Virginia Colleges for a 17 on the ACT

With a 17 ACT, you are competitive at 22 four-year colleges in Virginia (4 target, 12 reach, 6 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 930 SAT.

Colleges in Virginia for a 17 ACT

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 17 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.

College	ACT Range	Avg ACT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Virginia State University Petersburg, VA	14-20	17	89%	Medium
Hampton University Hampton, VA	13-22	17	62%	Medium
Norfolk State University Norfolk, VA	16-22	19	88%	Medium
Averett University Danville, VA	15-28	21	57%	Medium

Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)

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

College	ACT Range	Avg ACT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA	22-30	26	93%	Low
Liberty University Lynchburg, VA	21-29	25	99%	Low
Radford University Radford, VA	19-26	22	90%	Low
Longwood University Farmville, VA	19-26	22	90%	Low
Marymount University Arlington, VA	20-28	24	93%	Low
Shenandoah University Winchester, VA	19-26	22	77%	Low
Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, VA	18-25	21	96%	Low
Regent University Virginia Beach, VA	19-26	22	38%	Low
Randolph Macon College Ashland, VA	21-27	24	87%	Low
Emory & Henry University Emory, VA	20-26	23	84%	Low
University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, VA	18-22	20	29%	Low
Randolph College Lynchburg, VA	19-26	22	94%	Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average ACT scores well below 17; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College	ACT Range	Avg ACT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VA	18-24	21	100%	High
Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA	25-34	29	100%	High
Ascent College Gainesville, VA	-	-	100%	High
Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA	-	-	100%	High
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing Richmond, VA	-	-	100%	High
Centra College Lynchburg, VA	-	-	100%	High

View the full list of colleges that accept a 17 ACT in Virginia

See all colleges nationally for a 17 ACT

17 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion

Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 17 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.

ACT Score	SAT Equivalent
14	800
15	850
16	890
17	930
18	970
19	1010
20	1040

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

Published: August 19, 2026