1250 SAT Colleges: Best Schools for 1250 SAT Score

Best colleges for 1250 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 1250, then you must choose at least 5 of the below listed colleges, as not only your chances of admissions will be good but also these colleges will be a good match for you. The following list of best suitable colleges for 1250 SAT scores is given so that you can choose a more suitable college, and may not choose a less competitive college or loose admissions because you have applied to a more competitive college.

Is a 1250 SAT Score Good for 2026?

Yes, a 1250 SAT score is considered Solid / Competitive. Nationally, this performance puts you in the 75th-88th percentile of nearly 2 million annual test-takers.

Strategic Admissions Guidance

Scoring a 1250 puts you well above the national average. You are a competitive applicant for the majority of four-year universities in the US and Canada. For the 2026 cycle, we recommend identifying 'Target' schools where your score is at or above their 75th percentile; this strategy maximizes your chances for automatic merit scholarships. If your GPA is also strong, you have a very high probability of admission at your listed Match schools.

What does a 1250 mean for your applications?

In the 2026 admissions cycle, universities are increasingly looking for 'data-backed' proof of academic readiness. A 1250 serves as a standardized metric that complements your GPA. However, remember that admissions officers also weigh your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and the difficulty of your high school curriculum (AP/IB classes).

To help you build a balanced college list, we have analyzed thousands of data points from the Common Data Set (CDS) to categorize the schools below into Reach, Match, and Safety categories specifically for a 1250 applicant.

Best Colleges for 1250 SAT Score

Following is the list of colleges that accept 1250 SAT Score.

