1170 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Texas A&M and San Diego State are the kind of well-known publics where a 1170 SAT lines up with typical admitted students. You're around the 77th percentile, and that puts you in range for about 1,470 colleges nationwide. That's a strong score for plenty of big state universities and a lot of private colleges. More selective schools like Clemson are still tougher to get into.
How 1170 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 74th - higher than about 74% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~24 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,473 schools (713 target, 141 reach, 619 safety).
Is a 1170 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1170 SAT is a solid score, and it already fits big publics like The University of Alabama and University of Arizona. Alabama's middle 50% starts right at 1170, so you're at the low end there but still in range.
You're also well above the national average of 1050. Florida State is a different story. Its middle 50% starts around 1270, so that one is a real reach even if the rest of your application is strong.
Colleges still look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just the SAT. Those pieces matter a lot once your score has you in the mix.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1170 SAT
You'll recognize a lot of the names in the tables below. Arizona State (1100-1320) and University of Houston (1160-1340) both include 1170 in their middle 50%, so they look like solid matches. Penn State and Virginia Tech usually enroll higher scorers, which makes them harder to get into. The tables break these colleges into good-fit schools, longer shots, and safer backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
East Carolina University and Texas Tech both enroll plenty of students around a 1170. Your score is in range at both, so you have a good shot.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
UCLA and UT Austin typically look for SAT scores starting in the mid-1200s or higher. A 1170 can still go on the application, but both are real reaches.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 1170 is well above the middle 50% at Georgia Southern (986-1133) and Sam Houston State (930-1120). Odds look strong here, and there are hundreds of similar options.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1170 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1170 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1170 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1170?
A retake is optional at 1170, not something you have to do. If you want a better shot at more selective publics like Florida State or Ohio State, another sitting can help. If the target schools already feel right, you can stick with this score.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective public universities | Time away from grades and activities |
| A 50-100 point jump widens your options | Score gains are not guaranteed |
| Lets you retry a weaker section | 1170 already fits many solid colleges |
Serious prep often adds about 50-100 SAT points. Focus on the section that pulled you down, take a few timed practice tests, and review every miss instead of only doing new drills.
You can apply with 1170 if your target schools already look like a fit, or prep for another test date if you want those tougher publics.
1170 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1170 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1110 | 21 |
| 1130 | 23 |
| 1150 | 23 |
| 1170 | 24 |
| 1190 | 24 |
| 1210 | 25 |
| 1230 | 26 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1170 SAT places you in about the 74th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 74% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1170 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1160 and 1180
- Browse the equivalent 24 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026