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Best Universities for a 1240 SAT Score | Acceptance, Tuition & More
Last Updated on Jun 13, 2025
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Is a 1240 SAT score good? Yes! It’s above average and can help you get into many great colleges. The SAT Exam measures your skills in reading, writing, and math, showing colleges how ready you are for college-level work. With a 1240, you're in a good position to apply to both public and private universities. Many schools that accept this score also offer scholarships and financial aid. Whether you want strong academics or a fun campus life, there are plenty of colleges to choose from. In this guide, we’ll share the best schools that accept a 1240 SAT score, along with details on acceptance rates, tuition, and scholarships to help you plan your next steps.
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Is 1240 a good SAT score for the First Time?
A 1240 is a good SAT score. It places you in the 81st percentile, meaning you scored better than 81% of other test takers. This score makes you a strong applicant for many colleges and can help you earn merit scholarships. While some top schools might want higher scores, a 1240 is still competitive at most universities and can strengthen your overall college application.
What Colleges Accept a 1240 SAT Score?
A 1240 SAT score gives you access to many great colleges. Schools like Penn State, University of Alabama, Michigan State, and University of Iowa accept this score. These colleges offer strong academics and a good campus life. While some more selective schools may require higher scores, a 1240 is competitive at many public and private universities, giving you lots of options for your college path.
How Does a 1240 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?
A 1240 SAT score is above the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was about 1024, so a 1240 puts you ahead of most students. This means you scored better than about 81% of test takers. With a 1240, you’re in a strong position for college applications, showing that you’re ready for college work and can compete with other students.
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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1240?
If you're happy with your 1240 SAT score, there's no rush to retake it. But if you want to be a more competitive applicant or earn more scholarships, retaking it could help. On average, students improve by 60-70 points when they retake the test. If your score is close to or higher than the 75th percentile for your target schools, you're in a good position. Focus on your grades and make a solid college list. If your score is below the 25th percentile for top schools, consider retaking it. Junior year is a good time to retake, but senior year might not give you enough time before application deadlines. If you can't retake, strengthen other parts of your application, like your personal essay.
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1240 SAT to ACT Equivalent
A 1240 SAT score is about the same as a 26 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are above average and show you're ready for college-level work. If you're not sure whether to take the SAT or ACT, compare your scores by taking practice tests for both. This can help you decide which test matches your strengths better and make it easier to choose the one you feel more comfortable with.
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Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1240 SAT Score
A 1240 SAT score can help you qualify for scholarships at many colleges. Here are some schools and the scholarships 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
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Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1240 SAT Score
A 1240 SAT score is a good score that gives you many college options. With this score, you can apply to different colleges and universities, both public and private, and be a strong candidate. Many schools with this score offer good academic programs, a fun campus life, and even scholarships. Here are the top 15 colleges that accept a 1240 SAT score and provide great opportunities for students.
University Name | SAT Score Range | Average GPA | ACT Score Range | Acceptance Rate | Admission Chance | Tuition Fees (In-state) | Graduation Rate | Enrollment |
1200–1500 | 3.8 | 26–33 | 31% | Competitive | $17,434 | 85% | 52,384 | |
1200–1340 | 4.1 | 26–30 | 37% | Competitive | $6,516 | 83% | 41,717 | |
11900–1400 | 4.4 | 27–32 | 49% | Competitive | $15,558 | 83% | 26,406 | |
1120–1370 | 3.54 | 22–29 | 88% | High | $11,338 | 69% | 77,881 | |
1070–1330 | 3.76 | 23–31 | 80% | High | $11,620 | 72% | 38,100 | |
1150–1360 | 3.73 | 24–31 | 80% | High | $11,333 | 78% | 43,064 | |
1130–1340 | 3.76 | 23–28 | 84% | High | $9,942 | 73% | 30,318 | |
1100–1310 | 3.68 | 22–28 | 83% | High | $13,856 | 72% | 22,760 | |
1060–1290 | 3.6 | 21–28 | 93% | Very High | $11,166 | 63% | 27,638 | |
1120–1290 | 3.72 | 23–29 | 77% | High | $9,574 | 66% | 27,778 | |
1170–1330 | 3.89 | 25–30 | 79% | High | $13,244 | 72% | 30,559 | |
1160–1340 | 4.0 | 24–28 | 65.8% | Moderate | $13,691 | 84% | 37,010 | |
1210–1360 | 3.9 | 26–31 | 54.6% | Moderate | $4,940 | 66% | 1,400 | |
1040–1240 | 3.5 | 22–28 | 81.1% | High | $36,630 | 58% | 2,500 | |
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 1240 SAT score gives you access to many well-known colleges with good academic programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities. While it may not be enough for the most competitive schools, it puts you in a strong position for many public and private universities. By looking into schools that fit your goals, you can make the most of your 1240 SAT score.
Last updated on Jun 13, 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 1240 SAT Score FAQs
Is a 1240 SAT score good?
Yes, a 1240 SAT score is above average and competitive at many colleges.
What colleges accept a 1240 SAT score?
Colleges like University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and University of Iowa accept a 1240 SAT score.
Should I retake the SAT if I score 1240?
If you're happy with your score and it meets your target school's requirements, there's no need to retake it. But, if you want to improve your chances for scholarships or more selective schools, a retake could help.
What scholarships can I get with a 1240 SAT score?
You can qualify for merit-based scholarships at schools like the University of Alabama and Michigan State University.
How does a 1240 SAT score compare to the national average?
A 1240 SAT score is higher than the national average, meaning you scored better than 81% of test-takers.
What is the ACT equivalent of a 1240 SAT score?
A 1240 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 26 on the ACT.