Iowa Colleges for a 21 on the ACT
With a 21 ACT, you are competitive at 28 four-year colleges in Iowa (18 target, 4 reach, 6 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 1080 SAT.
Colleges in Iowa for a 21 ACT
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 21 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Reach schools typically enroll students with higher average ACT scores; admission is possible but more competitive.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Safety schools have average ACT scores well below 21; you have a very high chance of acceptance.
21 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 21 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 18 | 970 |
| 19 | 1010 |
| 20 | 1040 |
| 21 | 1080 |
| 22 | 1110 |
| 23 | 1140 |
| 24 | 1180 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Published: August 19, 2026