Colleges for a 1280 on the SAT

What colleges accept a 1280 SAT score?

These colleges are a good match for you

If you've achieved a score of 1280 on your SATs, this places you squarely within the average range for accepted students at 379 U.S. colleges. This list features popular colleges where your application will likely be competitive, given their historical acceptance of students with a 1280 SAT score. However, it's crucial to remember that a good SAT score is not the sole criterion for admission. In fact, may colleges are now test optional. It's equally significant to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) that aligns with the college's expectations for incoming students. The creation of this list is rooted in a comprehensive analysis of SAT scores from students admitted to all U.S. colleges

Is a 1280 SAT good?

Yes, you have a lot of opportunities at very good schools with a score of 1280. It situates you in the top 86th percentile on the national scale, outperforming the majority of the 1.7 million SAT test takers. This score signifies your significantly above average performance in answering questions in the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections of the exam. The SAT is scored out of a maximum of 1600 and a minimum of 400, meaning your 1280 score represents 80% of the total possible points. If a 1280 does not meet the requirements of your preferred college, you might want to consider enrolling in a test prep course to potentially enhance your score.

Demographic comparisons for a 1280

Let's examine how a 1280 SAT score stacks up to the national averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 1280 is 213 points (20%) higher than the average male SAT score of 1067
  • Female: A 1280 is 226 points (21%) higher than the average female SAT score of 1054

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 1280 is 168 points (15%) higher than the average white SAT score of 1112
  • Black: A 1280 is 346 points (37%) higher than the average black SAT score of 934
  • Hispanic: A 1280 is 313 points (32%) higher than the average Hispanic SAT score of 967
  • Asian: A 1280 is 41 points (3%) higher than the average Asian SAT score of 1239
  • Pacific Islander: A 1280 is 330 points (35%) higher than the average Pacific Islander SAT score of 950
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: A 1280 is 353 points (38%) higher than the average American Indian/Alaska Native SAT score of 927
  • Two or more races: A 1280 is 164 points (15%) higher than the average two or more races SAT score of 1116

All groups

  • All Students: A 1280 is 220 points higher than the average SAT score for all students of 1060

What is the ACT equivalent to a 1280 SAT score?

A 1280 on the SAT translates to a 27 on the ACT according to the concordance provided by the College Board and ACT. It's important to note that not all colleges disclose admission data for both the SAT and ACT. As such, we recommend checking our listings for each test to identify schools with similar academic profiles.

What percentile is a 1280 SAT score?

Scoring a 1280 on the SAT places you in the 86th percentile nationwide. This implies that your performance surpassed 86% of all test takers. To put this in perspective, about 1.7 million students sit for the SAT each year. Thus, with your score, you've outperformed about 1,462,000 students placing you ahead of the majority with only 238,000 test takers achieving a higher score.

View Colleges

Colleges By Region

Change SAT Score

Explore colleges for other SAT scores

-10 +10
SAT 1280 Public Private 4 year

379 results nationwide

List of 1280 SAT Colleges

Displaying 379 colleges where your 1280 SAT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Hint: Filter by admission chance for 1,278 target schools (good chance), 195 reach (harder) schools and 3,402 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

State University of New York at New Paltz
Connect Me
S
New Paltz, NY

State University of New York at New Paltz

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1250 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#9 Best Public Universities in New York

  • 6,964enrollment
  • $19,592net price
  • 58%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1340SAT range
  • 25-29ACT range
  • 3.6Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance63%

Applications Due Apr 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Connect Me
W
Boston, MA

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

1230 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#24 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

  • 3,920enrollment
  • $37,901net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 1120-1340SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.39Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance94%

Applications Due Feb 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Oglethorpe University
Connect Me
O
Atlanta, GA

Oglethorpe University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1190 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#7 Best Private Colleges in Georgia

  • 1,491enrollment
  • $20,094net price
  • 71%acceptance rate
  • 1065-1305SAT range
  • 22-29ACT range
  • 3.73Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance80%

Applications Due Jul 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Sarah Lawrence College
Connect Me
S
Bronxville, NY

Sarah Lawrence College

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

1360 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#15 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 1,696enrollment
  • $42,781net price
  • 50%acceptance rate
  • 1260-1450SAT range
  • 29-33ACT range
  • 3.75Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance38%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Penn State Harrisburg
Connect Me
P
Middletown, PA

