SAT
SAT Prep
Good SAT Score
1600 SAT Score 1590 SAT Score 1580 SAT Score 1570 SAT Score 1560 SAT Score 1550 SAT Score 1540 SAT Score 1530 SAT Score 1520 SAT Score 1510 SAT Score 1500 SAT Score 1490 SAT Score 1480 SAT Score 1470 SAT Score 1460 SAT Score 1450 SAT Score 1440 SAT Score 1430 SAT Score 1420 SAT Score 1410 SAT Score 1400 SAT Score 1390 SAT Score 1380 SAT Score 1370 SAT Score 1360 SAT Score 1350 SAT Score 1340 SAT Score 1330 SAT Score 1320 SAT Score 1310 SAT Score 1300 SAT Score 1290 SAT Score 1280 SAT Score 1270 SAT Score 1260 SAT Score 1250 SAT Score 1240 SAT Score 1230 SAT Score 1220 SAT Score 1210 SAT Score 1200 SAT Score 1190 SAT Score 1180 SAT Score 1170 SAT Score 1110 SAT Score 1100 SAT Score 1090 SAT Score 1080 SAT Score 1070 SAT Score 1060 SAT Score 1050 SAT Score 1040 SAT Score 1030 SAT Score 1020 SAT Score 1010 SAT Score 1000 SAT Score 990 SAT Score 980 SAT Score 970 SAT Score 960 SAT Score 950 SAT Score 940 SAT Score 930 SAT Score 920 SAT Score 910 SAT Score 900 SAT Score 890 SAT Score 880 SAT Score 850 SAT Score 840 SAT Score 830 SAT Score 820 SAT Score 810 SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Math Prep
English Prep
ACT
ACT Scores Guide
SAT Tips
ACT Tips
College Guide

Top Colleges That Accept 1480 SAT Score | Public & Private Universities

Last Updated on Jun 09, 2025

IMPORTANT LINKS

Being ranked 1480 on the SAT is an impressive academic achievement. With a possible score of 1600, a 1480 would place you in the national top 1–2%. This score would make you eligible to get into some of the most distinguished colleges in America, both state and private. Here, you'll discover an extensive list of colleges where a 1480 SAT score places you in a competitive range, and tips on scholarships, score comparison, and whether or not taking the SAT again could help increase your chances at top schools.

Is 1480 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Absolutely. A score of 1480 is an elite score—particularly on a first try. It's extremely competitive for several high-end universities such as Boston College, University of Southern California (USC), and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While some Ivy League and top-tier schools use average SAT scores of 1500–1550, a 1480 puts you comfortably within reach—especially if you also possess a high GPA, outstanding recommendation letters, and a compelling personal essay.

Tip: With a 1480 already achieved, focus on polishing your college application: showcase leadership roles, unique extracurriculars, and thoughtful essays that tell your story.

Attempt the SAT Practice Test to Improve your SAT Scores! 

Ace your SAT Preparation with 50+ Full Digital SAT-Like Tests, 3000+ Practice Questions, Topic-Level Notes, Desmos Calculator Integration, Personalized Dashboard and Custom Study-Planners.

What Colleges Accept a 1480 SAT Score?

A 1480 SAT score is above the middle 50% range for many top universities. Here are some competitive schools where this score gives you a solid shot:

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
  • Boston College
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
  • Tufts University
  • New York University (NYU)
  • University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

These institutions conduct holistic admissions, meaning they look at GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation alongside SAT scores. Your 1480 makes you a standout applicant at many of them.

How Does a 1480 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

The national average SAT score for the Class of 2024 is 1024. A 1480 is over 450 points higher, putting you in the 98th to 99th percentile. This score shows your academic strength and preparedness for challenging college-level coursework.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1480?

While a 1480 is excellent, consider retaking only if:

  • You’re aiming for Ivy League or ultra-selective schools like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, or Princeton (where average SAT scores are around 1510–1560).
  • You believe you can realistically improve your score by 30–50 points with targeted prep.
  • You’re seeking top-tier merit scholarships that require a 1500+ SAT score.

Otherwise, it’s best to focus on other application components like essays, recommendations, and extracurricular impact.

1480 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1480 SAT score equates to a 33–34 ACT score, also putting you in the top 2% of test-takers. Most schools take either, and some even superscore on both SAT and ACT—so it might strengthen your profile to send both.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1480 SAT Score

A 1480 SAT score qualifies you for competitive merit scholarships at several top universities. Some institutions automatically consider you for scholarships, while others may require separate applications. Here are a few notable opportunities:

  • University of Alabama – Generous merit aid for students scoring 1360+.
  • Baylor University – Offers competitive scholarships starting around 1400 SAT.
  • University of Arizona – Wildcat Excellence Awards kick in at 1400+ SAT.
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Provides merit aid from 1360+ SAT.
  • Oklahoma State University – Offers tuition waivers starting at 1440 SAT.
  • Temple University – Awards automatic merit scholarships for 1400+ SAT scorers.

Tip: Always verify the latest scholarship criteria on each college’s official website. Deadlines and eligibility requirements may change annually.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1480 SAT Score

Whether your goal is to get into a top public research university or a highly selective private university, a 1480 is a score that will draw the eye of admissions officers. These institutions evaluate applications holistically, meaning they consider not just test scores, but also GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters. A 1480 SAT score will place you in a strong competitive position, but a well-rounded application can significantly boost your chances of admission. Here's a closer examination of leading universities where a 1480 SAT score is within or above the middle 50% of accepted students:

University Name

SAT Score Range

Avg GPA

ACT Equivalent

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fees

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

University of Southern California (USC)

1440–1550

3.85

33–35

12%

$66,640

92%

49,000

Boston College

1410–1530

3.9

32–34

19%

$67,680

90%

15,000

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

1380–1540

3.88

31–34

20%

$17,786 (In-State)

93%

50,000

New York University (NYU)

1430–1550

3.8

32–35

13%

$60,438

85%

58,000

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

1400–1550

4.18

32–35

9%

$13,804 (In-State)

91%

46,000

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

1370–1520

4.0

30–34

19%

$9,028 (In-State)

90%

31,000

Tufts University

1440–1550

4.0

33–35

10%

$67,000

93%

12,000

University of Florida

1350–1490

4.4

29–33

23%

$6,380 (In-State)

89%

55,000

UC San Diego

1370–1520

4.12

31–34

24%

$14,733 (In-State)

87%

42,000

A 1480 SAT is a strong credential that makes you a strong candidate at most of the country's top universities. Although you are just outside the Ivy League median, this score puts you well within the reach of top programs and competitive scholarships. With solid application materials and strategic college choice, a 1480 will get 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 1480 SAT Score FAQs

Yes, a 1480 is a great score and competitive for most elite schools such as USC, Boston College, and the University of Michigan. It might be a bit below average for Ivy League schools, but it still keeps you in the game with a solid overall application.

It's possible, especially for schools like Cornell or Dartmouth, where the lower end of the SAT range starts near 1450. However, you’ll need an exceptional GPA, compelling essays, and strong extracurriculars to increase your chances.

Public universities like UCLA, University of Florida, UNC-Chapel Hill, and University of Michigan consider a 1480 SAT score well within their competitive range.

Yes. Most schools, particularly public universities like University of Arizona and University of Alabama, grant merit scholarships based on SAT scores of 1400+.

A 1480 SAT is approximately equal to an ACT score of 33–34, which also puts you in the top 2% of test-takers.

Retake only if you are targeting highly selective schools like Harvard, MIT, or Stanford, or you feel you have the potential to improve your score to 1520+ and be eligible for top-tier merit aid.