A 740 SAT score may be well below the national average, but it doesn’t mean college is out of reach. Many colleges—especially open-admission institutions, community colleges, and certain regional public and private universities—still welcome students with scores in this range. In this guide, we’ll examine which colleges accept a 740 SAT score, how this score compares nationally, potential scholarship options, and whether retaking the SAT could benefit you.

Is 740 a Good SAT Score?

A score of 740 on the SAT is considered low, placing you around the 8th percentile nationwide. This means you've scored higher than only 8% of test-takers. With the national average SAT score sitting around 1020–1050, a 740 score suggests considerable room for improvement. However, not all colleges weigh SAT scores equally. Some schools emphasize GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statements, and recommendation letters more than test scores. If your overall academic profile is solid, your application can still stand out.

Pro Tip: Focus on showcasing strong essays, recommendation letters, and leadership or community involvement to offset a lower SAT score.

What Colleges Accept a 740 SAT Score?

While elite and highly selective universities may be out of reach with a 740 SAT, many two-year and four-year colleges will still consider your application. Below is a list of public and private colleges that have historically accepted students with scores in the 700–800 range.

✅ Colleges That May Accept a 740 SAT Score:

Note: Some schools are open-admission, meaning they do not require SAT scores at all.

How Does a 740 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

A 740 SAT score puts you in the bottom 10% of test-takers nationwide. Most students score between 1050–1100, so a 740 is below the average benchmark used by many four-year colleges. But don’t get discouraged—many colleges look beyond test scores, especially when you have:

• A strong GPA
• Leadership roles or consistent extracurricular involvement
• Good recommendation letters
• A compelling personal statement

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 740?

If you’re aiming for colleges with average SAT scores above 900, retaking the SAT is highly recommended. Even a modest score improvement (100–200 points) can significantly expand your college options and scholarship eligibility.

Consider retaking if:

• You didn’t prepare seriously the first time
• You’re applying to moderately competitive colleges
• You’re aiming for more merit-based aid
• You plan to apply for scholarships that require a higher SAT

740 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 740 SAT score is approximately equivalent to a 13–14 on the ACT. Like your SAT score, this ACT equivalent is below the national average (which is around 20–21). Most colleges that accept a 740 SAT will also accept a 13–14 ACT score.

Scholarships Available for a 740 SAT Score

Most merit-based scholarships start around SAT scores of 1100–1200, but there are still financial aid options:

• FAFSA-based aid for need-based funding
• Institutional grants at community and regional colleges
• Private scholarships based on extracurricular activities, demographics, or academic interest
• Work-study programs and state-specific aid

Top Colleges That May Accept a 740 SAT Score

Here’s a closer look at some colleges that consider students with SAT scores around 740:

A 740 SAT score may close the door to some highly selective universities, but plenty of options remain. Many community colleges, regional public universities, and HBCUs welcome students with SAT scores in this range, especially when supported by strong academic records, extracurriculars, and personal stories.

Pro Tip: While it’s beneficial to retake the SAT if you’re able, it’s just as critical to strengthen other aspects of your application—especially your GPA, essays, and involvement outside of the classroom.