Is 1480 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1480 SAT
A 1480 SAT score is competitive at top colleges. Explore accredited, affordable schools that accept a 1480 and offer strong academic and career support.
Scoring in the top few percent of all SAT test-takers puts you in a strong position for college admissions. A 1480 is considered excellent by most schools and may boost your eligibility for scholarships, honors programs, and selective majors. It reflects a high level of college readiness, especially when supported by strong grades and challenging high school coursework.
If you're asking, is 1480 a good SAT score, the answer is yes. It's accepted by nearly all four-year colleges. This article features colleges that accept a 1480 SAT score while also offering more affordable tuition, flexible admissions policies, and accessible degree pathways, including online learning and financial aid support.
Is 1480 a Good SAT Score?
Yes, a 1480 SAT score is considered excellent. It places you well above the national average and puts you in a strong position for admission to many competitive colleges. A 1480 demonstrates a high level of academic readiness in both math and evidence-based reading and writing. While it may not guarantee admission to every school, it often qualifies students for merit-based scholarships, honors programs, or direct admission to selective majors.
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How Is the SAT Scored?
The SAT is scored on a 400 to 1600 scale, combining two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Each section is worth 200 to 800 points. Your raw scores, based on the number of questions you answer correctly, are converted into scaled scores to ensure consistency across test versions.
The final total score reflects your combined performance in both sections. This score is used by colleges to assess your academic strengths and compare applicants from different schools and backgrounds.
What Percentile Is 1480 on the SAT?
A 1480 SAT score places you around the 98th percentile. That means you scored better than 98% of students who took the test. This high percentile signals to colleges that you're academically well-prepared compared to other applicants.
Being in the top 2% can give you an edge in admissions, especially at competitive universities, and may also help you qualify for merit-based financial aid and special academic programs.
Will Colleges Accept a 1480 SAT Score?
Most colleges in the U.S. will gladly accept a 1480 SAT score. It's above the average range for many schools and falls well within the typical scores of students admitted to selective public and private universities.
Some highly selective institutions may have higher averages, but even there, a 1480 can be competitive when paired with strong grades and extracurriculars. If you're exploring schools with flexible admissions policies, you might also consider colleges that accept everyone.
Is 1480 a Good SAT Score for Ivy League?
A 1480 SAT score is competitive but on the lower end for Ivy League schools. These institutions typically report middle 50% SAT ranges between 1450 and 1570. While a 1480 won't disqualify you, it may not be enough to stand out on its own.
Ivy League schools conduct holistic reviews, so other factors like GPA, leadership, essays, and recommendations carry significant weight. If you're applying to one of these top-tier schools, a strong application overall can help offset a score slightly below their average.
Should I Retake the SAT if I Got a 1480?
You might not need to retake the SAT if you scored a 1480, especially if your target schools fall within or below that range. A 1480 is more than enough for most public universities and many private colleges.
However, if you're aiming for Ivy League or other ultra-selective schools, a higher score could strengthen your application. Consider your GPA, extracurriculars, and the score ranges of your top-choice schools. If everything else is strong, retaking the SAT may offer limited benefits.
Colleges That Accept a 1480 on the SAT
If you're researching colleges that accept a 1480 SAT score, you're likely eligible for merit aid, honors programs, and top-tier majors at public and private schools. While a 1480 is a good SAT score, it doesn't guarantee admission to every institution. Below, we've listed colleges with higher acceptance rates that give you a great chance at being admitted with a 1480.
1. Auburn University
Auburn University offers test-optional admissions, but applicants with a 1480 SAT score are encouraged to submit it, especially for scholarship consideration and competitive majors. The admissions team evaluates GPA, high school coursework, and leadership experience when making decisions.
While most undergraduate programs are offered on campus, Auburn does provide some online options, particularly for adult learners and continuing education. The university also offers resources such as tutoring, career services, and academic advising to support student success.
SAT requirements: 1210 to 1380 average
Average in-state tuition: $6,659 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $18,011 per year
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2. City University of New York Hunter College
Hunter College, part of the City University of New York system, is test-optional for most applicants, though a 1480 SAT score places you near the top of the admitted range. The admissions process considers GPA, course rigor, and supplemental materials, such as essays or recommendations.
Hunter College offers a variety of in-person undergraduate programs as well as some online courses in areas like education and public health. Located in Manhattan, the college provides access to internships, research opportunities, and career support through its urban campus setting.
SAT requirements: 1220 to 1453 average
Average in-state tuition: $6,930 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $18,600 per year
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona uses a comprehensive review process that considers core high school coursework, GPA, and optional test scores. A 1480 SAT score is well above the school's average and may support merit scholarship eligibility.
The university offers direct admission to many programs and emphasizes flexibility in its admissions model. Students can also explore fully online degree options through Arizona Online, which offers bachelor's programs in business, psychology, and more.
