Virginia Colleges for a 850 on the SAT

With a 850 SAT, you are competitive at 22 four-year colleges in Virginia (4 target, 12 reach, 6 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 15 ACT.

Colleges in Virginia for a 850 SAT

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 850 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Virginia State University Petersburg, VA	840-1070	955	89%	Medium
Hampton University Hampton, VA	790-1090	940	62%	Medium
Norfolk State University Norfolk, VA	823-1030	926	88%	Medium
Virginia Union University Richmond, VA	850-885	867	98%	Medium

Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)

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

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA	1010-1270	1140	93%	Low
Radford University Radford, VA	940-1160	1050	90%	Low
Marymount University Arlington, VA	970-1170	1070	93%	Low
Shenandoah University Winchester, VA	1010-1230	1120	77%	Low
University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, VA	980-1230	1105	43%	Low
Ferrum College Ferrum, VA	880-1100	990	89%	Low
Bridgewater College Bridgewater, VA	1020-1360	1190	92%	Low
Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, VA	943-1253	1098	96%	Low
Regent University Virginia Beach, VA	990-1250	1120	38%	Low
Averett University Danville, VA	926-1143	1034	57%	Low
Randolph Macon College Ashland, VA	980-1220	1100	87%	Low
University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, VA	945-1120	1032	29%	Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average SAT scores well below 850; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VA	940-1120	1030	100%	High
Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA	1040-1590	1315	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 850 SAT in Virginia

See all colleges nationally for a 850 SAT

850 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion

Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 850 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.

SAT Score	ACT Equivalent
790	14
810	14
830	15
850	15
870	15
890	16
910	16

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

Published: August 19, 2026