Iowa Colleges for a 1300 on the SAT

With a 1300 SAT, you are competitive at 29 four-year colleges in Iowa (7 target, 1 reach, 21 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 28 ACT.

Colleges in Iowa for a 1300 SAT

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 1300 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Iowa State University Ames, IA	1120-1360	1240	89%	Medium
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA	1130-1330	1230	84%	Medium
Drake University Des Moines, IA	1110-1350	1230	64%	Medium
Coe College Cedar Rapids, IA	1070-1290	1180	64%	Medium
Luther College Decorah, IA	1078-1406	1242	72%	Medium
Dordt University Sioux Center, IA	1070-1330	1200	68%	Medium
Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IA	1120-1320	1220	60%	Medium

Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)

Reach schools typically enroll students with higher average SAT scores; admission is possible but more competitive.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Grinnell College Grinnell, IA	1410-1540	1475	15%	Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average SAT scores well below 1300; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Cornell College Mount Vernon, IA	1120-1285	1202	80%	High
Northwestern College Orange City, IA	940-1240	1090	80%	High
University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA	1020-1280	1150	93%	High
University of Dubuque Dubuque, IA	980-1220	1100	89%	High
Wartburg College Waverly, IA	930-1200	1065	76%	High
Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA	930-1170	1050	77%	High
Grand View University Des Moines, IA	920-1080	1000	99%	High
Loras College Dubuque, IA	-	-	100%	High
Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA	970-1160	1065	96%	High
Central College Pella, IA	1056-1120	1088	86%	High
Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA	930-1130	1030	78%	High
Clarke University Dubuque, IA	900-1160	1030	72%	High

View all 21 safety colleges

View the full list of colleges that accept a 1300 SAT in Iowa

See all colleges nationally for a 1300 SAT

1300 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion

Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1300 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.

SAT Score	ACT Equivalent
1240	26
1260	27
1280	27
1300	28
1320	28
1340	29
1360	30

Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.

Published: August 19, 2026