Is 840 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept an 840 SAT
Did you score an 840 on the SAT? Learn what it means, and discover accredited schools that accept students with this score or have test-optional policies.
After receiving your 840 SAT score, you may be wondering what kind of colleges you can get into. Is 840 a good SAT score? A good SAT score depends on your academic goals and college plans. While it's a below-average score, many schools accept scores in this range or don't require test scores at all.
If you scored an 840, don't worry — there are still plenty of opportunities available. Keep reading to learn about colleges that accept an 840 SAT score.
Is 840 a Good SAT Score?
<p>An SAT score of 840 is below the national average, but it doesn't mean your college goals are out of reach. Many accredited colleges accept scores in this range, and some are even test-optional. With a strong GPA, college essay, and involvement in extracurriculars, you still have plenty of great opportunities to pursue higher education and succeed.
</p>
<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, combining two section scores: the evidence-based reading and writing section and the math section. Each section is scored between 200 and 800. A perfect score of all sections combined would be 1600.
</p>
<h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs840OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 840 on the SAT?</h3>
<p>An SAT score of 840 falls around the 20th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 20% of test takers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average SAT score in 2023 was 1028.
</p>
<h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptAn840SATScore">Will Colleges Accept an 840 SAT Score?</h2>
<p>While selective schools may be out of reach, many colleges accept an 840 SAT score, especially those with more flexible or test-optional admissions policies. Schools with lower minimum score requirements or holistic admissions consider your GPA, essays, and activities alongside your SAT score when making decisions. Always check each school's specific requirements.
</p>
<h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotAn840">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got an 840?</h2>
<p>If you scored an 840 on the SAT, retaking the test could improve your chances at more competitive schools or scholarships. However, you'll need to do some test prep to get a higher score. Practice tests are helpful for this goal. If your target schools have test-optional policies or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a>, you might focus instead on strengthening other parts of your application.
</p>
<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptAn840OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept an 840 on the SAT</h2>
<p>If you got an 840 on the SAT test, you still have plenty of higher education options. Below, we'll cover test-optional schools and others that accept your SAT score range.
</p>
<h3 id="section---1.DelawareStateUniversity">1. Delaware State University</h3>
<p>Delaware State University is a public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Dover, DE. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors in fields like business, health sciences, education, and agriculture. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and research opportunities.
</p>
<p>Admissions require a minimum 2.0 GPA and SAT scores of at least 800 or a 17 on the ACT. The school doesn't allow superscoring of the test.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 800 minimum
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $9,050
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $19,014
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
</p>
<h3 id="section---2.WesternKentuckyUniversity">2. Western Kentucky University</h3>
<p>Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY, offering over 170 academic programs. These include options in journalism, education, health sciences, and business. Freshman applicants must meet a minimum 2.5 GPA or qualify through the Composite Admission Index (CAI), which allows admission with an SAT score as low as 840 and a minimum GPA of 2.3.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Varies
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $11,652
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $27,000
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---3.CentralStateUniversity">3. Central State University</h3>
<p>Central State University is a public HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH. It offers undergraduate programs in education, business, engineering, agriculture, and health sciences.
</p>
<p>CSU emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and service in a supportive and affordable learning environment. First-year applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.2 and are not required to submit scores from the SAT exam, as the university is test-optional.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $2,931
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $3,931
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
</p>
<h3 id="section---4.GordonStateCollege">4. Gordon State College</h3>
<p>Gordon State College is a public college in Georgia offering associate and bachelor's degrees. Areas of study include business, education, health sciences, and liberal arts. Students can earn an undergraduate degree in majors such as:
</p>
<ul><li>English
</li><li>biology
</li><li>criminal justice
</li><li>elementary education
</li></ul><p>Freshman admissions require a minimum high school GPA of 2.5. While test scores are considered, they are not mandatory for admission.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,270
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $12,420
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---5.AlabamaAMUniversity">5. Alabama A&M University</h3>
<p>Alabama A&M University is a public HBCU in Huntsville, AL, offering undergraduate programs in:
</p>
<ul><li>engineering
</li><li>business
</li><li>education
</li><li>sciences
</li><li>liberal arts
</li></ul><p>The college admissions process is streamlined and intended to look beyond just test scores. Freshman college applications require a minimum 2.0 GPA or SAT or ACT scores meeting CAI thresholds. The CAI allows students with SAT scores of 840 to enroll, provided they meet GPA and other criteria.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> No requirements
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,610
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $17,220
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
</p>
<h3 id="section---6.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">6. Southern New Hampshire University</h3>
<p>Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution in Manchester, NH, that's also well-known for its online learning options. It offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including business administration, computer science, and history.
</p>
<p>The school is test-optional; however, students may choose to submit these scores to be considered during the admissions process. Admissions are based on high school transcripts, a personal essay, and a faculty recommendation.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</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---7.RooseveltUniversity">7. Roosevelt University</h3>
<p>Roosevelt University is a private institution with campuses in Chicago and Schaumburg. It offers undergraduate programs in business, humanities, performing arts, education, pharmacy, and more.
</p>
<p>Freshman applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0, although students with a GPA below this threshold may still be considered for admission by submitting additional materials. Admissions also considers coursework, essays, recommendations, and potential for academic success.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $23,100
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $23,100
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---8.AuroraUniversity">8. Aurora University</h3>
<p>Aurora University is a private university in Illinois, offering 60 undergraduate majors. According to the U.S. Department of Education Scorecard, it has an 85% acceptance rate.
</p>
<p>The university has a test-optional admissions policy — students aren't required to submit SAT or ACT scores, though they are accepted. Admissions are based on high school transcripts, personal statements, and recommendations.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $28,800
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $28,800
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfDubuque">9. University of Dubuque</h3>
<p>University of Dubuque is a private university in Iowa, offering undergraduate programs in liberal arts, business, education, sciences, and more. The school has a test-optional admissions policy with more emphasis placed on high school transcripts, extracurriculars, and other indicators of academic success. There is also no application fee.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $42,180
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $42,180
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---10.EasternOregonUniversity">10. Eastern Oregon University</h3>
<p>Eastern Oregon University is a public university in La Grande that offers over 30 bachelor's programs. Freshman applicants with a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher are automatically admitted when they meet subject-area requirements in English, math, science, social studies, and language. Applicants must submit official transcripts and a $50 application fee.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,240
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $15,030
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
</p>
<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>When compiling this list of colleges that accept an 840 SAT score, we considered several important factors. The schools featured meet high standards of quality and accessibility:
</p>
<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> We only included schools accredited by recognized organizations, such as the HLC, to ensure academic excellence and credibility.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> We evaluated the selectivity and clarity of admissions criteria, including GPA minimums, test requirements, and other application standards, to assess accessibility.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We considered tuition costs, availability of scholarships, and financial aid options to highlight schools that provide value and reduce the financial burden on students.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>If you're wondering, ''Is 840 a good SAT score?'' You'll be happy to know that many online degree programs are available to help you reach your goals. Check out the programs featured on Learn.org and contact schools' admissions officers to learn more and apply.</p>