Colleges for a 1280 on the SAT

What colleges accept a 1280 SAT score?

These colleges are a good match for you

If you've achieved a score of 1280 on your SATs, this places you squarely within the average range for accepted students at 379 U.S. colleges. This list features popular colleges where your application will likely be competitive, given their historical acceptance of students with a 1280 SAT score. However, it's crucial to remember that a good SAT score is not the sole criterion for admission. In fact, may colleges are now test optional. It's equally significant to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) that aligns with the college's expectations for incoming students. The creation of this list is rooted in a comprehensive analysis of SAT scores from students admitted to all U.S. colleges

Is a 1280 SAT good?

Yes, you have a lot of opportunities at very good schools with a score of 1280. It situates you in the top 86th percentile on the national scale, outperforming the majority of the 1.7 million SAT test takers. This score signifies your significantly above average performance in answering questions in the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections of the exam. The SAT is scored out of a maximum of 1600 and a minimum of 400, meaning your 1280 score represents 80% of the total possible points. If a 1280 does not meet the requirements of your preferred college, you might want to consider enrolling in a test prep course to potentially enhance your score.

Demographic comparisons for a 1280

Let's examine how a 1280 SAT score stacks up to the national averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 1280 is 213 points (20%) higher than the average male SAT score of 1067
  • Female: A 1280 is 226 points (21%) higher than the average female SAT score of 1054

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 1280 is 168 points (15%) higher than the average white SAT score of 1112
  • Black: A 1280 is 346 points (37%) higher than the average black SAT score of 934
  • Hispanic: A 1280 is 313 points (32%) higher than the average Hispanic SAT score of 967
  • Asian: A 1280 is 41 points (3%) higher than the average Asian SAT score of 1239
  • Pacific Islander: A 1280 is 330 points (35%) higher than the average Pacific Islander SAT score of 950
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: A 1280 is 353 points (38%) higher than the average American Indian/Alaska Native SAT score of 927
  • Two or more races: A 1280 is 164 points (15%) higher than the average two or more races SAT score of 1116

All groups

  • All Students: A 1280 is 220 points higher than the average SAT score for all students of 1060

What is the ACT equivalent to a 1280 SAT score?

A 1280 on the SAT translates to a 27 on the ACT according to the concordance provided by the College Board and ACT. It's important to note that not all colleges disclose admission data for both the SAT and ACT. As such, we recommend checking our listings for each test to identify schools with similar academic profiles.

What percentile is a 1280 SAT score?

Scoring a 1280 on the SAT places you in the 86th percentile nationwide. This implies that your performance surpassed 86% of all test takers. To put this in perspective, about 1.7 million students sit for the SAT each year. Thus, with your score, you've outperformed about 1,462,000 students placing you ahead of the majority with only 238,000 test takers achieving a higher score.

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-10 +10
SAT 1280 Public Private 4 year

379 results nationwide

List of 1280 SAT Colleges

Displaying 379 colleges where your 1280 SAT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Hint: Filter by admission chance for 1,278 target schools (good chance), 195 reach (harder) schools and 3,402 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

University of St Thomas
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S
Houston, TX

University of St Thomas

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1160 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#12 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 3,588enrollment
  • $19,207net price
  • 97%acceptance rate
  • 1010-1300SAT range
  • 24-29ACT range
  • 3.53Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance98%

Applications Due Aug 15

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Fairfield University
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F
Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1310 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#5 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut

  • 6,019enrollment
  • $46,065net price
  • 52%acceptance rate
  • 1240-1370SAT range
  • 28-31ACT range
  • 3.67Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance46%

Applications Due Jan 15

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University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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N
Greensboro, NC

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

1200 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#8 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

  • 17,978enrollment
  • $10,979net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 1110-1280SAT range
  • 22-27ACT range
  • 3.59Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance96%

Applications Due Mar 1

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University of Mary Washington
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M
Fredericksburg, VA

University of Mary Washington

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

1260 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#7 Best Public Universities in Virginia

  • 3,757enrollment
  • $21,863net price
  • 86%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1340SAT range
  • 25-30ACT range
  • 3.71Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance88%

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Florida Southern College
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F
Lakeland, FL

