Iowa Colleges for a 860 on the SAT

With a 860 SAT, you are competitive at 20 four-year colleges in Iowa (0 target, 14 reach, 6 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 15 ACT.

Colleges in Iowa for a 860 SAT

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 860 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
No colleges found in this category.

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
Northwestern College Orange City, IA	940-1240	1090	80%	Low
University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA	1020-1280	1150	93%	Low
University of Dubuque Dubuque, IA	980-1220	1100	89%	Low
Wartburg College Waverly, IA	930-1200	1065	76%	Low
Luther College Decorah, IA	1078-1406	1242	72%	Low
Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA	930-1170	1050	77%	Low
Grand View University Des Moines, IA	920-1080	1000	99%	Low
Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA	970-1160	1065	96%	Low
Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA	930-1130	1030	78%	Low
Clarke University Dubuque, IA	900-1160	1030	72%	Low
Simpson College Indianola, IA	890-1280	1085	86%	Low
William Penn University Oskaloosa, IA	880-1110	995	52%	Low

View all 14 reach colleges

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average SAT scores well below 860; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College	SAT Range	Avg SAT	Acceptance Rate	Your Chance
Loras College Dubuque, IA	-	-	100%	High
Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport, IA	-	-	100%	High
Briar Cliff University Sioux City, IA	-	-	100%	High
Mercy College of Health Sciences Des Moines, IA	-	-	100%	High
Allen College Waterloo, IA	-	-	100%	High
Divine Word College Epworth, IA	-	-	100%	High

View the full list of colleges that accept a 860 SAT in Iowa

See all colleges nationally for a 860 SAT

860 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion

Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 860 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.

SAT Score	ACT Equivalent
800	14
820	14
840	15
860	15
880	16
900	16
920	17

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

Published: August 19, 2026