Colleges Accepting a 30 ACT Score

These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 30. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.

A 30 ACT is a strong score that can make you competitive at many colleges, and it may help you qualify for merit scholarships. Use this page to explore schools where admitted students often have ACT scores around 30, then click a college to see your personal admission chances and scholarship options.

Quick note: No single test score guarantees admission. Colleges consider your GPA, course rigor, activities, essays, and recommendations too.

Need the basics first? Read our ACT overview.

What a 30 ACT score means

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test scored from 1 to 36 across English, Math, Reading, and Science. Some students take the optional Writing section.

A 30 ACT is typically considered a high score and can be competitive for admission at a wide range of colleges, depending on your overall application.

Is a 30 ACT score good?

Yes. A 30 ACT is generally a strong score that can:

• Put you in a competitive position at many public and private universities
• Strengthen your case for merit aid at schools that award scholarships based on academics
• Help balance other parts of your application (like a slightly lower GPA), depending on the college

Best way to judge “good”: compare your score to a school’s middle 50% ACT range (the 25th–75th percentile for enrolled or admitted students). If 30 is at or above that range, you’re usually in a solid spot.

What colleges can you get into with a 30 ACT?

With a 30 ACT, you may be competitive at a large number of colleges and universities. The list below shows schools where students with scores around 30 have been admitted in recent years.

How to use this list (fast):

1. Click a school to see its typical ACT range and your admission chances
2. Label each school as a Likely, Match, or Reach based on your full profile
3. Compare cost and aid. A great score matters most when it leads to a great financial fit

Should you retake the ACT with a 30?

Usually, you don’t need to retake a 30, unless one of these is true:

Retake might be worth it if:

• Your top-choice schools have mid-range scores meaningfully above 30
• You’re aiming for highly competitive merit scholarships that reward small score jumps
• One section score is much lower, and you believe you can raise it quickly

Skip the retake and focus elsewhere if:

• Deadlines are close and prep time would hurt your grades or applications
• Your GPA/course rigor, activities, or essays will make a bigger difference than +1–2 ACT points
• You already meet (or exceed) the typical score range for your target schools

Tip: Junior year is often the easiest time to retake the exam. If you’re a senior, your time is usually better spent on essays, recommendations, and submitting strong applications on time.

30 ACT to SAT equivalent

A 30 ACT is commonly compared to about 1390–1410 on the SAT.

If you’re deciding between tests, try a timed practice SAT and see which format fits you better—then invest your energy in the option that gives you the highest score with the least stress.

Scholarships for a 30 ACT score

A 30 ACT can improve eligibility for merit scholarships offered by colleges and also make you a stronger candidate for outside scholarships.

Next steps to find money:

• Start with schools on your list that publish merit award ranges
• Apply for scholarships based on location, background, interests, activities, and major
• Use a scholarship database to track deadlines and requirements