SAT
SAT Prep
Good SAT Score
1600 SAT Score 1590 SAT Score 1580 SAT Score 1570 SAT Score 1560 SAT Score 1550 SAT Score 1540 SAT Score 1530 SAT Score 1520 SAT Score 1510 SAT Score 1500 SAT Score 1490 SAT Score 1480 SAT Score 1470 SAT Score 1460 SAT Score 1450 SAT Score 1440 SAT Score 1430 SAT Score 1420 SAT Score 1410 SAT Score 1400 SAT Score 1390 SAT Score 1380 SAT Score 1370 SAT Score 1360 SAT Score 1350 SAT Score 1340 SAT Score 1330 SAT Score 1320 SAT Score 1310 SAT Score 1300 SAT Score 1290 SAT Score 1280 SAT Score 1270 SAT Score 1260 SAT Score 1250 SAT Score 1240 SAT Score 1230 SAT Score 1220 SAT Score 1210 SAT Score 1200 SAT Score 1190 SAT Score 1180 SAT Score 1170 SAT Score 1110 SAT Score 1100 SAT Score 1090 SAT Score 1080 SAT Score 1070 SAT Score 1060 SAT Score 1050 SAT Score 1040 SAT Score 1030 SAT Score 1020 SAT Score 1010 SAT Score 1000 SAT Score 990 SAT Score 980 SAT Score 970 SAT Score 960 SAT Score 950 SAT Score 940 SAT Score 930 SAT Score 920 SAT Score 910 SAT Score 900 SAT Score 890 SAT Score 880 SAT Score 850 SAT Score 840 SAT Score 830 SAT Score 820 SAT Score 810 SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Math Prep
English Prep
ACT
ACT Scores Guide
SAT Tips
ACT Tips
College Guide

Colleges That Accept 800 SAT Score | Public & Private Universities

Last Updated on Jun 12, 2025

IMPORTANT LINKS

A score of 800 on the SAT may be below the national average, but it by no means shuts the door on college attendance. There are plenty of colleges—particularly community colleges, open-admission universities, and less competitive four-year institutions—that welcome students who score this well. In this guide, we’ll explore:

  • Colleges that accept an 800 SAT score
  • How the score ranks at a national level
  • Scholarship openings still available
  • Whether re-taking the SAT would improve your chances

Is 800 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

An 800 SAT puts you in the 21st percentile, indicating that you scored above just 21% of test-takers. With the average at 1020–1050 for the country, there is certainly room for improvement. But this doesn't make going to college impossible.

Pro Tip: Admissions officers often take a holistic view, looking at GPA, recommendations, and personal essays. Use these components to your advantage.

What Colleges Accept an 800 SAT Score?

While highly selective colleges usually require SAT scores above 1100, the following schools are known for their accessible admission policies and holistic review processes:

  • Virginia State University
  • Livingstone College
  • Coppin State University
  • Jackson State University
  • Alcorn State University
  • Benedict College
  • Central State University
  • Miles College

These institutions often provide support programs for students with lower standardized test scores and help them transition into college academics.

Attempt the SAT Practice Test to Improve your SAT Scores! 

Ace your SAT Preparation with 50+ Full Digital SAT-Like Tests, 3000+ Practice Questions, Topic-Level Notes, Desmos Calculator Integration, Personalized Dashboard and Custom Study-Planners.

How Does an 800 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

An 800 SAT is below average, putting you in the 21st percentile. That means 79% scored higher. While this will certainly feel discouraging, most colleges place more importance on other factors in your application than test scores.

Remember: Your GPA, class rank, leadership activities, and essay responses can make a big difference.

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 800?

Yes—if you have the time and means, retaking the SAT is worthwhile. A 100–200 point improvement can significantly expand your college and scholarship options.

Consider retaking if:

  • You’re aiming for colleges with SAT averages above 950–1000
  • You believe you can improve with focused preparation
  • You’re targeting scholarships with minimum score thresholds
  • You didn’t prepare thoroughly the first time

800 SAT to ACT Equivalent

An SAT score of 800 is approximately equivalent to a 16–17 on the ACT, which is also below the national average of 20–21. Universities that accept an 800 SAT score will typically also take an ACT score in this range into account. Make sure your target college superscores—some superscore the best section scores from multiple test dates, to your benefit.

Scholarships Available for an 800 SAT Score

While most merit scholarships require higher SAT scores, there are still financial aid options:

Options include:

  • Need-based aid through FAFSA
  • Institutional aid from community and regional colleges
  • Private scholarships based on community service, leadership, or personal background

Many scholarships don’t require SAT scores at all—so apply broadly!

Top Colleges That May Accept an 800 SAT Score

These colleges offer academic support services, affordability, and an opportunity to grow professionally and personally despite a lower SAT score.

University Name

Avg SAT Range

Acceptance Rate

In-State Tuition

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

Texas Southern University

800–1000

63%

$9,173

26%

7,524

Coppin State University

850–990

40%

$6,904

29%

2,348

Virginia Union University

800–1000

75%

$13,530

36%

1,800

Jarvis Christian University

800–990

65%

$11,720

33%

900

Livingstone College

800–980

71%

$17,732

32%

1,200

Miami Dade College

Open Admission

100%

$2,838

33%

50,000+

Albany State University

860–980

73%

$5,934

33%

6,000+

Fort Valley State University

840–990

72%

$5,594

31%

2,400

Bluefield State University

850–990

90%

$8,840

30%

1,200+

Fayetteville State University

860–1000

79%

$5,274

36%

6,700

Mississippi Valley State University

850–990

83%

$7,334

29%

2,000

Kentucky State University

860–990

87%

$8,090

29%

2,300

Philander Smith University

860–990

64%

$13,014

39%

1,000+

Central State University

860–1000

58%

$7,596

26%

2,000+

An 800 SAT score may not meet the cut for elite universities, but it still keeps the college door wide open. If you back up your score with a strong GPA, compelling essays, and active extracurriculars, you can still attend a quality institution that fits your goals.

Pro Tip: If possible, retake the SAT to increase your options—but don’t forget that a strong application can shine even without a high score.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 12, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept 800 SAT Score – FAQs

It's below average but acceptable for many open-admission or regional colleges.

Yes. Community colleges and some four-year colleges will accept you.

Yes, especially if you can score higher. The higher your score, the more it increases your chances of admission and scholarships.

You won't qualify for merit aid, but you can apply for need-based and non-academic scholarships.

It's approximately equal to a 16–17 ACT score.

Yes, particularly at regional universities and HBCUs that look at the complete application profile.