Tennessee Colleges for a 20 on the ACT

With a 20 ACT, you are competitive at 39 four-year colleges in Tennessee (24 target, 5 reach, 10 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 1040 SAT.

Colleges in Tennessee for a 20 ACT

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 20 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.

College ACT Range Avg ACT Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Memphis, TN

18-24 21 72% Medium
20-26 23 69% Medium
16-21 18 70% Medium

Nashville, TN

19-24 21 37% Medium
20-26 23 81% Medium
18-24 21 96% Medium
19-26 22 86% Medium

Cleveland, TN

20-27 23 71% Medium
20-27 23 76% Medium

Maryville, TN

20-28 24 61% Medium

Jefferson City, TN

19-25 22 90% Medium

Knoxville, TN

18-24 21 65% 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
25-31 28 42% Low

Nashville, TN

24-30 27 95% Low

Nashville, TN

23-30 26 68% Low

Jackson, TN

22-30 26 60% Low

Milligan, TN

22-27 24 72% Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average ACT scores well below 20; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College ACT Range Avg ACT Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Memphis, TN

13-17 15 99% High

Jackson, TN

- - 100% High
- - 100% High
- - 100% High

Bristol, TN

18-24 21 100% High

Nashville, TN

- - 100% High

Gallatin, TN

- - 100% High
- - 100% High
- - 100% High
- - 100% High

View the full list of colleges that accept a 20 ACT in Tennessee

See all colleges nationally for a 20 ACT

20 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion

Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 20 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.

ACT Score SAT Equivalent
17 930
18 970
19 1010
20 1040
21 1080
22 1110
23 1140

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

Published: August 19, 2026