880 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Cal State Los Angeles and Hampton University both enroll students with scores like yours, and they are two of roughly 1,000 colleges that fit an 880 SAT. This is not a high national score, but it is a workable starting point. Plenty of familiar names still line up with 880.
How 880 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 22nd - higher than about 22% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 1050 - the typical national score.
- ACT equivalent: ~16 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,007 schools (158 target, 494 reach, 355 safety).
Is a 880 SAT Score Good?
An 880 SAT is a usable score, not a standout one. Clark Atlanta's middle 50% starts at 880, and Morgan State's range is about 840-1070. You already line up with colleges people recognize.
Texas Southern (800-1000) and Virginia State (840-1070) also overlap this number, so you have a good shot at those targets. Schools that usually want scores closer to 1000 will be tougher.
Your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations still carry a lot of weight. Colleges that already match 880 will read the whole file, not just this number.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 880 SAT
Prairie View A&M (860-1080) and Winston-Salem State (830-1020) both have ranges that include 880. Savannah State and Albany State usually enroll students with lower scores, so they can work as backups. The tables below group schools by how hard they are to get into with this score.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 880 falls in the middle 50% at Norfolk State (823-1030) and Columbus State (800-1060). Those are fair targets where you have a good shot if the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Georgia State (940-1180) and Texas State (980-1200) typically enroll students with higher SAT scores than 880. You can still apply, but they will be tougher to get into.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You come in near the top of Albany State's 740-900 middle 50%, and open-admission schools like Valencia College are built for scores in this range. There are more than 350 backups in this group where your odds look strong.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 880 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 880 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 880 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 880?
At 880, a retake is often worth it if you can put in focused prep. Even a modest gain can move you closer to schools that start their middle 50% near 1000. If you're happy with the colleges already in range, you can apply with this score.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| Modest gains can unlock more selective publics | Time away from grades and activities |
| A higher score widens your target range | You already have many colleges in range |
Students who prep seriously often pick up about 50-100 SAT points. Focus on the section that dragged you down, take timed practice tests, and review every miss. A few weeks of steady work beats last-minute cramming.
Apply with 880 if these colleges already feel right, or pick a retake date and study with a plan.
880 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 880 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 820 | 14 |
| 840 | 15 |
| 860 | 15 |
| 880 | 16 |
| 900 | 16 |
| 920 | 17 |
| 940 | 17 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 880 SAT 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 880 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 870 and 890
- Browse the equivalent 16 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026