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Top Colleges That Accept 1420 SAT Score | Public & Private Universities

Last Updated on Jul 19, 2025

IMPORTANT LINKS

A 1420 on the SAT is a notable achievement, positioning you in the top 5–7% of all test-takers across the country. With a possible SAT score of 1600, achieving a 1420 shows excellent academic potential and paves the way to numerous highly competitive public and private colleges. In this guide, we’ll explore which colleges accept a 1420 SAT score, how it compares to national averages, potential scholarship opportunities, and whether retaking the SAT could further benefit your college admission journey.

Is 1420 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Indeed. Achieving a 1420 on your initial attempt is an impressive feat. It makes you a competitive candidate at most selective universities such as Northeastern University, Lehigh University, and the University of Florida. Although hyper-selective Ivy League colleges usually favor SAT scores around 1500+, a 1420 puts you in range at most top 100 universities—particularly when combined with a good GPA, good essays, and good extracurricular activities.

Tip: Having a 1420 under your belt, it's wise to concentrate on getting the rest of your application just right: personal statements, teacher letters of recommendation, and leadership activities can further enhance your prospects.

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What Colleges Accept a 1420 SAT Score?

A 1420 SAT score is highly competitive at many well-ranked public and private institutions. Below is a list of universities where this score falls within or above the middle 50% of admitted students:

  • Ohio State University
  • Pepperdine University
  • University of Washington – Seattle
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Clemson University

These schools consider applications as a whole—taking into account not just your test scores, but also GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays. A 1420 SAT score makes you stand out in the applicant pool at these schools.

How Does a 1420 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

The national average SAT score for the Class of 2024 was 1024. Being at 1420, you are more than 400 points higher than the national average. This puts you in the 94th to 96th percentile, which easily shows that you're well-prepared academically for college.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1420?

Though a 1420 score is itself exceptional, retaking the SAT should be contemplated under the following conditions:

  • You're applying to Ivy League or other ultra-selective schools like Stanford or MIT with average SAT scores of 1500+.
  • You think you can reasonably boost your score by 50–70 points with focused prep.
  • You're seeking merit-based awards that necessitate scores of 1450 or better.

If none of the above rings true for you, it's probably more savvy to boost other aspects of your application such as essays, leadership positions, and extracurricular richness.

1420 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1420 SAT score is approximately equivalent to an ACT score of 31–32. This puts you in the same percentile range—top 6–7%—and provides flexibility when applying to colleges that accept either test. Some colleges superscore or accept the higher score between SAT and ACT, so having both scores can give you more opportunities.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1420 SAT Score

Numerous colleges award automatic or competitive merit scholarships to students with 1400 and above on the SAT. Below are some best picks:

  • University of Alabama: Merit awards begin at 1360 SAT and go up as scores get higher.
  • University of Arizona: Awards Wildcat Excellence Awards to students with a score of 1400+.
  • Baylor University: Competitive academic scholarships are available in the 1400–1500 SAT range.
  • University of Mississippi: Automatic merit aid for students with a score of 1360+.
  • Oklahoma State University: Non-resident tuition waivers start at 1440 SAT.
  • Temple University: Awards merit scholarships starting at a 1400 SAT score.

Tip: Always check up-to-date scholarship eligibility on each university's official financial aid website.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1420 SAT Score

A 1420 SAT score puts you well above the national average and makes you a strong candidate at many of America's most respected colleges. Here's a close comparison of some of the best schools where your score is in or near the middle 50% of admitted students:

University Name

SAT Score Range

Avg GPA

ACT Equivalent

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fees

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

Northeastern University

1410–1540

4.0

32–35

7%

$60,192

89%

27,000

University of Florida

1350–1490

4.4

29–33

23%

$6,380 (In-State)

89%

55,000

Lehigh University

1370–1530

3.85

31–34

37%

$61,180

87%

7,300

University of Georgia

1270–1470

4.0

28–33

40%

$11,180 (In-State)

87%

39,000

Santa Clara University

1300–1460

3.8

29–32

51%

$58,000

86%

8,500

University of Texas–Austin

1230–1480

3.84

29–34

29%

$11,698 (In-State)

88%

52,384

University of Connecticut

1220–1430

3.8

27–32

55%

$18,524 (In-State)

84%

27,000

University of Miami

1340–1510

3.9

30–34

19%

$58,102

82%

19,000

Fordham University

1300–1450

3.7

29–32

46%

$60,000

83%

15,000

University of Wisconsin–Madison

1350–1480

3.86

29–33

49%

$11,168 (In-State)

87%

48,956

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jul 19, 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 1420 SAT Score FAQs

Yes, it places you in the top 6–7% and is competitive for the majority of top 100 colleges.

It's a long shot, since the average SAT scores at most Ivy League colleges are 1500+, but a strong GPA and solid extracurriculars can make a difference.

Only if you're applying to super-selective schools or require higher scores to become scholarship-eligible.

Colleges like Alabama, Baylor, and Temple begin offering merit aid around the 1420 range since they are relatively less selective.

It's more than 400 points greater than the countrywide average and puts you in the 94th–96th percentile.

A 1420 SAT is approximately equal to an ACT score of 31–32.