22 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Arizona State and San Diego State both enroll students around a 22 ACT, and they are only two of more than 1,200 colleges that match this score. You're in a good spot to look at familiar public universities, with hundreds of realistic options and plenty of backups. This is a workable starting point, not a dead end.
How 22 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 62nd - higher than about 62% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1110 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,277 schools (652 target, 202 reach, 423 safety).
Is a 22 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 22 ACT is a decent score and a bit above the national average of 21. Howard University's middle 50% is about 22-28, so you sit at the low end there. Cal State Long Beach (20-26) overlaps this score more comfortably.
Texas State (19-25) is another familiar state university where a 22 lines up well. Bigger state universities such as Auburn (26-31) or Texas A&M (25-31) typically look higher, so those stay reaches even if you apply.
Colleges still read your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just the composite. A 22 will not carry a thin application, but it also will not shut you out of hundreds of schools.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 22 ACT
University of Kentucky (21-28) and Appalachian State (21-27) are the kind of well-known state universities where a 22 falls inside the middle 50%. University of Arizona (21-29) is in that same mix. On the safer side, Clark Atlanta (16-20) and Cal State Los Angeles (15-20) usually sit below this score, so your odds look stronger there. Those are just a few of the names that show up once you start scanning the tables.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
At East Carolina (21-26) and Georgia State (19-26), a 22 is inside or near the middle 50%. You have a good shot at schools in this group when the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
A 22 sits below the usual middle 50% at Michigan State (25-31) and the University of Central Florida (25-29). Admission is possible but tougher, and the rest of your application has to work harder.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 22 is clearly above the middle 50% at Morgan State (16-21) and Alabama State (15-20). There are more than 400 colleges in this bucket, so you have a lot of strong-odds options.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 22 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 22 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 22 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 22?
With a 22, another ACT sitting is often worth the effort. A modest gain can lift you off the low end of many ranges and open schools that currently sit out of reach. If you still have time before you apply, plan on one more focused attempt.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May move you into stronger target ranges | Time away from grades and activities |
| A 1-2 point bump expands your options | Score may not rise without real prep |
Focused prep often raises an ACT composite by about 1-2 points. Drill your weakest section, take full timed practice tests, and review every miss. Short, regular sessions over a few weeks beat a last-minute cram.
Apply with your 22 if deadlines are close, or use the extra time to prep for one more test date.
22 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 22 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 19 | 1010 |
| 20 | 1040 |
| 21 | 1080 |
| 22 | 1110 |
| 23 | 1140 |
| 24 | 1180 |
| 25 | 1210 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 22 ACT places you in about the 62nd percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 62% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 22 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 21 and 23
- Browse the equivalent 1110 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026