Southern Colleges for a 21 on the ACT

What Southern colleges accept a 21 ACT score?

These Southern colleges are a good match for you

If you've achieved a score of 21 on your ACTs, this places you squarely within the average range for accepted students at 302 Southern colleges. This list features popular colleges where your application will likely be competitive, given their historical acceptance of students with a 21 ACT score. However, it's crucial to remember that a good ACT score is not the sole criterion for admission. In fact, may colleges are now test optional. It's equally significant to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) that aligns with the college's expectations for incoming students. The creation of this list is rooted in a comprehensive analysis of ACT scores from students admitted to all Southern colleges

Is a 21 ACT good?

A score of 21 is a little better than average. It situates you in the top 57th percentile on the national scale, outperforming the majority of the 2 million ACT test takers. This score signifies your slightly above average performance in answering questions in the English, Math, Reading and Science sections of the exam. The ACT is scored out of a maximum of 36 and a minimum of 1, meaning your 21 score represents 58% of the total possible points. If a 21 does not meet the requirements of your preferred college, you might want to consider enrolling in a test prep course to potentially enhance your score.

Demographic comparisons for a 21

Let's examine how a 21 ACT score stacks up to the national averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 21 is 0.7 points (3%) higher than the average male ACT score of 20.3
  • Female: A 21 is 0.4 points (2%) higher than the average female ACT score of 20.6

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 21 is 0.7 points (3%) lower than the average white ACT score of 21.7
  • Black: A 21 is 4.7 points (29%) higher than the average black ACT score of 16.3
  • Hispanic: A 21 is 2.7 points (15%) higher than the average Hispanic ACT score of 18.3
  • Asian: A 21 is 3.9 points (16%) lower than the average Asian ACT score of 24.9
  • Pacific Islander: A 21 is 3.8 points (22%) higher than the average Pacific Islander ACT score of 17.2
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: A 21 is 4.1 points (24%) higher than the average American Indian/Alaska Native ACT score of 16.9
  • Two or more races: A 21 is 0.4 points (2%) higher than the average two or more races ACT score of 20.6

All groups

  • All Students: A 21 is 0.7 points higher than the average ACT score for all students of 20.3

What is the SAT equivalent to a 21 ACT score?

A 21 on the ACT translates to a 1080 on the SAT according to the concordance provided by the College Board and ACT. It's important to note that not all colleges disclose admission data for both the SAT and ACT. As such, we recommend checking our listings for each test to identify schools with similar academic profiles.

What percentile is a 21 ACT score?

Scoring a 21 on the ACT places you in the 57th percentile nationwide. This implies that your performance surpassed 57% of all test takers. To put this in perspective, about 2 million students sit for the ACT each year. Thus, with your score, you've outperformed about 1,140,000 students placing you ahead of the majority with only 860,000 test takers achieving a higher score.

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ACT 21 South Public Private 4 year

302 results

List of 21 ACT Colleges

Displaying 302 colleges where your 21 ACT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Hint: Filter by admission chance for 906 target schools (good chance), 246 reach (harder) schools and 549 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

Angelo State University
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A
San Angelo, TX

Angelo State University

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

20 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#22 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 10,599enrollment
  • $12,838net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 910-1140SAT range
  • 17-24ACT range
  • 3.71Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance82%

Compare Calculate my chances 
Midwestern State University
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M
Wichita Falls, TX

Midwestern State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

19 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#15 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 5,784enrollment
  • $11,361net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 910-1100SAT range
  • 16-22ACT range
  • 3.2Estimated Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance95%

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Alcorn State University
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A
HBCU
Alcorn State, MS

Alcorn State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

19 Average ACT Score

 

#8 Best Public Universities in Mississippi

  • 2,933enrollment
  • $14,864net price
  • 30%acceptance rate
  • 903-1115SAT range
  • 15-24ACT range
  • 3.2Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance36%

