24 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Arizona State and Texas Tech both enroll a lot of students right around a 24 ACT. That's a solid score, and it matches more than 1,300 colleges nationwide, including hundreds where you have a realistic shot. Big state universities like these take a 24 seriously.
How 24 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 74th - higher than about 74% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1180 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,329 schools (656 target, 146 reach, 527 safety).
Is a 24 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 24 ACT is a good score for a wide range of public universities, a bit above the national average of 21 and in line with an 1180 SAT. San Diego State (22-29) and the University of Alabama (24-31) both enroll students around this score, though 24 is at the low end of Alabama's middle 50%.
More selective publics are a different story. Penn State (27-32) and Auburn (26-31) usually look for higher ACT scores, so a 24 is possible but tougher to get into.
Colleges still weigh your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just the number. A strong file can help at targets where you are on the lower end, and it matters even more at those harder schools.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 24 ACT
The University of Arizona (21-29) and the University of Houston (23-29) are realistic matches, and your 24 overlaps their middle 50%. Kentucky (21-28) is in that same group, while Michigan State (25-31) and Baylor (27-32) run higher and are harder to get into. The tables that follow sort those differences.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
A 24 is inside the middle 50% at Arizona State (21-28) and the University of Kentucky (21-28). You have a good shot at schools in this range.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
UT Austin (27-33) and Virginia Tech (28-32) both enroll students well above a 24. These stay possible, but they are tougher to get into than the targets above.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 24 is clearly above the middle 50% at Cal State Los Angeles (15-20) and Fresno State (16-21). Odds look strong at backups like these, and there are hundreds of them.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 24 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 24 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 24 ACT
View by state:
Should you retake the ACT if you have a 24?
You do not need another ACT date just to have options. A retake is worth considering if you want a better shot at selective publics where the middle 50% starts around 27 or 28. If Alabama, Arizona State, or similar targets already feel right, you can stand on the 24.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| A 1-2 point jump can shift some reaches | Your 24 already fits hundreds of colleges |
Serious, focused prep often raises an ACT composite by about 1-2 points. Drill the section that pulled you down, take full timed practice tests, and review every miss instead of just logging more hours.
Send the 24 if your favorite schools already match it, or put in a few weeks of practice before one more test.
24 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 24 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 21 | 1080 |
| 22 | 1110 |
| 23 | 1140 |
| 24 | 1180 |
| 25 | 1210 |
| 26 | 1240 |
| 27 | 1280 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 24 ACT places you in about the 74th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 74% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 24 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 23 and 25
- Browse the equivalent 1180 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026