Florida Southern College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1190 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#7 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 3,281enrollment
  • $27,324net price
  • 57%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1290SAT range
  • 22-29ACT range
  • 3.73Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance70%

Applications Due May 1

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Muhlenberg College
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M
Allentown, PA

Muhlenberg College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

1300 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#12 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • 1,959enrollment
  • $32,926net price
  • 66%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1400SAT range
  • 29-33ACT range
  • 3.44Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance63%

Applications Due Feb 1

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United States Military Academy
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A
West Point, New York

United States Military Academy

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1340 Average SAT Score

 

 

  • 4,393enrollment
  • -net price
  • 12%acceptance rate
  • 1220-1450SAT range
  • 27-33ACT range
  • 4.0Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance9%

Applications Due Jan 31

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Gonzaga University
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G
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

1310 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Private Colleges in Washington

  • 7,253enrollment
  • $38,727net price
  • 70%acceptance rate
  • 1210-1410SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.67Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance66%

Applications Due Feb 1

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Drake University
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D
Des Moines, IA

Drake University

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

1230 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Colleges in Iowa

  • 4,685enrollment
  • $30,333net price
  • 67%acceptance rate
  • 1110-1340SAT range
  • 25-30ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance73%

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Wofford College
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W
Spartanburg, SC

Wofford College

Private 4 Year

8 reviews

1280 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in South Carolina

  • 1,823enrollment
  • $31,192net price
  • 60%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1353SAT range
  • 27-31ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance61%

Applications Due Jan 15

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Creighton University
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C
Omaha, NE

Creighton University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1310 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Value in Nebraska

  • 8,397enrollment
  • $32,877net price
  • 76%acceptance rate
  • 1206-1420SAT range
  • 27-32ACT range
  • 3.84Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance72%

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Pratt Institute Main
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P
Brooklyn, NY

Pratt Institute Main

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

1300 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#23 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 5,494enrollment
  • $47,326net price
  • 50%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1430SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.86Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance48%

Applications Due Jan 5

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SUNY at Purchase College
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P
Purchase, NY

SUNY at Purchase College

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

1270 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#12 Best Public Universities in New York

  • 3,182enrollment
  • $19,434net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • 1190-1350SAT range
  • 29-31ACT range
  • 3.37Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance76%

Applications Due Jul 1

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Salisbury University
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S
Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

1250 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#4 Best Public Universities in Maryland

  • 7,123enrollment
  • $19,756net price
  • 91%acceptance rate
  • 1180-1320SAT range
  • 22-27ACT range
  • 3.73Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance93%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of La Verne
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L
La Verne, CA

University of La Verne

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1140 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#21 Best Private Colleges in California

  • 5,662enrollment
  • $25,103net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 970-1303SAT range
  • 18-25ACT range
  • 3.24Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance83%

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The New School
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N
New York, NY

The New School

Private 4 Year

3 reviews

1250 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#20 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 10,108enrollment
  • $55,480net price
  • 57%acceptance rate
  • 1140-1360SAT range
  • 26-30ACT range
  • 3.59Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance61%

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University of New Hampshire Main Campus
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N
Durham, NH

University of New Hampshire Main Campus

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

1220 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Public Universities in New Hampshire

  • 13,953enrollment
  • $24,507net price
  • 87%acceptance rate
  • 1120-1320SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.58Avg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance91%

Applications Due Feb 1

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Ithaca College
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I
Ithaca, NY

Ithaca College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

1290 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#18 Best Private Colleges in New York

  • 5,054enrollment
  • $35,858net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • 1203-1380SAT range
  • 28-32ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1280 SAT
Admission Chance73%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 

FAQs

Is a 1280 a good SAT score?

Yes, you have a lot of opportunities at very good schools with a score of 1280. The score puts you in the top 86th percentile of those who take the test. Explore colleges you can get into with a 1280 SAT score.

What colleges can I get into with a 1280 SAT score?

The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University and Clemson University are some of the best colleges that you have a competitive chance of getting into. Explore the full list: Colleges for a 1280 SAT score.

What percentile is 1280 on the SAT?

A 1280 ranks in the top 86th percentile of all students who take the SAT exam.

What is the equivalent ACT score to a 1280 SAT?

A 1280 converts to a 27 on the ACT using College Board / ACT concordance tables. Explore the colleges: Colleges for a 27 ACT score.