LogoInstituteStateAverage SAT ScoreSAT Reading ScoresSAT Math ScoresAcceptance RateStatus
LogoInstituteStateAverage SAT ScoreSAT Reading ScoresSAT Maths ScoresAcceptance RateStatus
Gonzaga University Gonzaga UniversityWashington1329 610 - 700600 - 710 69.74% Match
Thomas Aquinas College Thomas Aquinas CollegeCalifornia1328 640 - 730580 - 680 84.73% Match
Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois Institute of TechnologyIllinois1328 610 - 680610 - 730 61.44% Match
University of Portland University of PortlandOregon1326 610 - 720618 - 690 92.51% Match
United States Naval Academy United States Naval AcademyMaryland1326 600 - 720600 - 720 10.75% Reach
Fairfield University Fairfield UniversityConnecticut1325 620 - 680620 - 690 52.18% Match
New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNew Jersey1325 580 - 700610 - 750 65.99% Match
University of San Francisco University of San FranciscoCalifornia1323 610 - 700600 - 710 71.18% Match
Indiana University-Bloomington Indiana University-BloomingtonIndiana1322 590 - 690590 - 710 82.41% Match
University of Washington-Bothell Campus University of Washington-Bothell CampusWashington1322 570 - 680640 - 770 88.08% Match
Holy Cross College Holy Cross CollegeIndiana1320 610 - 703593 - 670 76.17% Match
Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri University of Science and TechnologyMissouri1320 570 - 660603 - 710 81.49% Match
Warren Wilson College Warren Wilson CollegeNorth Carolina1320 0 - 00 - 0 83.98% Safety
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesNew York1320 600 - 710620 - 760 66.29% Match
Gustavus Adolphus College Gustavus Adolphus CollegeMinnesota1320 0 - 00 - 0 73.9% Safety
Seton Hall University Seton Hall UniversityNew Jersey1317 620 - 700610 - 690 75.07% Match
Pratt Institute-Main Pratt Institute-MainNew York1317 590 - 710570 - 720 50.45% Match
Chapman University Chapman UniversityCalifornia1316 600 - 700600 - 700 72.52% Match
Covenant College Covenant CollegeGeorgia1315 590 - 710550 - 670 84.13% Match
Miami University-Oxford Miami University-OxfordOhio1312 600 - 690600 - 700 87.92% Match
Knox College Knox CollegeIllinois1311 580 - 720580 - 700 73.32% Match
Florida State University Florida State UniversityFlorida1309 620 - 690590 - 680 25.04% Reach
Ithaca College Ithaca CollegeNew York1308 613 - 700590 - 680 75.2% Match
Loyola University Chicago Loyola University ChicagoIllinois1308 600 - 690580 - 680 79.15% Match
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPennsylvania1308 600 - 680610 - 710 55.21% Match
Texas Christian University Texas Christian UniversityTexas1307 580 - 680560 - 680 56.1% Match
Beloit College Beloit CollegeWisconsin1306 610 - 690580 - 670 65.86% Match
The University of Alabama The University of AlabamaAlabama1304 570 - 690560 - 720 80.06% Match
University of South Carolina-Columbia University of South Carolina-ColumbiaSouth Carolina1304 600 - 690580 - 690 64.05% Match
Drake University Drake UniversityIowa1304 560 - 670550 - 670 67.23% Match
The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas at DallasTexas1304 580 - 700590 - 730 84.74% Match
The King's College The King's CollegeNew York1302 620 - 700570 - 640 45.27% Match
Marquette University Marquette UniversityWisconsin1302 590 - 670580 - 690 87.21% Match
University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado BoulderColorado1301 590 - 690570 - 700 80.73% Match
University of Puget Sound University of Puget SoundWashington1301 600 - 700570 - 690 82.66% Match
DigiPen Institute of Technology DigiPen Institute of TechnologyWashington1301 590 - 700580 - 703 66.37% Match
Wofford College Wofford CollegeSouth Carolina1300 610 - 680590 - 673 60.18% Match
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleTennessee1299 590 - 660580 - 670 68.41% Match
School of Visual Arts School of Visual ArtsNew York1298 600 - 700610 - 720 87.41% Match
Simmons University Simmons UniversityMassachusetts1297 610 - 700590 - 690 76.46% Match
University of Maryland-Baltimore County University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyMaryland1295 610 - 690600 - 700 80.55% Match
United States Coast Guard Academy United States Coast Guard AcademyConnecticut1294 580 - 680580 - 685 23.86% Reach
Roberts Wesleyan University Roberts Wesleyan UniversityNew York1294 580 - 650570 - 690 99.5% Match
Ursinus College Ursinus CollegePennsylvania1293 600 - 690580 - 690 82.21% Match
Auburn University Auburn UniversityAlabama1292 610 - 680610 - 700 43.74% Match
Florida Polytechnic University Florida Polytechnic UniversityFlorida1292 590 - 680600 - 690 56.03% Match
University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at BirminghamAlabama1291 610 - 690590 - 720 86.68% Match
University of Delaware University of DelawareDelaware1290 600 - 680590 - 680 73.81% Match
University of St Thomas University of St ThomasMinnesota1290 590 - 680610 - 710 77% Match
Mercer University Mercer UniversityGeorgia1288 600 - 680590 - 680 74.68% Match
University at Buffalo University at BuffaloNew York1288 590 - 680600 - 700 67.71% Match
Marist College Marist CollegeNew York1288 610 - 698590 - 680 62.85% Match
Hofstra University Hofstra UniversityNew York1285 600 - 680590 - 690 69.33% Match
Loyola University Maryland Loyola University MarylandMaryland1285 600 - 690580 - 670 83.48% Match
University of Dayton University of DaytonOhio1284 588 - 673570 - 690 74.05% Match
The College of New Jersey The College of New JerseyNew Jersey1283 570 - 670570 - 680 64.43% Match
New Saint Andrews College New Saint Andrews CollegeIdaho1283 600 - 680540 - 640 82.96% Match
Ohio Northern University Ohio Northern UniversityOhio1282 570 - 660590 - 680 54.37% Match
Clarkson University Clarkson UniversityNew York1282 580 - 680610 - 690 78.42% Match
