28 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
UT Austin and Penn State both enroll plenty of students with a 28 ACT. You're in a good spot, with more than 1,400 colleges that fit this score and hundreds of realistic targets. That's a strong result at well-known state universities and many private colleges.
How 28 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 91st - higher than about 91% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1310 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,403 schools (411 target, 72 reach, 920 safety).
Is a 28 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 28 ACT is a good score. It clears the national average of 21 by a wide margin and keeps you competitive at a lot of well-known publics.
Clemson and Virginia Tech both show a middle 50% of 28-32, so a 28 is at the low end of the band but still a target. Michigan State (25-31) and Auburn (26-31) line up more comfortably.
UNC Chapel Hill is tougher. Your score meets the bottom of its 28-34 middle 50%. The school still admits a small share of applicants, so treat it as a reach. Admissions readers also look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just the ACT.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 28 ACT
Ohio State (28-32) and Alabama (24-31) are familiar targets for a 28 ACT, while UNC Chapel Hill (28-34) is a harder admit even though the score overlaps its range. Arizona State (21-28) and San Diego State (22-29) sit on the more comfortable side. The tables below group schools by how competitive they are with this score.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 28 is inside the middle 50% at Clemson (28-32) and near the middle at UC Irvine (26-33). You have a good shot at schools in this group.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
University of Florida (29-33) and Georgia Tech (30-34) both enroll students above a 28, and they are selective. Possible, but tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 28 is clearly above the middle 50% at Appalachian State (21-27) and Washington State (20-26). Odds look strong across a large set of schools like these.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 28 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 28 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 28 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 28?
You do not have to retake the ACT at 28. Another sitting is most useful if you are aiming at highly selective schools where 28 falls below the middle 50%. If your favorite targets already match this score, spend the energy on grades and essays instead.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| A 1-2 point gain can help at tougher schools | Another test will not guarantee a higher score |
Serious prep often raises an ACT composite by about 1-2 points. Focus on your weaker section, take timed practice tests, and review every miss. A prep book or a short tutoring stretch can help if you have already plateaued on your own.
You can apply with the 28 now, or prep for one more date if those highly selective reaches matter a lot to you.
28 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 28 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 25 | 1210 |
| 26 | 1240 |
| 27 | 1280 |
| 28 | 1310 |
| 29 | 1340 |
| 30 | 1370 |
| 31 | 1400 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 28 ACT places you in about the 91st percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 91% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 28 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 27 and 29
- Browse the equivalent 1310 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026