Penn State Harrisburg

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1210 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#8 Best Public Universities in Pennsylvania

  • 4,572enrollment
  • $22,096net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • 1100-1310SAT range
  • 24-28ACT range
  • 3.48Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance97%

Compare Calculate my chances 
Clark University
Connect Me
C
Worcester, MA

Clark University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1340 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#17 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

  • 3,770enrollment
  • $32,053net price
  • 50%acceptance rate
  • 1250-1430SAT range
  • 28-33ACT range
  • 3.69Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance39%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Connect Me
M
Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1280 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

  • 2,729enrollment
  • $25,661net price
  • 63%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1405SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.65Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance63%

Applications Due Sep 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Soka University of America
Connect Me
S
Aliso Viejo, CA

Soka University of America

Private 4 Year

18 reviews

1340 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 455enrollment
  • $17,928net price
  • 57%acceptance rate
  • 1240-1440SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance47%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Evansville
Connect Me
E
Evansville, IN

University of Evansville

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1170 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Value Colleges in Indiana

  • 2,017enrollment
  • $19,301net price
  • 76%acceptance rate
  • 1045-1300SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.71Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance85%

Compare Calculate my chances 
Molloy College
Connect Me
M
Rockville Centre, NY
 

Molloy College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1200 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#31 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 4,807enrollment
  • $27,243net price
  • 77%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1310SAT range
  • 24-28ACT range
  • 3.2Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance84%

Compare Calculate my chances 
Bryn Mawr College
Connect Me
B
Bryn Mawr, PA

Bryn Mawr College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1390 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#11 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • 1,742enrollment
  • $39,072net price
  • 31%acceptance rate
  • 1280-1495SAT range
  • 29-33ACT range
  • 3.85Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance19%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Puget Sound
Connect Me
P
Tacoma, WA

University of Puget Sound

Private 4 Year

5 reviews

1280 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#4 Best Private Colleges in Washington

  • 2,023enrollment
  • $41,363net price
  • 83%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1390SAT range
  • 27-32ACT range
  • 3.56Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance83%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Le Moyne College
Connect Me
L
Syracuse, NY

Le Moyne College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1210 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#32 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 3,203enrollment
  • $23,309net price
  • 78%acceptance rate
  • 1130-1290SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.55Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance86%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Augsburg College
Connect Me
A
Minneapolis, MN

Augsburg College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1280 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota

  • 3,088enrollment
  • $25,409net price
  • 77%acceptance rate
  • 1188-1376SAT range
  • 17-24ACT range
  • 3.27Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance77%

Applications Due Aug 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Millsaps College
Connect Me
M
Jackson, MS

Millsaps College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1240 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 661enrollment
  • $27,260net price
  • 68%acceptance rate
  • 1135-1354SAT range
  • 22-30ACT range
  • 3.65Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance72%

Applications Due Jul 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Simmons University
Connect Me
S
Boston, MA

Simmons University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1300 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#13 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

  • 5,710enrollment
  • $24,423net price
  • 76%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1390SAT range
  • 28-32ACT range
  • 3.87Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance74%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Pacific University
Connect Me
P
Forest Grove, OR

Pacific University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1180 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#5 Best Private Colleges in Oregon

  • 3,559enrollment
  • $33,472net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 1010-1350SAT range
  • 20-26ACT range
  • 3.73Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance94%

Applications Due Aug 25

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Connect Me
A
Huntsville, AL

University of Alabama at Huntsville

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1330 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#4 Best Public Universities in Alabama

  • 9,237enrollment
  • $18,588net price
  • 78%acceptance rate
  • 1226-1430SAT range
  • 25-30ACT range
  • 3.81Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance72%

Compare Calculate my chances 

FAQs

Is a 1280 a good SAT score?

Yes, you have a lot of opportunities at very good schools with a score of 1280. The score puts you in the top 86th percentile of those who take the test. Explore colleges you can get into with a 1280 SAT score.

What colleges can I get into with a 1280 SAT score?

The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University and Clemson University are some of the best colleges that you have a competitive chance of getting into. Explore the full list: Colleges for a 1280 SAT score.

What percentile is 1280 on the SAT?

A 1280 ranks in the top 86th percentile of all students who take the SAT exam.

What is the equivalent ACT score to a 1280 SAT?

A 1280 converts to a 27 on the ACT using College Board / ACT concordance tables. Explore the colleges: Colleges for a 27 ACT score.