVirginia 2530 88.83% SOLID MATCH
University of Scranton University of ScrantonPennsylvania 2530 84.35% SOLID MATCH
University of Portland University of PortlandOregon 2530 95.39% SOLID MATCH
John Carroll University John Carroll UniversityOhio 2530 81.1% SOLID MATCH
Warren Wilson College Warren Wilson CollegeNorth Carolina 2530 77.62% SOLID MATCH
Long Island University Long Island UniversityNew York 2530 89.77% SOLID MATCH
Nazareth University Nazareth UniversityNew York 2530 79.5% SOLID MATCH
University of St Thomas University of St ThomasMinnesota 2530 84.94% SOLID MATCH
Washington College Washington CollegeMaryland 2530 65.54% SOLID MATCH
Ball State University Ball State UniversityIndiana 2530 71.6% SOLID MATCH
Saint Mary's College Saint Mary's CollegeIndiana 2530 81.11% SOLID MATCH
Valparaiso University Valparaiso UniversityIndiana 2530 92.22% SOLID MATCH
Florida Southern College Florida Southern CollegeFlorida 2530 59.07% SOLID MATCH
United States Coast Guard Academy United States Coast Guard AcademyDelaware 2530 24.32% COMP. MATCH
University of Redlands University of RedlandsCalifornia 2530 80.92% SOLID MATCH
Texas A&M University-College Station Texas A&M University-College StationTexas 2531 63.25% SOLID MATCH
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleTennessee 2531 45.99% SOLID MATCH
Allegheny College Allegheny CollegePennsylvania 2531 58.53% SOLID MATCH
Moore College of Art and Design Moore College of Art and DesignPennsylvania 2531 60.51% SOLID MATCH
Ohio Wesleyan University Ohio Wesleyan UniversityOhio 2531 50.67% SOLID MATCH
Le Moyne College Le Moyne CollegeNew York 2531 75.29% SOLID MATCH
The College of New Jersey The College of New JerseyNew Jersey 2531 62.14% SOLID MATCH
Drew University Drew UniversityNew Jersey 2531 69.44% SOLID MATCH
Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri University of Science and TechnologyMissouri 2531 73.07% SOLID MATCH
Gustavus Adolphus College Gustavus Adolphus CollegeMinnesota 2531 61.8% SOLID MATCH
Michigan Technological University Michigan Technological UniversityMichigan 2531 87.94% SOLID MATCH
Wentworth Institute of Technology Wentworth Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts 2531 85.37% SOLID MATCH
Northwest Nazarene University Northwest Nazarene UniversityIllinois 2531 62.95% SOLID MATCH
Bradley University Bradley UniversityIllinois 2531 76.66% SOLID MATCH
Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois Institute of TechnologyIllinois 2531 55.42% SOLID MATCH
Mercer University Mercer UniversityGeorgia 2531 66.46% SOLID MATCH
University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Alabama in HuntsvilleAlabama 2531 74.25% SOLID MATCH
Auburn University Auburn UniversityAlabama 2531 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.

Best Suited Colleges for ACT Score

36 ACT Score Best Colleges35 ACT Score Best Colleges34 ACT Score Best Colleges
33 ACT Score Best Colleges32 ACT Score Best Colleges31 ACT Score Best Colleges
30 ACT Score Best Colleges29 ACT Score Best Colleges28 ACT Score Best Colleges
27 ACT Score Best Colleges26 ACT Score Best Colleges25 ACT Score Best Colleges
24 ACT Score Best Colleges23 ACT Score Best Colleges22 ACT Score Best Colleges
21 ACT Score Best Colleges20 ACT Score Best Colleges19 ACT Score Best Colleges
18 ACT Score Best Colleges17 ACT Score Best Colleges16 ACT Score Best Colleges
15 ACT Score Best Colleges14 ACT Score Best Colleges13 ACT Score Best Colleges