Texas Colleges for a 870 on the SAT

With a 870 SAT, you are competitive at 69 four-year colleges in Texas (8 target, 40 reach, 21 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 15 ACT.

Colleges in Texas 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
800-1000 900 97% Medium
860-1080 970 79% Medium
800-1160 980 39% Medium

Dallas, TX

855-1015 935 40% Medium
860-1100 980 91% Medium
788-1088 938 22% Medium
870-1080 975 64% Medium
846-1096 971 84% 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

San Marcos, TX

980-1200 1090 89% Low
980-1230 1105 72% Low
1010-1240 1125 80% Low
930-1120 1025 90% Low
1000-1220 1110 87% Low
970-1170 1070 94% Low

Stephenville, TX

980-1160 1070 90% Low
960-1213 1086 89% Low
930-1140 1035 96% Low

Beaumont, TX

930-1140 1035 86% Low
900-1140 1020 98% Low
980-1210 1095 90% 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
860-1080 970 100% High

McAllen, TX

- - 100% High
- - 100% High

Midland, TX

- - 100% High
890-1070 980 100% High

Brownsville, TX

- - 100% High

Tyler, TX

- - 100% High
- - 100% High

Lake Jackson, TX

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

Marshall, TX

- - 100% High

View the full list of colleges that accept a 870 SAT in Texas

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