Virginia Colleges for a 870 on the SAT

With a 870 SAT, you are competitive at 23 four-year colleges in Virginia (4 target, 13 reach, 6 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 15 ACT.

Colleges in Virginia 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

Petersburg, VA

840-1070 955 89% Medium

Hampton, VA

790-1090 940 62% Medium
823-1030 926 88% Medium
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
1010-1270 1140 93% Low

Radford, VA

940-1160 1050 90% Low

Arlington, VA

970-1170 1070 93% Low

Winchester, VA

1010-1230 1120 77% Low

Lynchburg, VA

980-1230 1105 43% Low

Ferrum, VA

880-1100 990 89% Low

Bridgewater, VA

1020-1360 1190 92% Low
943-1253 1098 96% Low

Virginia Beach, VA

990-1250 1120 38% Low

Danville, VA

926-1143 1034 57% Low
980-1220 1100 87% Low

Hampden-Sydney, VA

1030-1250 1140 41% 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
940-1120 1030 100% High

Harrisonburg, VA

1040-1590 1315 100% High

Gainesville, VA

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

Lynchburg, VA

- - 100% High

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

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