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Best Universities for a 1220 SAT Score | Acceptance, Tuition & More

Last Updated on Jun 09, 2025

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Is 1220 a good SAT score? Yes—it’s better than the national average and can help you get into many good colleges. The SAT Exam is a test that checks your reading, writing, and math skills to show colleges you’re ready for college-level work. With a 1220, you have a strong chance at getting into both public and private schools. Many colleges that accept this score also give out scholarships and financial aid. Whether you’re looking for strong academics, fun campus life, or both, you’ve got lots of great options. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best colleges for a 1220 SAT score, plus info on acceptance rates, tuition, and scholarships to help you get started.

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Is 1220 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 1220 score is a good SAT score. It means you scored higher than 76% of students who took the test. This score makes you a strong applicant for lots of colleges and could even help you get merit scholarships. Some top colleges may look for higher scores, but a 1220 is still competitive at many public and private schools and can boost your college application.

What Colleges Accept a 1220 SAT Score?

A 1220 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. Schools like Penn State, University of Alabama, Michigan State, and University of Iowa accept this score. These colleges have strong academic programs and fun campus life. While some top schools may want higher scores, a 1220 is still a strong score for many public and private colleges. It gives you lots of choices for your college plans.

How Does a 1220 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1220 SAT score is higher than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024, so a 1220 places you above most test takers. This means you scored better than about 76% of students nationwide. With a score of 1220, you're in a strong position for college applications, showing you're ready for college-level work and can compete with other applicants.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1220?

If you’re happy with your 1220 SAT score, you don’t have to retake it. But if you want to improve your chances at competitive colleges or get more scholarship money, taking it again might help. Most students who retake the SAT go up by about 60–70 points. If your score is close to the top 25% of scores at your dream colleges, you’re doing great. Focus on doing well in school and applying to a mix of colleges. But if your score is lower than what top schools usually want, think about retaking it. Junior year is the best time to try again. If you’re a senior, you might not have time before deadlines, so make sure the rest of your application, like your essay, is strong.

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1220 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1220 SAT score is about the same as getting a 25 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are better than average and show that you’re ready for college-level work. If you’re trying to choose between the SAT and ACT, it’s good to know how the scores compare. Take a practice test for each to see which one feels easier for you, then go with the test that fits your strengths best.

📌 Know the SAT Test Dates and Deadlines: Check SAT Exam Calendar!

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1220 SAT Score

A 1220 SAT score can help you get scholarships at many colleges. Lots of schools offer money to students with scores like this. Here are some colleges that give scholarships for a 1220 SAT score and what they offer:

  • University of Alabama: Merit-based scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $28,000 per year
  • Michigan State University: Spartan Scholarship Program, up to $20,000 annually
  • University of Iowa: Iowa Commitment Scholarship, up to $12,000 per year
  • University of Arizona: Arizona Excellence Award, up to $35,000 over four years
  • University of Minnesota: Gold Scholarship, up to $12,000 per year

🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1220 SAT Score

A 1220 SAT score is a good score that gives you lots of chances to get into college. With this score, you can apply to many public and private colleges and still be a strong applicant. A lot of these schools have good classes, fun campus life, and even offer scholarships for students with a 1220 SAT. Here are 15 great colleges that accept a 1220 score and give you great options to choose from.

University Name

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

ACT Score Range

Acceptance Rate

Admission Chance

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

University of Texas at Austin

1200–1500

3.8

26–33

31%

Competitive

$17,434

85%

52,384

Florida State University

1200–1340

4.1

26–30

37%

Competitive

$6,516

83%

41,717

Clemson University

11900–1400

4.4

27–32

49%

Competitive

$15,558

83%

26,406

Arizona State University

1120–1370

3.54

22–29

88%

High

$11,338

69%

77,881

University of Alabama

1070–1330

3.76

23–31

80%

High

$11,620

72%

38,100

Indiana University Bloomington

1150–1360

3.73

24–31

80%

High

$11,333

78%

43,064

University of Iowa

1130–1340

3.76

23–28

84%

High

$9,942

73%

30,318

University of Oregon

1100–1310

3.68

22–28

83%

High

$13,856

72%

22,760

University of Kansas

1060–1290

3.6

21–28

93%

Very High

$11,166

63%

27,638

University of Arkansas

1120–1290

3.72

23–29

77%

High

$9,574

66%

27,778

University of Tennessee

1170–1330

3.89

25–30

79%

High

$13,244

72%

30,559

Virginia Tech

1160–1340

4.0

24–28

65.8%

Moderate

$13,691

84%

37,010

Florida Polytechnic University

1210–1360

3.9

26–31

54.6%

Moderate

$4,940

66%

1,400

Lawrence Technological University

1040–1220

3.5

22–28

81.1%

High

$36,630

58%

2,500

Texas A&M University–College Station

1160–1390

3.68

25–31

63%

Moderate

$12,153

82%

68,679

Note: Tuition fees listed are for in-state students and are approximate figures. Graduation rates and enrollment numbers are based on the most recent data available.

A 1220 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. These schools offer strong classes, fun campus life, and chances for scholarships. While super competitive colleges may want higher scores, a 1220 still makes you a strong applicant at many public and private universities. If you take time to look at schools that match what you want, your 1220 score can take you far.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 10, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept 1220 SAT Score FAQs

Yes! A 1220 SAT score is better than the national average and puts you in the top 24% of test takers. It’s a solid score for many public and private colleges.

You can apply to great schools like Penn State, University of Alabama, Michigan State, University of Iowa, and many more. These schools have strong academics and fun campus life.

Absolutely! Many colleges offer scholarships for students with scores around 1220. For example, the University of Alabama, University of Arizona, and Michigan State all offer merit-based scholarships.

You don’t have to, especially if your dream colleges accept that score. But retaking it could help you qualify for better scholarships or get into more competitive schools.

A 1220 SAT is about the same as a 25 on the ACT. Both scores show you're ready for college-level work and are better than average.

Some highly selective schools may want higher scores, but a 1220 is great for many strong colleges. Focus on applying to schools that fit your goals, and you’ll have a lot of options.