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.

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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.

Nazareth College
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N
Rochester, NY

Nazareth College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1230 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#30 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 2,522enrollment
  • $31,620net price
  • 84%acceptance rate
  • 1140-1320SAT range
  • 24-28ACT range
  • 3.6Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance88%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
The King's College
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K
New York, NY

The King's College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1270 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 326enrollment
  • $34,192net price
  • 45%acceptance rate
  • 1190-1340SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.73Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance48%

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Christian Brothers University
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C
Memphis, TN
 

Christian Brothers University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1160 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee

  • 1,934enrollment
  • $18,612net price
  • 87%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1280SAT range
  • 18-25ACT range
  • 3.67Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance93%

Compare Calculate my chances 
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
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S
Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

1270 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Public Universities in South Dakota

  • 2,492enrollment
  • $21,124net price
  • 83%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1378SAT range
  • 23-29ACT range
  • 3.57Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance84%

Applications Due Feb 15

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University of Connecticut Avery Point
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C
Groton, CT

University of Connecticut Avery Point

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1180 Average SAT Score

 

 

  • 493enrollment
  • $12,284net price
  • 97%acceptance rate
  • 1060-1300SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance98%

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Cleveland Institute of Art
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C
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Institute of Art

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1180 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 584enrollment
  • $33,395net price
  • 70%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1280SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.48Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance82%

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Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
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E
Daytona Beach, FL

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1200 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#15 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 11,574enrollment
  • $17,002net price
  • 58%acceptance rate
  • 1120-1280SAT range
  • 25-28ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance72%

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University of Mary
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M
Bismarck, ND

University of Mary

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1210 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Value in North Dakota

  • 3,652enrollment
  • $18,369net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 1096-1320SAT range
  • 21-27ACT range
  • 3.37Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance87%

Applications Due Sep 30

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Penn State York
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P
York, PA
 

Penn State York

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1200 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 718enrollment
  • $18,910net price
  • 93%acceptance rate
  • 1090-1300SAT range
  • 23-26ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance96%

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Simpson College
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S
Indianola, IA

Simpson College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

1090 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Value Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,151enrollment
  • $23,185net price
  • 89%acceptance rate
  • 890-1280SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.62Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance94%

Applications Due Aug 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Knox College
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K
Galesburg, IL

Knox College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1290 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#9 Best Private Colleges in Illinois

  • 1,058enrollment
  • $26,882net price
  • 73%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1420SAT range
  • 28-32ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance72%

Applications Due Jan 15

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Penn State Hazleton
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P
Hazleton, PA
 

Penn State Hazleton

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1150 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 473enrollment
  • $18,724net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 1020-1280SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance94%

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Minnesota State University Moorhead
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M
Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1190 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#5 Best Public Universities in Minnesota

  • 4,682enrollment
  • $17,939net price
  • 57%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1290SAT range
  • 18-24ACT range
  • 3.52Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance70%

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New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
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N
Socorro, NM

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1220 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Value in New Mexico

  • 1,689enrollment
  • $10,429net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 1110-1320SAT range
  • 23-29ACT range
  • 3.63Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance81%

Applications Due Aug 1

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Northland College
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N
Ashland, WI

Northland College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

1200 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 518enrollment
  • $23,252net price
  • 68%acceptance rate
  • 1121-1280SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance80%

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College of Our Lady of the Elms
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O
Chicopee, MA

College of Our Lady of the Elms

Private 4 Year

4 reviews

1190 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#25 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

  • 1,275enrollment
  • $23,498net price
  • 91%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1300SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • 3.42Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance95%

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Penn State Greater Allegheny
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P
McKeesport, PA
 

Penn State Greater Allegheny

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1170 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 363enrollment
  • $19,505net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1300SAT range
  • -ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance93%

Compare Calculate my chances 
Dakota Wesleyan University
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D
Mitchell, SD
 

Dakota Wesleyan University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1190 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 887enrollment
  • $19,825net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • 950-1420SAT range
  • 18-24ACT range
  • 3.36Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance80%

Applications Due Aug 27

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.