Best colleges for 850 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 850, 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 850 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 850 SAT Score Good for 2026?
Yes, a 850 SAT score is considered Below Average. Nationally, this performance puts you in the 15th-30th percentile of nearly 2 million annual test-takers.
Strategic Admissions Guidance
A score in the 800s suggests that the Digital SAT's format or content may have been a struggle. Don't be discouraged; many students find success by starting at a two-year community college and transferring to a top university later—often with better scholarship opportunities. If you plan to apply to four-year colleges now, look for those with 'Open Admissions' or strong academic support programs designed to help students transition into college-level coursework.
What does a 850 mean for your applications?
In the 2026 admissions cycle, universities are increasingly looking for 'data-backed' proof of academic readiness. A 850 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 850 applicant.
Best Colleges for 850 SAT Score
Following is the list of colleges that accept 850 SAT Score.
| Logo | Institute | State | Average SAT Score | SAT Reading Scores | SAT Math Scores | Acceptance Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo | Institute | State | Average SAT Score | SAT Reading Scores | SAT Maths Scores | Acceptance Rate | Status |
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Upper Iowa University | Iowa | 929 | 500 - 590 | 470 - 570 | 93.38% | Reach |
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University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla | Puerto Rico | 921 | 408 - 529 | 398 - 528 | 81.74% | Match |
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Washington Adventist University | Maryland | 920 | 400 - 590 | 400 - 510 | 45.36% | Match |
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Virginia State University | Virginia | 917 | 420 - 540 | 380 - 510 | 89.1% | Match |
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University of North Texas at Dallas | Texas | 916 | 415 - 510 | 405 - 480 | 93.86% | Match |
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University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Arkansas | 916 | 430 - 528 | 450 - 520 | 57.54% | Reach |
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University of the Virgin Islands | Virgin Islands | 915 | 420 - 530 | 380 - 490 | 97.44% | Match |
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Bethune-Cookman University | Florida | 913 | 430 - 520 | 400 - 480 | 99.85% | Match |
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Texas Southern University | Texas | 913 | 420 - 510 | 380 - 490 | 93.35% | Match |
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Mississippi Valley State University | Mississippi | 910 | - | - | 51.16% | Safety |
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Benedict College | South Carolina | 910 | 420 - 510 | 400 - 500 | 67.3% | Match |
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Ohio Christian University | Ohio | 910 | - | - | 39.9% | Safety |
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Maine College of Health Professions | Maine | 910 | 430 - 480 | 420 - 490 | 33.33% | Match |
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Southern University at New Orleans | Louisiana | 910 | - | - | 60.21% | Safety |
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Kentucky State University | Kentucky | 910 | 420 - 500 | 400 - 510 | 92.55% | Match |
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Morningside University | Iowa | 910 | - | - | 70.57% | Safety |
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Wesleyan College | Georgia | 905 | 433 - 465 | 443 - 478 | 62.07% | Reach |
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Trinity College of Florida | Florida | 905 | 430 - 500 | 380 - 480 | 96.3% | Match |
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University of Puerto Rico-Carolina | Puerto Rico | 904 | 395 - 519 | 390 - 500 | 52.73% | Match |
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Bennett College | North Carolina | 890 | 453 - 508 | 405 - 438 | 33.61% | Reach |
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Chamberlain University-Illinois | Illinois | 868 | 400 - 420 | 370 - 430 | 88.57% | Match |
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Fort Valley State University | Georgia | 864 | 400 - 480 | 395 - 440 | 62.8% | Match |
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Virginia Union University | Virginia | 860 | 390 - 510 | 360 - 500 | 97.73% | Match |
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Gallaudet University | District of Columbia | 857 | 370 - 463 | 380 - 470 | 60.94% | Match |
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Manor College | Pennsylvania | 820 | 360 - 445 | 365 - 490 | 95.76% | Match |
FAQ for SAT Score: 850
How does a 850 SAT score compare to the ACT?
A 850 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 14-15 on the ACT. This score is below average, but it might still be acceptable for less competitive schools. It’s important to prepare thoroughly if you're considering retaking the SAT or applying to more competitive universities.
What scholarships are available for a 850 SAT score?
With a 850 SAT score, your scholarship options might be limited to smaller, local scholarships or merit-based awards from schools with lower selectivity. Look for smaller institutions or regional awards that are more accessible with this score.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 850 SAT score?
Ivy League schools have high SAT expectations, usually above 1400, so a 850 SAT score would not be competitive. Focus on schools with lower selectivity and consider improving your score if you wish to apply to more competitive schools in the future.
Should I retake the SAT to improve my score?
If you’re targeting selective colleges, retaking the SAT and working on specific areas where you struggled may improve your score. Consider taking additional SAT prep courses or one-on-one tutoring to strengthen your abilities.
What is the national average SAT score?
The national average SAT score is around 1050, so a 850 SAT score is below average. If you are aiming for more selective schools, consider retaking the SAT and focusing on test prep to boost your score.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 850 SAT score if submitted?
Test-optional colleges may still consider a 850 SAT score if submitted, but it may not be a strong point in your application. Focus on other areas like essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars to strengthen your profile.
What GPA is a 850 SAT?
A 850 SAT score typically correlates with a GPA in the range of 2.0-2.3. This suggests that there is room for improvement in both your academic performance and test scores. Focus on boosting your GPA and retaking the SAT for better results.
Can I get into NYU with a 850 SAT?
NYU’s average SAT score is much higher than 850, so gaining admission with this score would be unlikely. You may want to focus on improving your SAT score or applying to other schools where this score could be more competitive.
Is 850 a good SAT score for Harvard?
Harvard’s SAT average is far above 850, meaning this would not be a competitive score for admission. Focus on improving your SAT score if you want to apply to Ivy League schools in the future.
Can I get into MIT with a 850 SAT?
MIT requires SAT scores significantly higher than 850. If you’re aiming for MIT, it would be important to retake the SAT and work towards improving your score before applying.
Can I get into Princeton with a 850 SAT score?
Princeton’s average SAT score is well above 850, so admission with this score would be challenging. You might want to focus on applying to other colleges with more achievable score requirements.
Is a 850 SAT score good?
A 850 SAT score is below average, but it's not the end of your college prospects. Focus on improving your GPA, preparing better for the SAT, and strengthening other aspects of your application to give yourself a better chance at admission.
Which colleges can I get into with a 850 SAT score?
With a 850 SAT score, your best options are likely to be less competitive colleges, community colleges, or state universities with higher acceptance rates. Schools like University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, and University of Iowa might be a good fit.