20 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Washington State and Cal State Long Beach both enroll students around a 20 ACT, and they are far from your only options. More than 1,200 colleges fall in range for this score. That's a lot of doors still open.
How 20 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 48th - higher than about 48% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 21 - the typical national score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1040 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,214 schools (535 target, 303 reach, 376 safety).
Is a 20 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 20 ACT is good enough to land in the middle 50% at well-known publics like Texas State (19-25), Georgia State (19-26), and San Francisco State (16-23).
It is not a standout score, and it sits a point under the national average. Still, a 20 overlaps the middle 50% at many large state universities, so you have a real set of matches instead of only long shots.
Colleges also look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, so this number is only one piece. A retake can widen your options if you want that, but you do not need a higher score just to have places that fit.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 20 ACT
University of North Texas (19-27), San Jose State (19-26), and West Virginia University (20-26) all enroll students with a 20. Those are realistic matches. If you want a likely backup, schools such as Utah Valley University and Miami Dade College sit well below this score. More selective publics like Arizona State will be harder.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
A 20 lines up with the middle 50% at Ball State (20-24) and University of Hawaii at Manoa (17-25), so you have a good shot at this group if the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Arizona State (21-28) and Texas Tech (23-28) usually look for higher ACTs, so a 20 is below their middle 50%. You can still apply, but the review will be tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
There are hundreds of safer options at a 20, including Texas Southern (15-19), where your score is clearly above the middle 50%, and open-admission schools like Broward College. Odds look strong across this group.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 20 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
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Local Options for a 20 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 20?
At 20, another ACT sitting is often worth the effort if you can prep with a plan. Even a small gain can move you from the low end of a school's range to a more comfortable match. If your grades are already strong and you like the colleges that fit this score, applying with a 20 is also fine.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| A 1-2 point jump can open stronger target schools | Study time can cut into grades and activities |
| Helps at reaches like Arizona State and Texas Tech | Another test may not fit senior-year deadlines |
With focused prep, many students gain about 1-2 ACT composite points. Take official practice tests, spend extra time on the sections that pulled you down, and give yourself a few weeks of steady work. A tutor or prep class can help if self-study has stalled.
Apply with your 20 if these colleges already feel right, or prep for a retake if you want a wider set of options.
20 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 20 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 17 | 930 |
| 18 | 970 |
| 19 | 1010 |
| 20 | 1040 |
| 21 | 1080 |
| 22 | 1110 |
| 23 | 1140 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 20 ACT places you in about the 48th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 48% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 20 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 19 and 21
- Browse the equivalent 1040 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026