Union University Union UniversityTennessee1281 570 - 700530 - 670 52.55% Match
University of Central Florida University of Central FloridaFlorida1281 610 - 680590 - 680 41.04% Match
SUNY at Purchase College SUNY at Purchase CollegeNew York1281 620 - 700570 - 650 74.68% Match
Lake Forest College Lake Forest CollegeIllinois1281 590 - 670563 - 670 59.72% Match
Texas A & M University-College Station Texas A & M University-College StationTexas1281 570 - 680580 - 710 62.65% Match
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottArizona1278 580 - 680590 - 700 68% Match
Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia1278 605 - 695585 - 670 81.43% Match
Elon University Elon UniversityNorth Carolina1278 590 - 680580 - 680 74.46% Match
Grove City College Grove City CollegePennsylvania1277 580 - 690550 - 670 70.98% Match
University of Dallas University of DallasTexas1277 590 - 720580 - 680 58.7% Match
University of the Pacific University of the PacificCalifornia1276 560 - 680560 - 743 93.23% Match
Agnes Scott College Agnes Scott CollegeGeorgia1276 590 - 700540 - 650 66.52% Match
DePauw University DePauw UniversityIndiana1275 570 - 670570 - 690 65.8% Match
Lipscomb University Lipscomb UniversityTennessee1275 580 - 670550 - 650 71.12% Match
Michigan State University Michigan State UniversityMichigan1273 580 - 670580 - 690 87.95% Match
SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at GeneseoNew York1272 580 - 660580 - 660 74.93% Match
University of Oregon University of OregonOregon1271 580 - 690560 - 680 86.29% Match
Belmont University Belmont UniversityTennessee1269 590 - 690560 - 650 96.27% Match
Seattle University Seattle UniversityWashington1269 580 - 690570 - 690 85.15% Match
Allegheny College Allegheny CollegePennsylvania1269 577 - 692537 - 680 69.65% Match
University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Carolina WilmingtonNorth Carolina1266 620 - 690600 - 680 68.83% Match
Kettering University Kettering UniversityMichigan1266 560 - 680570 - 690 80.75% Match
Rollins College Rollins CollegeFlorida1265 590 - 690560 - 660 49.99% Match
John Carroll University John Carroll UniversityOhio1264 590 - 660570 - 660 82.37% Match
Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo CollegeMichigan1264 610 - 700590 - 670 79.25% Match
New York Institute of Technology New York Institute of TechnologyNew York1263 558 - 660560 - 700 75.72% Match
Illinois Wesleyan University Illinois Wesleyan UniversityIllinois1263 560 - 660560 - 670 42.22% Match
Calvin University Calvin UniversityMichigan1263 560 - 680560 - 690 74.21% Match
Butler University Butler UniversityIndiana1262 560 - 660550 - 660 82.06% Match
Southwestern University Southwestern UniversityTexas1262 570 - 685550 - 670 44.79% Match
Earlham College Earlham CollegeIndiana1261 590 - 710540 - 670 73.24% Match
St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's College of MarylandMaryland1261 590 - 710540 - 660 77.3% Match
Valparaiso University Valparaiso UniversityIndiana1260 580 - 680560 - 680 94.15% Match
University of Mary Washington University of Mary WashingtonVirginia1260 610 - 690560 - 650 85.79% Match
University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Alabama in HuntsvilleAlabama1259 613 - 700613 - 730 78.1% Match
Saint Mary's College Saint Mary's CollegeIndiana1259 560 - 680540 - 648 83.89% Match
Washington College Washington CollegeMaryland1259 620 - 710570 - 680 74.71% Match
Champlain College Champlain CollegeVermont1259 603 - 698560 - 650 55.68% Match
California Lutheran University California Lutheran UniversityCalifornia1258 580 - 660570 - 660 87.18% Match
Goucher College Goucher CollegeMaryland1258 580 - 688533 - 640 80.24% Match
Duquesne University Duquesne UniversityPennsylvania1257 590 - 670570 - 660 87.49% Match
Western Washington University Western Washington UniversityWashington1257 590 - 690540 - 650 92.69% Match
Bryant University Bryant UniversityRhode Island1256 580 - 650583 - 670 68.81% Match
University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of North Carolina School of the ArtsNorth Carolina1256 590 - 690525 - 660 31.78% Match
George Mason University George Mason UniversityVirginia1255 580 - 670560 - 680 90% Match
University of Massachusetts-Lowell University of Massachusetts-LowellMassachusetts1255 580 - 668590 - 680 85.95% Match
State University of New York at New Paltz State University of New York at New PaltzNew York1254 590 - 680570 - 660 58.27% Match
Cornell College Cornell CollegeIowa1253 600 - 690570 - 690 79.33% Match
Saint Michael's College Saint Michael's CollegeVermont1253 600 - 678560 - 637 85.15% Match
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySouth Dakota1252 570 - 680590 - 698 82.69% Match
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus University of Cincinnati-Main CampusOhio1252 580 - 670580 - 690 86.22% Match
Biola University Biola UniversityCalifornia1250 565 - 695540 - 670 56.63% Match
Transylvania University Transylvania UniversityKentucky1250 580 - 700540 - 660 90.79% Match
Cedarville University Cedarville UniversityOhio1250 580 - 690550 - 690 64.88% Match
Hastings College Hastings CollegeNebraska1250 0 - 00 - 0 71.33% Safety
University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-ColumbiaMissouri1249 580 - 670560 - 670 79.13% Match
Westminster College Westminster CollegeUtah1247 608 - 700558 - 673 69.75% Match
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideFlorida1247 570 - 650550 - 630 57.67% Match
Truman State University Truman State UniversityMissouri1246 510 - 650560 - 680 45.05% Match
Hendrix College Hendrix CollegeArkansas1246 580 - 680553 - 648 60.28% Match
Michigan Technological University Michigan Technological UniversityMichigan1245 560 - 670570 - 680 93.68% Match
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FAQ for SAT Score: 1250

