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Home / ACT Exam / Best Colleges That Accept a 23 ACT Score

Best Colleges That Accept a 23 ACT Score | Scholarships and Admission Info

Last Updated on Jun 23, 2025

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A 23 ACT score is a strong score that can help you get into many colleges in the U.S. The ACT Exam tests your skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science to see if you're ready for college. Wondering, “Is 23 a good ACT score?” Yes—it’s close to the national average, so you’ve got a good chance at getting into a lot of schools. Some colleges even offer scholarships to students with a 23 to help with tuition. In this guide, you’ll find colleges that accept a 23 ACT score, your chances of getting in, and tips for scholarships and admissions.

📌 Find out your ACT Scores using ACT Score Calculator!

Is 23 a good ACT Score?

Is 23 a good ACT score? Yes! It’s higher than the national average of about 19.5, which means you did well in reading, math, and science. With a 23, you can apply to many colleges, but some might ask for a higher score. If you improve your score, you could have more college choices and maybe even get scholarships. Wondering, “Is 23 a good SAT score?” Just remember—the SAT and ACT are different tests. Make sure to compare the scores before choosing which one to take.

What Colleges Accept a 23 ACT Score?

Got a 23 on the ACT? That’s a solid score, and you still have plenty of good college options! Many public universities, community colleges, and smaller private colleges accept this score. Top colleges in the U.S. don’t just care about test scores—they also look at your GPA, activities, and essays. Some schools that may accept a 23 ACT score are San Francisco State University, Cal State Northridge, and Missouri Valley College. Just make sure to check each school’s requirements and focus on making your whole application strong to boost your chances.

📌 How Long is the ACT? Check Here!

How Does a 23 ACT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 23 ACT score is close to the national average, which is around 19.5. That means you did about as well as most students who took the test. It shows you have the basic skills needed for college. Some schools might want a higher score, but lots of colleges accept a 23—or even a 21. If you want more choices, you can always try to raise your score. But a 23 is still a strong starting point for applying to college.

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Should You Retake the ACT If You Score a 21?

If you want a higher ACT score, try taking the test again. A better score can give you more college choices. The ACT has four parts: English, Reading, Math, and Science. After you get your results, look at which sections need the most work. Then study those areas and take ACT practice tests to improve.

Use smart test tips, like skipping hard questions at first and using the process of elimination. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so don’t leave anything blank!

If you can’t retake the ACT, don’t worry. Focus on making your whole application strong. You can also look at test-optional colleges that care more about your GPA, essay, and activities.

📌 Read ACT English Tips to Boost Your ACT English Scores!

23 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 23 on the ACT is about the same as getting a 1140 to 1160 on the SAT Exam. This can help if you’re choosing between the ACT and SAT or want to compare your scores. Both scores are a little under the national average, but they’re still good enough for many colleges.

Knowing how your ACT score matches up with the SAT can help you see what colleges expect. Use this info to decide if you want to retake the test or start applying to schools now.

📌 Read about the ACT Syllabus here!

College Scholarships That Accept a 23 ACT Score

You can still get scholarships with a 23 ACT score! Lots of colleges give merit scholarships to students with good test scores and strong grades. You might not get as much as someone with a higher score, but it can still help lower your college costs. Every dollar counts!

  • University of Southern Mississippi – Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship – $6,000/year
  • Murray State University – Academic Achievement Scholarship – $2,000/year
  • University of Louisiana Monroe – Merit Award – $2,500/year
  • Delta State University – Statesman Scholarship – $2,500/year
  • Arkansas Tech University – Academic Scholarship – $2,000/year
  • Missouri State University – Board of Governors Scholarship – $2,000/year

📌 Know about ACT Format & Sections here!

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 23 ACT Score

A 23 ACT score is a good place to start for college. It might not be high enough for the most competitive schools, but many great colleges in the U.S. accept scores around 21 or higher. These schools have strong programs, fun campus life, and some even offer scholarships. In this guide, you’ll find 15 awesome colleges where a 23 ACT score can help you get in and begin your college journey.

University Name

ACT Score Range

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

Acceptance Rate

Admission Chance

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

San Francisco State University

18–24

950–1150

3.4

94%

Very High

$7,484

54%

30,000+

Clark Atlanta University

18–25

900–1060

3.1

58%

Moderate

$23,144

44%

3,500+

California State University, Northridge

16–23

900–1121

3.3

66%

High

$7,017

50%

38,000+

Alabama A&M University

17–25

910–1060

3.0

90%

Very High

$10,024

36%

6,000+

Missouri Valley College

17–23

921–1080

3.1

78%

High

$21,800

45%

1,500+

Lincoln University (PA)

16–24

880–1040

2.9

79%

High

$8,026

42%

2,000+

Newberry College

18–23

950–1121

3.2

63%

Moderate

$27,400

48%

1,210+

Point University

17–25

910–1060

3.0

59%

Moderate

$21,850

40%

1,800+

Warner University

17–26

910–1060

3.1

53%

Moderate

$21,162

45%

800+

Trinity Baptist College

17–27

910–1060

3.0

60%

Moderate

$12,880

50%

300+

St. Thomas University

18–23

950–1121

3.2

55%

Moderate

$29,570

49%

1,300+

Bethune-Cookman University

17–25

910–1060

3.0

61%

Moderate

$14,814

38%

2,800+

Fort Valley State University

17–26

900–1050

2.8

90%

Very High

$5,890

27%

2,000+

Midwestern State University

18–24

940–1140

3.1

75%

High

$7,400

45%

6,500+

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

16–24

880–1040

2.9

82%

High

$8,721

29%

2,800+

Note: Tuition fees and enrollment numbers are approximate and may vary. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

A 23 ACT score can still get you into many good colleges. Even though it’s a little below the national average, you’ve got lots of choices. To improve your chances, keep your GPA up, ask for strong recommendation letters, and write a great personal essay. If possible, take the ACT again to try for a higher score. And don’t forget—colleges look at more than just your test scores. Your effort, hard work, and activities really matter!

Latest ACT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jul 2, 2025

-> The ACT is a standardized test commonly utilized by colleges and universities to evaluate high school students for higher education opportunities.

-> The upcoming ACT Dates 2025 is July 12, 2025 and the Late Registration Deadline has been extended to June 25, 2025 for which $38.00 Late Registration Fee will be charged. 

-> As per, ACT Test Schedule 2025, the next ACT Test Date for the next semester is on September 6, 2025 for which the regular registration deadline is August 1, 2025 respectively. 

-> This multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper exam assesses various academic skills across English, Math, Reading, and Science.

-> The candidates can attempt the ACT Practice Test which helps to crack the examination.

Colleges That Accept a 23 ACT Score FAQs

Yes! A 23 ACT score is around the national average and many colleges accept students with this score. It shows you’re ready for college-level work.

Yes, you can! Some colleges offer scholarships to students with a 23 ACT score. These might not be the biggest awards, but they can help reduce your college costs.

If you want more college options, it’s a good idea to retake the ACT. Studying a bit more can help you improve your score and get into more schools.

Many public universities, smaller private colleges, and community colleges accept a 23 ACT score. These schools offer good programs and a chance to succeed.

A 23 ACT score is about the same as a 1140 to 1160 on the SAT. Both scores are a bit below average but still good for many colleges.