Is 1080 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1080 SAT
Wondering if a 1080 SAT score is good? Learn what this score means, how it compares nationally, and discover colleges that accept students with this score.
Is 1080 a good SAT score? A good SAT score depends on which schools you're applying to. A 1080 SAT score is slightly above the national average, making it a solid option for many public and private institutions.
While it may not open doors to the most selective schools, plenty of colleges accept students with this score, especially when combined with strong grades and extracurricular activities. Keep reading to learn about colleges that accept a 1080 SAT score.
Is 1080 a Good SAT Score?
<p>According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2023, 1028 was the national average for SAT test-takers. Earning a 1080 on the test means you have a score slightly above average.
</p>
<p>While it's not in the top percentiles, it still positions you well for many colleges — especially those with holistic or test-flexible admissions. Your total score is just one piece of the puzzle. Strong grades, compelling essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation can boost your application.
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<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The composite SAT score range is between 400 and 1600. It combines two section scores: evidence-based reading and writing and math, each ranging from 200 to 800. Some schools may accept a superscore, which takes the best scores from multiple test dates.
</p>
<h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs1080OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 1080 on the SAT?</h3>
<p>According to College Board, an SAT score of 1080 places you roughly in the 63rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 63% of test-takers. This is just above the national average and shows that you're performing better than half of the students who take the exam. While it may not land you in the most selective schools, many colleges welcome students in this range.
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<h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptA1080SATScore">Will Colleges Accept a 1080 SAT Score?</h2>
<p>Yes, many colleges will accept a 1080 SAT exam score. While it's not likely to be competitive for Ivy League schools, it's slightly above the national average. This score meets the requirements for a wide range of schools, especially those with holistic or test-optional admissions. Paired with strong grades or extracurriculars, a 1080 can absolutely lead to college acceptance.
</p>
<h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotA1080">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got a 1080?</h2>
<p>Do your target schools have high SAT requirements? If so, you may consider retaking the exam. To improve your scores, you should commit to SAT prep work, such as taking practice tests. By retaking the test, you could gain acceptance to these schools.
</p>
<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA1080OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 1080 on the SAT</h2>
<p>Is 1080 a good SAT score for traditional colleges? With this score, you can get into many different schools. Below, we explore these options in more detail. Keep reading to learn about these opportunities.
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<h3 id="section---1.CaliforniaStateUniversityChico">1. California State University, Chico</h3>
<p>California State University, Chico is a public institution founded in 1887. It offers over 100 bachelor's degree programs across various fields.
</p>
<p>Undergraduate admissions requirements are straightforward. California students with a 2.5 GPA and non-residents with a 3.0 GPA are accepted. If students don't meet these standards, they are still encouraged to apply as the school looks at additional factors. However, SAT or ACT scores are not a consideration during the admissions process.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,472
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $21,072
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---2.EastCarolinaUniversity">2. East Carolina University</h3>
<p>East Carolina University, classified as an R1 research institution, serves around 22,000 undergraduates. Students can choose from majors across various academic disciplines.
</p>
<p>The college admissions process doesn't require SAT or ACT test scores, except for students with a 2.8 GPA or below. In 2023, the SAT median scores were 570 for the reading and writing section and 560 for the math section.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> No minimum
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $7,361
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $23,638
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---3.HanoverCollege">3. Hanover College</h3>
<p>Hanover College is a private liberal arts institution offering over 30 majors, including business, education, engineering, and the sciences. The college is test-optional and focuses on a holistic admissions process. The average SAT score is 1125.
</p>
<p>Applicants are expected to complete a college-prep curriculum and submit transcripts. Essays and recommendation letters are strongly encouraged to support your application, if you choose not to submit standardized test scores.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $44,777
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $44,777
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---4.KeanUniversity">4. Kean University</h3>
<p>Kean University is a public institution with an undergraduate population of about 11,000. Prospective students should submit college applications through the university's official website or The Common Application.
</p>
<p>The school considers a wide range of factors to determine college preparedness, including GPA, class rank, and high school courses taken. Submitting test scores is optional, though applicants must provide faculty recommendations, a personal essay, and a list of extracurriculars.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $11,858.70
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $20,005.94
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
</p>
<h3 id="section---5.FloridaAMUniversity">5. Florida A&M University</h3>
<p>Florida A&M University is one of many public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that offers dozens of undergraduate degrees. Freshmen applicants must hold a 3.3 GPA and submit ACT or SAT scores. Students should aim for around a 530 in reading and writing and a 550 in math, which altogether should add up to 1080. Taking preparatory classes in high school is also required for acceptance.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 530 reading and 550 math
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $5,561.30
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $17,585.40
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---6.GeorgiaStateUniversity">6. Georgia State University</h3>
<p>Georgia State University is a public research institution that offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. First-year applicants do not have to submit test scores if they have a 3.4 GPA or above. Everyone else must meet minimum test score requirements, which include a minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 and a SAT Math score of 440 or above.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 480 for reading and 440 for math sections
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,664
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $24,840
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfArkansasAtLittleRock">7. University of Arkansas at Little Rock</h3>
<p>At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, you can pursue a bachelor's degree in the humanities, sciences, or social sciences. To gain admittance into the university, you'll need to take the official SAT or ACT if you have a 2.9 GPA or below. However, if you earn at least a 1010 on the SAT, there are no minimum GPA requirements.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 840 minimum score
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $10,185.26
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $22,869.70
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfLouisville">8. University of Louisville</h3>
<p>The University of Louisville is a public research university in Kentucky with many undergraduate programs across fields such as:
</p>
<ul><li>business
</li><li>engineering
</li><li>education
</li><li>music
</li></ul><p>First-time students can meet one of three minimum standards for acceptance. They can have a minimum 2.5 GPA with an approved curriculum. Another option allows students to submit SAT scores with a minimum of 940. Applicants can also prove they're in the top 15% of their class.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $12,940
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $29,286
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---9.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">9. Southern New Hampshire University</h3>
<p>Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university that offers various online and in-person degree programs. According to the U.S. Department of Education Scorecard, it has an acceptance rate of 96%, so it's likely you will be accepted with a 1080 SAT score.
</p>
<p>If you wish to pursue an on-campus program, you'll need to submit your official high school transcripts and a recommendation letter. Test scores are considered but not required.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $16,200
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $16,200
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
</p>
<h3 id="section---10.TexasStateUniversity">10. Texas State University</h3>
<p>Texas State University is a large public research institution with approximately 35,000 undergraduates enrolled. Students don't have to submit SAT scores if they're in the top 75% of their graduating class. If you fall below this standard, you must apply with a 1330 composite score from your SAT.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $11,450
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $22,930
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>We use ranking criteria to find quality institutions. The schools on our list are evaluated based on the following:
</p>
<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> We prioritize institutions that are regionally accredited, ensuring they meet high academic and administrative standards recognized nationwide.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> Schools with transparent and accessible admissions policies — especially those that offer test-optional or flexible pathways — score higher in our rankings.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We consider overall tuition costs, availability of financial aid, and scholarship opportunities to highlight schools that provide strong value for your investment.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>If you're looking for colleges that accept a 1080 SAT score, there are plenty of great options. Browse programs here on Learn.org, and when you find a school that interests you, get in touch with the admissions officers.</p>