19 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Texas State and Georgia State both enroll plenty of students around a 19 ACT. You're looking at more than 1,100 colleges where this score can work, including hundreds of realistic targets. You're a couple points under the national average of 21, so treat this as a starting point with room to grow.
How 19 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 41st - higher than about 41% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 21 - the typical national score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1010 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,158 schools (451 target, 341 reach, 366 safety).
Is a 19 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 19 ACT is a workable score, and well-known schools still enroll students right around it. San Jose State and the University of North Texas both start their middle 50% at 19, so you line up with typical admits there.
Cal State Fullerton (18-23) and San Francisco State (16-23) overlap this score too. Those are realistic targets, not long shots.
Colleges also weigh your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, so the ACT is only one piece. A 19 will not carry a thin application, but it will not sink a strong one either.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 19 ACT
Your score lines up with Towson University (19-27) and the University of Hawaii at Manoa (17-25). Clark Atlanta University (16-20) is another familiar name where a 19 fits the typical range. Albany State and Valencia College sit lower, so they can serve as likely backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Cal State Sacramento (17-23) and Morgan State University (16-21) both include a 19 in their middle 50%. That makes them good-fit targets if the rest of your application is solid.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Arizona State University (21-28) and San Diego State (22-29) usually look for ACTs a few points higher than 19. Admission is possible, but they will be tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 19 clears the middle 50% at North Carolina Central University (17-18) and Central State University (14-18). Odds look strong here, and there are many schools in this group.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 19 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 19 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 19 ACT
View by state:
Should you retake the ACT if you have a 19?
A 19 ACT already gets you into a large set of colleges, but another test date is often worth the effort. A modest gain can move bigger state universities from reach to target. If you still have time before applications, focused prep can pay off.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective state universities | Study time comes from classes and activities |
| Can shift some reaches into target range | Your composite might not rise much |
Students who prep in a focused way often pick up 1-2 composite points. Drill the sections that dragged you down, take timed practice tests, and review every miss. A short weekly plan beats cramming the week before.
You can apply with a 19 and still have real options, or you can study and try again this spring.
19 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 19 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 16 | 890 |
| 17 | 930 |
| 18 | 970 |
| 19 | 1010 |
| 20 | 1040 |
| 21 | 1080 |
| 22 | 1110 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 19 ACT places you in about the 41st percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 41% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 19 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 18 and 20
- Browse the equivalent 1010 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026