Choosing the right college can feel like a big task, but your SAT score helps open many doors. If you scored a 1180 on the SAT, you’re already ahead of many students. This score puts you above the national average and shows colleges that you're ready for college-level work. The SAT Exam is a standardized test that measures your reading, writing, and math skills. Many colleges across the U.S. accept a 1180 SAT score and even offer scholarships for students in this range. In this guide, we’ll look at top colleges that accept a 1180 SAT score, your chances of getting in, and financial aid options. If you’re asking, “Is 1180 a good SAT score?”—the answer is yes, and we’ll help you understand how your SAT scores can give you strong college opportunities.

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Is 1180 a good SAT score for the First Time?

Getting a 1180 on your SAT the first time is a strong start and a very good SAT score. It’s higher than the national average and puts you in about the top 28% of students. This means you did better than most test-takers. With a 1180, you can apply to lots of colleges across the U.S. and have a good shot at getting in. The main goal of the SAT is to give you more college options, and this score does just that.

What Colleges Accept a 1180 SAT Score?

A lot of colleges accept a 1180 SAT score, including both public and private schools. Some examples are Penn State University, University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and University of Iowa. These colleges have strong programs and fun campus life. While the most selective schools might need higher scores, a 1180 is still a good score that gives you many choices for college. It shows you’re ready and can do well in college.

🚀 Know the SAT Writing Tips to Score Well on the SAT!

How Does a 1180 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1180 SAT score is higher than the national average. In 2024, most students scored around 1024. If you got a 1180, that means you did better than about 72% of students who took the test or 156 marks better than the national average SAT score. This tells colleges that you’re ready for college-level classes and can keep up with other strong students. It’s a good score that can help you get into many colleges.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1180?

A 1180 SAT score is a solid score and can help you get into many good colleges. But if you're aiming for more selective schools or want better merit scholarships, you might think about retaking the test. Junior year is a great time to do this. Study for 4–6 weeks using free SAT sites, prep books, or a tutor if you can.

If you're a senior, retaking the test might be tough because of deadlines. Instead, focus on the rest of your application. Write a great personal essay, get teacher recommendations, and list your activities. Ask your counselor to review your essay and help improve it. A strong and complete application can really help your chances.

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

1180 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1180 on the SAT is about the same as getting a 24 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, this comparison can help. Try taking a practice test for both to see which one feels better for you. Pick the one where you feel more confident and can get a higher score.

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1180 SAT Score

A 1180 SAT score can help you get scholarships at many colleges. It shows you have strong academic skills and scored higher than most students. Lots of schools give merit-based scholarships to students with scores like this. That means you could earn money for college just based on your SAT score. Below are some colleges that offer scholarships for students with a 1180 SAT.

• University of Alabama – Merit scholarships up to $6,000/year for a 1180 SAT
• Arizona State University – New American University Scholarship for eligible SAT scorers
• Mississippi State University – Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship for SAT 1180+
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Merit scholarships starting at 1100 SAT and up
• University of Iowa – Advantage Iowa Award and other merit scholarships
• Texas State University – Presidential and Merit scholarships for SAT scores starting at 1170
• University of Missouri – Missouri Land Grant or Curators Award for qualifying SAT scores

📌 Read about ACT to SAT Conversion: Convert SAT Scores Into ACT Scores

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1180 SAT Score

A 1180 SAT score is a good score that opens up many college options. It's above the national average and shows you're ready for college work. With a 1180, you can apply to many public and private universities in the U.S. These schools offer strong academics, great campus life, and even scholarships. Below is a list of 15 top colleges that accept a 1180 SAT score, helping you find the best fit for your future.

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 1180 SAT score gives you a good chance to get into many colleges across the country. It shows you’re ready for college and can do the work. With this score, you have many public and private schools to choose from, and many offer scholarships and financial help. Be sure to check out your options, focus on your full application, and choose a college that matches your goals and interests.