Colleges Accepting a 20 ACT Score
These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 20. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.
A 20 ACT score can still lead to plenty of college options. Use this page to browse schools where students with a 20 have been admitted, then click any college to see your full chances of admission, typical score ranges, and what your cost might look like after financial aid.
Need the basics first? Read our ACT overview.
Is a 20 ACT Score Good?
A 20 is generally around the national average range. That means it can be a realistic score for many colleges, particularly schools where the typical ACT range for admitted students includes the high teens to low 20s. The most useful way to interpret a 20 is not the national percentile, but how it compares to each college’s typical ACT range. If 20 is inside that range, your score is likely aligned with what the college commonly admits. If it’s below the range, you may still be considered, but your grades, course rigor, and overall application will carry more weight.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 20?
With a 20 ACT score, you can be a competitive applicant at a variety of colleges and universities. The list on this page includes schools that have a record of admitting students with a 20. Keep in mind that admission can vary by major and by year, and no single score guarantees acceptance.
How to Use This List to Build Real Options
Click a school and look at where 20 falls compared to its typical ACT range. Then build a list that gives you choices: include several schools where your academic profile looks solidly within range, add a group where you’re close to the lower end but still competitive, and pick a small number where you’ll need the rest of your application to stand out. After you’ve got a balanced list, compare net cost and scholarship opportunities so you’re not choosing based on sticker price alone.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 20 Score?
Retaking can help if you have a clear reason and time to prepare. It tends to be worth considering when you’re aiming for colleges that usually enroll students with higher scores, when you’re close to a scholarship cutoff, or when you feel you can improve with targeted practice and better pacing.
If retesting would take time away from grades or applications, it may be smarter to focus on strengthening what colleges also care about: keeping your GPA moving up, choosing solid courses, building activities you can explain, and writing a clear, specific personal essay. For many students, those improvements are more controllable than squeezing out a few extra ACT points.
20 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 20 ACT score is commonly compared to about a 1030 on the SAT (often shown as roughly 1010–1050 depending on the concordance table). The range is an estimate, but it can help you understand how scores generally line up if you’re considering switching tests.
Scholarships for a 20 ACT Score
A 20 ACT score may qualify you for merit aid at some colleges, but scholarships often depend on a combination of academics, financial need, and other factors. You can also find outside scholarships based on your interests, activities, background, location, intended major, and community involvement. Use our scholarship database to find opportunities you can realistically complete and track.
