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Home / SAT Exam / Top Colleges That Accept a 1040 SAT Score

Top Colleges That Accept a 1040 SAT Score | Great Schools You Can Get Into

Last Updated on Jun 14, 2025

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The SAT Exam is a test that helps colleges see if you're ready for college-level classes. It checks your reading, writing, and math skills. A 1040 SAT score is a bit higher than the national average of about 1024. This means you scored better than almost half of all test-takers. While it might not be enough for super competitive colleges, it’s still a solid score. Many good public and private colleges accept it, especially if you also have a strong GPA, good activities, and a great essay. So, if you got a 1040, don’t stress—you still have a good chance to get into a college that’s right for you.

🚀 Use Testbook’s SAT Score Calculator to Find Your SAT Scores! 

Is 1040 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 1040 SAT score is a little above the national average, which makes it a solid start—especially if it’s your first try. It shows you have a good understanding of reading, writing, and math. Many public and private colleges accept students with this score, so you already have good options. If you want to get into more competitive schools, you can study and take the test again. Most students do better the second time with practice.

What Colleges Accept a 1040 SAT Score?

If you got a 1040 on the SAT, you can still get into many good colleges in the U.S. Schools like Texas State University, University of North Texas, and Eastern Michigan University often accept students with this score. These colleges have good programs, fun campus life, and lots of chances to learn and grow. Colleges also look at your GPA, activities, and essays—so if the rest of your application is strong, you have a great shot.

📌 What is the SAT Calculator Policy? Read Here!

How Does a 1040 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1040 SAT score is a bit higher than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was about 1024, so 1040 means you did better than many other students. That’s a good sign for colleges because it shows you’re ready for college-level work. While super competitive schools may want higher scores, a 1040 still gives you lots of good college options all over the country. It’s a solid score to start your college journey.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1040?

If you got a 1040 on the SAT, it might be a good idea to take the test again—especially if you're in 11th grade. A 1040 is a solid starting score, but even a small boost, like 100 points, can give you more college choices and help your application look better. Most students who take the SAT again score 60–70 points higher. Review your test, find the parts you struggled with, and focus your studying there. Use a timer during practice tests, try SAT prep books, or join a prep class at school to improve.

If you’re in 12th grade, you might be short on time, but some colleges accept scores from summer or early fall SATs. If you can’t retake the test, don’t worry—just make the rest of your application strong. Write a great essay, get good teacher recommendations, and ask your school counselor to check your work. You can also apply to test-optional colleges, which focus more on your grades, activities, and essay than your SAT score.

📌 Find out How Long is the SAT?

1040 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1040 on the SAT is about the same as getting a 20 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are a little above average and show you're ready for college. Colleges look at SAT and ACT scores in the same way, so it’s okay to take either test. If you’re not sure which one is better for you, try a practice test for both. Then pick the one that feels easier and helps you get the best score.

📌 Know about SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take for College Admissions?

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1040 SAT Score

A 1040 SAT score can help you get scholarships at some colleges. These are called merit-based scholarships and are given for good grades or test scores. The money you get can be different at each school, but many colleges offer financial help or awards for students with a score like yours. Here are a few examples of colleges that give scholarships for a 1040 SAT score:

  • Texas State University – Offers merit scholarships like the President’s Honor Scholarship for students meeting GPA and SAT criteria.
  • University of Southern Mississippi – Provides Academic Merit Scholarships starting with a 1040 SAT and a solid GPA.
  • Northern Arizona University – Awards the NAU Merit Scholarship for residents and non-residents with a 1040+ SAT.
  • Eastern Michigan University – Offers the Education First Opportunity Scholarship based on GPA and test scores.
  • Middle Tennessee State University – Provides Guaranteed Academic Scholarships to eligible students with scores starting at 1040 SAT.

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

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1040 SAT Score

A 1040 SAT score is a little higher than average and can help you get into many good colleges. While it may not be enough for the most competitive schools, it’s still a strong score. You can get into lots of public and private universities that offer great classes, fun campus life, and even financial aid. Below, you’ll find a list of 15 colleges where your 1040 SAT score can give you a good chance of getting in.

University Name

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

ACT Score Range

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

Sam Houston State University

970–1140

3.3

19–24

85%

~$8,536

52%

21,000+

Portland State University

1010–1230

3.4

20–25

93%

~$9,105

48%

22,000+

San Francisco State University

950–1150

3.4

19–24

94%

~$7,484

53%

27,000+

Marshall University

910–1120

3.5

20–25

97%

~$8,128

45%

13,000+

Radford University

950–1150

3.2

19–24

93%

~$11,916

49%

9,000+

East Carolina University

1040–1200

3.3

19–24

88%

~$7,239

59%

28,000+

Texas State University

1010–1180

3.4

20–25

81%

~$10,280

54%

38,000+

Georgia State University

1030–1260

3.4

20–25

76%

~$9,286

52%

34,000+

San Jose State University

1030–1260

3.4

20–25

67%

~$7,852

55%

32,000+

University of Hawaii at Manoa

970–1270

3.4

20–25

83%

~$11,304

58%

17,000+

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

890–1080

3.2

19–24

85%

~$3,418

41%

7,000+

University of Southern Mississippi

960–1150

3.3

19–24

96%

~$8,624

49%

14,000+

Western Carolina University

1010–1180

3.3

19–24

85%

~$4,452

55%

12,000+

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

980–1160

3.3

19–24

56%

~$10,382

47%

16,000+

California State University, Fresno

950–1150

3.3

19–24

58%

~$6,587

51%

24,000+

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and pertain to in-state students. Graduation rates and enrollment figures are based on the most recent data available from official university sources.

A 1040 SAT score gives you lots of college choices. It shows you're ready for college-level classes and can get into many good schools. While it might not be enough for the most selective colleges, it's still a solid score. Keep working on your GPA, join activities, and write a strong essay. If you do that, you’ll have a great shot at finding a college that fits you and helps you reach your goals.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 15, 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 1040 SAT Score FAQs

Yes, a 1040 SAT score is slightly above the national average (around 1024). It shows you’re ready for college-level work and gives you access to many public and private universities across the U.S.

Yes, many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for students with a 1040 SAT score, especially when paired with a solid GPA. Examples include Texas State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Southern Mississippi.

If you're a junior, retaking the SAT could be a smart move—most students improve their scores. Even a 100-point increase can expand your college and scholarship options. Seniors with limited time should focus on other strong parts of their application.

A 1040 SAT score roughly equals a 20 on the ACT. Both scores are slightly above average and are considered acceptable by many colleges with flexible admissions.

Several colleges accept students with a 1040 SAT score, including Sam Houston State University, Georgia State University, Eastern Michigan University, and University of Louisiana at Lafayette, among others.

Absolutely! A 1040 SAT score opens doors to many reputable colleges with strong academic programs and student support services. Schools also consider GPA, essays, and extracurriculars in the admissions process.