How does a 1250 SAT score compare to the ACT?

A 1250 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 26-27 on the ACT. While this is above average, it may not be enough to make you competitive for the most selective colleges. However, you can still be a strong applicant for many state universities, private schools with lower selectivity, and a range of mid-tier colleges.

What scholarships are available for a 1250 SAT score?

A 1250 SAT score can qualify you for merit-based scholarships at a variety of schools, especially public universities. Partial-tuition scholarships are common, and some private schools may offer financial assistance packages, although full scholarships are rare for students with scores in this range.

Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 1250 SAT score?

A 1250 SAT score is lower than the typical range for Ivy League schools, which tends to be closer to 1500-1600. This score may limit your chances of admission to these top-tier institutions, but there are still many excellent schools where a 1250 SAT score is competitive.

Should I retake the SAT to improve my score?

If you're targeting selective colleges, retaking the SAT could improve your chances of getting into your top-choice schools. However, if you're aiming for state universities or less competitive private schools, a 1250 may already place you in a competitive position. Consider whether retaking the test would result in a substantial improvement.

What is the national average SAT score?

The national average SAT score is around 1050. With a 1250, you are well above average and in a good position to apply to many public and private universities across the country.

Do test-optional colleges consider a 1250 SAT score if submitted?

Yes, test-optional colleges will still consider your 1250 SAT score if submitted. While your score may not be as high as the average for selective schools, it can still help your application stand out, especially if your essays, GPA, and extracurriculars are strong.

What GPA is a 1250 SAT?

A 1250 SAT score is typically associated with a GPA around 3.4 to 3.6. This indicates that you have a solid academic record and can handle college-level coursework. Your GPA and SAT score combined will help make you a competitive applicant for a variety of colleges.

Can I get into NYU with a 1250 SAT?

A 1250 SAT score is below NYU's average, which is closer to 1500, but it’s still competitive for many other schools. For NYU, consider supplementing your application with a strong essay, extracurriculars, and recommendations that show you are a well-rounded applicant.

Is 1250 a good SAT score for Harvard?

A 1250 SAT score is below Harvard's typical range, which is closer to 1500-1600. While this score may not be sufficient for Harvard, it’s still strong and competitive for other excellent schools. Ensure that other aspects of your application are exceptional to compensate for your SAT score.

Can I get into MIT with a 1250 SAT?

MIT’s acceptance rate is very competitive, and a 1250 SAT is below their typical range of around 1500. To improve your chances, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as STEM achievements, leadership roles, and strong letters of recommendation.

Can I get into Princeton with a 1250 SAT score?

Princeton typically admits students with SAT scores in the 1500s. A 1250 is below their typical range, so it may be difficult to gain admission. However, focusing on your essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities could help make your application more competitive.

Is a 1250 SAT score good?

Yes, a 1250 SAT score is good and places you above average, though it may not be competitive for the most selective colleges. For many public and mid-tier private universities, this score is solid, and it will make you a competitive candidate.

Which colleges can I get into with a 1250 SAT score?

A 1250 SAT score opens the door to many solid schools, including state universities and private colleges with moderate selectivity. Some options might include schools like University of Pittsburgh, Florida State University, and University of Alabama.

Best Colleges for SAT Score Ranges

View Best colleges for 1550 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1500 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1450 SAT Score
View Best colleges for 1400 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1350 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1300 SAT Score
View Best colleges for 1250 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1200 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1150 SAT Score
View Best colleges for 1100 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1050 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1000 SAT Score
View Best colleges for 950 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 900 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 850 SAT Score
View Best colleges for 800 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 750 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 700 SAT Score