16 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Hampton University and San Francisco State both enroll students with a 16 ACT. Nationwide, about 1,000 colleges sit in range for this score. This is a workable starting point, even if a 16 is on the lower side and you may want a stronger number later.
How 16 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 22nd - higher than about 22% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 21 - the typical national score.
- SAT equivalent: ~890 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 993 schools (137 target, 500 reach, 356 safety).
Is a 16 ACT Score Good?
A 16 ACT is below the national average of 21, but it is still good enough for a long list of colleges. Clark Atlanta University (16-20) and Morgan State University (16-21) both take students right around this score.
Cal State Fresno's middle 50% runs 16-21, so a 16 is at the low end of that band and still a fair match. Savannah State University (15-19) is a more comfortable option if you want a school that is likelier to say yes.
Colleges also look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations. Those pieces can carry you when the test is not your strongest number.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 16 ACT
The tables below group schools by how a 16 ACT usually stacks up. San Francisco State (16-23) and Cal State Los Angeles (15-20) are good-fit targets. Texas Southern University (15-19) overlaps that same range. Albany State University (15-18) is a likely backup. Harder schools show up too, but most of those want scores closer to 20 or higher.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 16 is in range at Alabama State University (15-20) and Prairie View A&M (16-21). Those are good-shot schools if the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Arizona State (21-28) and Texas State (19-25) usually look for higher scores than 16. You can apply, but those will be tougher to get into.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Valencia College and Miami Dade College regularly enroll students with a 16 ACT, and your odds look strong. This bucket is big, with hundreds of backups to choose from.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 16 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 16 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 16 ACT
View by state:
Should you retake the ACT if you have a 16?
Another ACT attempt is often worth it with a 16. One or two extra points can move you off the bottom of a school's range and open targets that currently sit higher. If you have time before you apply, a retake is a reasonable next step.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| Moves you up inside a school's range | No guarantee the score will rise |
Serious prep often raises an ACT composite by about 1-2 points. Take official practice tests, focus on the sections that cost you the most, and study a little each week instead of cramming the night before.
Apply with the 16 you have, or put in a few weeks of prep and try the ACT again.
16 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 16 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 14 | 800 |
| 15 | 850 |
| 16 | 890 |
| 17 | 930 |
| 18 | 970 |
| 19 | 1010 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 16 ACT places you in about the 22nd percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 22% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 16 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 15 and 17
- Browse the equivalent 890 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026