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Longwood University
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L
Farmville, VA

Longwood University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#11 Best Public Universities in Virginia

  • 4,358enrollment
  • $21,772net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 1020-1210SAT range
  • 20-26ACT range
  • 3.59Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance83%

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Southeastern University
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S
Lakeland, FL

Southeastern University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

22 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#19 Best Private Colleges in Florida

  • 10,044enrollment
  • $27,910net price
  • 61%acceptance rate
  • 960-1183SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.48Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance56%

Applications Due May 1

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Clayton State University
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C
Morrow, GA

Clayton State University

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

19 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#9 Best Public Universities in Georgia

  • 5,847enrollment
  • $9,792net price
  • 56%acceptance rate
  • 890-1090SAT range
  • 16-22ACT range
  • 3.0Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance66%

Applications Due Jul 17

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Mount St Mary's University
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M
Emmitsburg, MD

Mount St Mary's University

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

22 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Value Colleges in Maryland

  • 2,456enrollment
  • $24,379net price
  • 80%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1250SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.36Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance76%

Applications Due Mar 1

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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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T
Chattanooga, TN

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#6 Best Public Universities in Tennessee

  • 11,283enrollment
  • $14,417net price
  • 83%acceptance rate
  • 1023-1210SAT range
  • 20-26ACT range
  • 3.61Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance76%

Applications Due May 1

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Harding University
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H
Searcy, AR

Harding University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

24 Average ACT Score

 

#4 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas

  • 4,805enrollment
  • $19,558net price
  • 45%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1300SAT range
  • 20-28ACT range
  • 3.71Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance34%

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Saint Edward's University
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S
Austin, TX

Saint Edward's University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#11 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 3,470enrollment
  • $27,193net price
  • 85%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1270SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.53Estimated Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance80%

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Oklahoma State University Main Campus
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O
Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Value Colleges in Oklahoma

  • 25,372enrollment
  • $16,718net price
  • 71%acceptance rate
  • 1010-1250SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.63Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance63%

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University of North Carolina at Pembroke
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N
Pembroke, NC

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

18 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#14 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

  • 7,666enrollment
  • $8,208net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 890-1140SAT range
  • 16-21ACT range
  • 3.44Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance95%

Applications Due May 1

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Winthrop University
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W
Rock Hill, SC

Winthrop University

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

22 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#5 Best Public Universities in South Carolina

  • 4,712enrollment
  • $17,008net price
  • 70%acceptance rate
  • 980-1195SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 4.0Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance66%

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College of Coastal Georgia
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C
Brunswick, GA

College of Coastal Georgia

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

18 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

 

  • 3,147enrollment
  • $12,117net price
  • 98%acceptance rate
  • 900-1140SAT range
  • 15-22ACT range
  • 3.1Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance99%

Applications Due Aug 5

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Marymount University
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M
Arlington, VA

Marymount University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

24 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia

  • 3,711enrollment
  • $24,664net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 970-1170SAT range
  • 20-28ACT range
  • 3.38Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance72%

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The University of Texas at Tyler
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T
Tyler, TX

The University of Texas at Tyler

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

21 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#6 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 9,322enrollment
  • $13,248net price
  • 94%acceptance rate
  • 1000-1220SAT range
  • 19-24ACT range
  • 3.44Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance94%

Applications Due Aug 24

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University of New Mexico Main Campus
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N
Albuquerque, NM

University of New Mexico Main Campus

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

21 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Colleges in New Mexico

  • 21,953enrollment
  • $10,633net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1250SAT range
  • 17-25ACT range
  • 3.42Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance96%

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Florida College
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F
Temple Terrace, FL
 

Florida College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

 

 

  • 622enrollment
  • $21,360net price
  • 72%acceptance rate
  • 930-1200SAT range
  • 19-27ACT range
  • 3.28Estimated Avg GPA
Your 21 ACT
Admission Chance65%

Compare Calculate my chances