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Colleges That Accept 890 SAT Score | Public & Private Universities

Last Updated on Jul 16, 2025

IMPORTANT LINKS

A score of 890 on the SAT may be below the national average, but it by no means shuts the door on college attendance. There are plenty of colleges—particularly community colleges, open-admission universities, and less competitive four-year institutions—that welcome students who score this well. In this guide, we’ll explore colleges that accept an 890 SAT score, how this score compares on a national scale, what financial aid options may still be available, and whether retaking the SAT could strengthen your college prospects.

Is 890 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

A score of 890 is low, since it puts you in the 21st percentile, meaning that you scored higher than roughly 21% of test-takers. The national average SAT score is roughly 1020–1050, so an 890 indicates there is a lot of room for improvement. Nevertheless, most schools—particularly open-admission colleges and community colleges—will still look at your application, particularly if you show a strong GPA, extracurricular activity, and personal narrative.

Pro Tip: Work on establishing a solid academic history beyond standardized testing. Strong letters of recommendation, essays, and performance in class can offset a lower SAT score.

What Colleges Accept an 890 SAT Score?

While selective colleges typically require scores above 1100, there are numerous institutions—especially community colleges, technical schools, and open-admission universities—that accept or do not emphasize SAT scores as part of their admissions process.

Here are some colleges that may accept students with an 890 SAT:

  • Virginia State University
  • Livingstone College
  • Coppin State University
  • Jackson State University
  • Alcorn State University
  • Benedict College
  • Central State University
  • Miles College

Note: Many of these schools consider applications holistically and may offer conditional or support-based programs for students with lower test scores.

How Does an 890 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

An 890 SAT score is below the national average, which currently sits around 1020–1050. Scoring 890 places you in the 21st percentile, meaning roughly 79% of students performed better. While this may seem discouraging, remember that test scores are just one part of your college application. Some colleges weigh GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, and essays more heavily.

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 890?

If you have the time and resources, yes, retaking the SAT can significantly improve your admission and scholarship prospects. Even a 100–200 point increase can open the door to more universities and financial aid.

You should consider retaking the SAT if:

  • You’re targeting colleges with average SAT scores above 950–1000
  • You believe you can improve with targeted practice
  • You’re aiming for better scholarship eligibility
  • You didn’t prepare thoroughly the first time

890 SAT to ACT Equivalent

An 890 SAT is approximately equal to an ACT score of 16–17. Similar to your SAT score, this equivalent ACT score is also lower than the national average (approximately 20–21). Colleges that accept an 890 SAT will generally accept a 16 ACT as well. Make sure to find out if a school superscores the SAT or ACT when considering multiple test scores.

Scholarships Available for an 890 SAT Score

Most merit-based scholarships require SAT scores above 1100, but there are still options:

  • Need-based financial aid through FAFSA
  • Institutional aid offered by community colleges and regional universities
  • Private scholarships that focus on community service, specific majors, or demographic criteria

While your SAT score may not qualify you for top merit aid, many scholarships don’t consider SAT scores at all.

Top Colleges That May Accept an 890 SAT Score

Though these schools are not extremely selective, they provide excellent academic support, active campus life, and worldliness. With good advising, career services, research opportunities, and engaged alumni networks, they enable students to succeed. Their merit aid and affordability also make them wise, high-return options for many applicants.

University Name

Avg SAT Range

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fees (In-State)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

Texas Southern University

800–1000

63%

$9,173

26%

7,524

Coppin State University

850–990

40%

$6,904

29%

2,348

Virginia Union University

800–1000

75%

$13,530

36%

1,800

Jarvis Christian University

800–990

65%

$11,720

33%

900

Livingstone College

800–980

71%

$17,732

32%

1,200

Miami Dade College

N/A (Open)

100%

$2,838

33%

50,000+

Albany State University

860–980

73%

$5,934

33%

6,000+

Fort Valley State University

840–990

72%

$5,594

31%

2,400

Bluefield State University

850–990

90%

$8,840

30%

1,200+

Fayetteville State University

860–1000

79%

$5,274

36%

6,700

Mississippi Valley State University

850–990

83%

$7,334

29%

2,000

Kentucky State University

860–990

87%

$8,090

29%

2,300

Philander Smith University

860–990

64%

$13,014

39%

1,000+

Central State University

860–1000

58%

$7,596

26%

2,000+

Final Thoughts

Although an 890 SAT score might exclude options at extremely selective colleges, it does not exclude you from college altogether. Most schools appreciate perseverance, volunteer work, and intellectual promise over test scores. With solid application materials, you can still go to a respectable school that fosters your development.

Pro Tip: If you can, take the SAT again. But whether or not you do, make the other parts of your application shine—particularly your essays, grades, and recommendations.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jul 16, 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 890 SAT Score – FAQs

 It’s below average but still acceptable at many open-admission or regional colleges.

Yes. Community colleges and some private institutions will still consider your application.

Yes, if you can improve your score with targeted practice. A higher score opens more opportunities.

You may not qualify for merit aid, but you can apply for need-based aid and non-academic scholarships.

It’s roughly equivalent to a 16–17 ACT score.

Yes, some 4-year universities and HBCUs accept students with scores in this range, especially if other parts of your application are strong.