Best Colleges That Accept a 1280 SAT Score | Admission & Scholarship Info

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Scored a 1280 on the SAT Exam? That’s a strong score! You might be wondering, “Is 1280 a good SAT score?” The answer is yes—it’s better than most students who take the test. The SAT checks how well you do in math and reading, and a 1280 shows you’re ready for college-level work. With this score, you have a good chance of getting into many well-known colleges. Some schools may even offer scholarships. In this guide, we’ll go over which colleges accept a 1280, plus info on tuition, acceptance rates, and scholarships. Let’s find out where your score can take you!

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Is 1280 a good SAT score for the First Time?

If you're wondering, "Is a 1280 a good SAT score?"—the answer is yes, especially if it’s your first try! A 1280 is above the national average, so you did better than most students. It shows colleges that you’re strong in math and reading and ready for college-level classes. With this score, you can apply to many good colleges and might even qualify for scholarships.

Best Colleges That Accept a 1280 SAT Score

What Colleges Accept a 1280 SAT Score?

A 1280 SAT score is a good score that can help you get into many colleges in the U.S. It’s higher than the national average and shows that you’re ready for college-level work. Schools like Penn State, the University of Minnesota, and Michigan State often accept students with this score. Some colleges may even offer you a chance to join honors programs or get scholarships. Overall, a 1280 gives you a lot of great college choices.

How Does a 1280 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1280 SAT score is much better than the average. In 2024, the average SAT score was about 1024, so a 1280 puts you ahead of most students—you're in the top 15% of test takers. This strong score shows colleges that you’re ready for college-level work and can help your application stand out at many schools.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1280?

A 1280 is a strong SAT score and can help you get into many good colleges. But if you're trying to get into highly selective schools or want better chances at scholarships, taking the SAT again might be a good idea. If you believe you can study more and improve your score, it's worth a try. However, if you're happy with your 1280 and it matches your college goals, you don’t have to retake it.

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1280 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1280 SAT score is about the same as getting a 27 on the ACT Exam. Both are good scores and higher than the national average. Even though the SAT and ACT test different things, colleges usually treat them the same when you apply. If you’re not sure which test is better for you, try taking a practice test for both to see which one feels easier.

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Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1280 SAT Score

A 1280 SAT score can qualify you for merit-based scholarships at many colleges. These scholarships can help lower tuition costs and reward your academic performance. Here are some colleges that accept a 1280 SAT score and offer scholarships:

University of Alabama: Capstone Scholarship – Up to $24,000 over four years
University of Arizona: Arizona Excellence Award – Up to $15,000 per year for in-state students
Iowa State University: Adventure Award – $6,000 per year
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss): Academic Excellence Scholarship – Up to $3,000 per year
Mississippi State University: Freshman Academic Scholarship – Starts at $4,000 per year

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Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1280 SAT Score

A 1280 SAT score is a strong score that can help you get into many good colleges. With this score, you have a good shot at both public and private universities. In this guide, we’ll share 15 colleges that accept 1280. These schools have great academics, fun campus life, and some even offer scholarships. Let’s check out where you can apply with your score!

University Name	SAT Score Range	Average GPA	ACT Score Range	Acceptance Rate	Admission Chance	Tuition Fees (In-state)	Graduation Rate	Enrollment
University of Texas at Austin	1230–1480	3.8	26–33	31%	Competitive	$17,434	85%	52,384
University of Miami	1210–1480	3.7	30–33	19%	Competitive	$36,467	80%	19,402
University of Georgia	1220–1420	4.0	27–32	43%	Moderate	$17,180	85%	40,607
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	1240–1430	3.97	27–32	57%	Moderate	$19,301	91%	38,170
University of Alabama	1200–1410	3.7	28–32	80%	High	$10,000	80%	47,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison	1200–1490	3.9	28–32	53%	Moderate	$10,700	86%	45,000+
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	1210–1510	3.7	28–33	44%	Moderate	$17,020	85%	48,674
Indiana University Bloomington	1210–1460	3.8	28–33	80%	High	$10,000	N/A	N/A
University of Oregon	1150–1450	3.8	24–30	86%	High	$17,646	N/A	N/A
University of Pittsburgh	1200–1490	3.8	28–33	59%	Moderate	$20,000	85%	28,000+
University of Oklahoma	1140–1350	3.7	25–32	80%	High	$10,000	70%	28,000+
University of Kansas	1240–1480	3.6	26–32	93%	Very High	$11,000	70%	28,000+
University of Iowa	1260–1480	3.7	26–32	83%	High	$11,000	70%	30,000+
University of Arkansas	1220–1480	3.6	25–32	77%	High	$10,000	70%	27,000+
University of Tennessee	1260–1480	3.8	26–32	79%	High	$13,000	70%	28,000+

Note: Tuition fees listed are for in-state students and are approximate figures. Graduation rates and enrollment numbers are based on the most recent data available.

A 1280 SAT score is a strong score that gives you access to many great college options. You can apply to both public and private universities and be a competitive candidate. While some top schools may want a higher score, many great colleges will still consider your application with a 1280. Make sure to also focus on other parts of your application, like your GPA and extracurricular activities, to improve your chances even more.

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