SAT requirements: 1234 average
Average in-state tuition: $13,900 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $43,100 per year
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. Ohio State University
Ohio State University uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic achievement, curriculum rigor, and SAT scores. A 1480 SAT score places you within the average range for admitted students and can strengthen your application, especially for competitive majors.
The university offers in-person and online degrees, with remote programs available in areas like nursing, health sciences, and business. Students benefit from research opportunities, large-scale resources, and dedicated support services.
SAT requirements: 1340 and 1490 average
Average in-state tuition: $13,244 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $40,222 per year
Accreditation: HLC
5. University of Colorado Boulder
Students applying to the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder will find a holistic review process that considers GPA, curriculum strength, and optional test scores. A 1480 SAT score is above the school's average range, giving you an edge when applying to competitive majors or for scholarship consideration.
CU Boulder encourages applicants to take challenging high school coursework and submit test scores if they strengthen the application. While most undergraduate programs are on campus, the university does offer some online courses and degrees, especially in business, education, and engineering.
SAT requirements: 1180 to 1390 average
Average in-state tuition: $14,606 to $20,678 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $44,748 to $48,736 per year
Accreditation: HLC
6. Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) accepts a wide range of SAT scores, and a 1480 places you well above the school's average range. While test scores are optional, submitting strong results can boost your chances for scholarships and admission into competitive majors. The university takes a holistic approach, considering GPA, course rigor, and achievements both in and outside the classroom.
MSU offers several online programs in areas like health, education, and business, in addition to a traditional campus experience. Advising and academic support services are available for both remote and in-person students.
SAT requirements: 1100 to 1310 average
Average in-state tuition: $16,118 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $43,502 per year
Accreditation: HLC
7. University of Connecticut
At the University of Connecticut (UConn), a 1480 SAT score exceeds the middle 50% range and may improve your chances of admission to selective programs. Although UConn is test-optional, applicants are encouraged to submit high scores if they reflect their academic potential. The admissions process focuses heavily on GPA, core course rigor, and class rank.
UConn offers a wide range of in-person majors as well as online and hybrid options in fields like business and nursing. Early applications are recommended for scholarship consideration and program availability.
SAT requirements: 1320 to 1460 average
Average in-state tuition: $17,010 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $26,028 to $39,678 per year
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
8. Chapman University
Chapman University practices a test-optional admissions policy, but students with a 1480 SAT score or higher are encouraged to submit results, especially for competitive programs and scholarship opportunities. The university reviews applications holistically, weighing GPA, course rigor, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.
Located in Southern California, Chapman supports student success through small class sizes, personalized advising, and pre-professional pathways. While most programs are on campus, some courses and certificates are available online, offering flexibility for select fields.
SAT requirements: 1450 or above average
Average in-state tuition: $33,745 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $33,745 per year
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
9. Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology welcomes test-optional applications, but a 1480 SAT score exceeds the typical admitted range and may strengthen your file. The university looks for strong academic performance, especially in math and science courses, as part of its holistic admissions process.
Florida Tech is known for its STEM programs and offers a variety of online bachelor's and graduate degrees in fields like engineering, business, and cybersecurity. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on learning, and career-focused instruction designed to prepare them for high-demand industries.
SAT requirements: 1120 to 1310 average
Average in-state tuition: $41,760 to $44,620 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $41,760 to $44,620 per year
Accreditation: SACSCOC
10. Gonzaga University
A 1480 SAT score puts you above the average range for Gonzaga University and may support your application for admission or merit-based aid. The university uses a test-optional process, focusing instead on your GPA, college prep coursework, and overall academic potential. Gonzaga values personal character, service, and community involvement, elements that can make a strong application even stronger.
The school offers a supportive academic environment with a Jesuit tradition of education. Although most degrees are campus-based, Gonzaga provides select online offerings at the graduate level.
SAT requirements: 1250 to 1410 average
Average in-state tuition: $56,140 per year
Average out-of-state tuition: $56,140 per year
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
How We Rank Schools
To help students identify high-quality options, we focus on colleges that balance academic standards with accessibility. The schools on this list admit students with a 1480 SAT score or higher and offer strong support, flexible learning options, and recognized degree programs. Each college was selected based on the following criteria:
- Accreditation: All schools are accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body, ensuring that their degrees meet national standards for academic quality and financial aid eligibility.
- Admissions requirements: Schools were included based on SAT score ranges, particularly those that consider a 1480 SAT score competitive or above average.
- Program reputation: Colleges are evaluated for academic quality, student support, and overall recognition in areas such as career outcomes, online offerings, or specialized majors.
Explore Online Degree Programs
A 1480 SAT score opens doors to many competitive programs. Whether you're looking for traditional or flexible online pathways, Learn.org offers tools to help you compare colleges, explore majors, and connect with schools that meet your academic and career goals.
