Tennessee Colleges for a 870 on the SAT

With a 870 SAT, you are competitive at 30 four-year colleges in Tennessee (3 target, 18 reach, 9 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 15 ACT.

Colleges in Tennessee for a 870 SAT

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 870 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.

College SAT Range Avg SAT Acceptance Rate Your Chance
843-1126 984 96% Medium

McKenzie, TN

830-1120 975 60% Medium

Memphis, TN

605-1250 927 28% 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

Memphis, TN

915-1180 1047 72% Low
1010-1230 1120 69% Low
880-1050 965 70% Low
1013-1210 1111 81% Low
980-1200 1090 86% Low
1048-1310 1179 76% Low

Memphis, TN

898-1093 995 99% Low

Jefferson City, TN

955-1215 1085 90% Low

Knoxville, TN

960-1110 1035 65% Low
970-1210 1090 88% Low
980-1235 1107 69% Low

Greeneville, TN

910-1110 1010 72% Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average SAT scores well below 870; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College SAT Range Avg SAT Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Jackson, TN

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

Bristol, TN

1000-1160 1080 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 870 SAT in Tennessee

See all colleges nationally for a 870 SAT

870 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion

Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 870 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.

SAT Score ACT Equivalent
810 14
830 15
850 15
870 15
890 16
910 16
930 17

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

Published: August 19, 2026