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Best Colleges That Accept a 1290 SAT Score | Admission & Scholarship Info

Last Updated on Jun 12, 2025

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Scored a 1290 on the SAT Exam? That's a solid achievement! You might be wondering, "Is 1290 a good SAT score?" The answer is yes! It puts you above most test-takers, making it a strong score. The SAT tests your reading and math skills to help colleges see if you're ready for college work. With a 1290, you're in a great position to apply to many well-known schools, and some may even offer you scholarships. In this guide, we’ll explore which colleges accept a 1290, along with details on tuition, acceptance rates, and scholarship opportunities. Let's see where your score can take you!

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Is 1290 a good SAT score for the First Time?

If you’re wondering, "Is 1290 a good SAT score?" the answer is yes—especially for your first try! A 1290 is higher than the national average, so you did better than most students. It shows colleges that you have strong skills in reading and math and are ready for college-level work. With this score, you can apply to many great colleges and may even be considered for scholarships.

What Colleges Accept a 1290 SAT Score?

A 1290 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges in the U.S. It’s above average and shows you're ready for college-level work. Schools like Penn State, University of Minnesota, and Michigan State often accept students with this score. You could also qualify for honors programs and scholarships at some colleges. It’s a strong score that gives you a lot of great options when it comes to choosing a college.

How Does a 1290 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1290 SAT score is well above the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024, so a 1290 puts you ahead of most students—about in the top 15%. This strong score shows colleges you're ready for college work and can help your application stand out at many schools.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1290?

A 1290 is a strong SAT score and can help you get into many good colleges. However, if you’re aiming for very selective schools or want better scholarship opportunities, retaking the SAT might help. If you feel you can improve with more studying, consider trying again. But if you're happy with your score and it meets your college goals, you may not need to retake it.

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1290 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1290 SAT score is about the same as a 27 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are good and higher than the national average. Even though the SAT and ACT test different skills, colleges use them similarly for admissions. If you're unsure which test to take, try practice tests for both to see which one works better for you.

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Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1290 SAT Score

A 1290 SAT score gives you the chance to apply to many colleges that offer scholarships. Here are some colleges that accept this score and the scholarships they offer:

  • University of Arizona: Arizona Excellence Scholarship up to $20,000 per year
  • University of Alabama: Capstone Scholarship up to $24,000 per year
  • University of Iowa: Iowa Scholars Award up to $10,000 per year
  • Indiana University Bloomington: IU Founders Scholarship up to $12,000 per year
  • University of Oregon: Provost Scholarship up to $16,000 per year

🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1290 SAT Score

A 1290 SAT score is a strong result that can help you get into many great colleges. With this score, you're in a good spot to apply to both public and private universities. In this guide, we'll show you 15 colleges that accept a 1290 SAT score. These schools have great academic programs, a fun campus life, and chances for scholarships. Let's see where you can apply with this score!

University Name

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

ACT Score Range

Acceptance Rate

Admission Chance

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

University of Texas at Austin

1230–1480

3.8

26–33

31%

Competitive

$17,434

85%

52,384

University of Miami

1210–1480

3.7

30–33

19%

Competitive

$36,467

80%

19,402

University of Georgia

1220–1420

4.0

27–32

43%

Moderate

$17,180

85%

40,607

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

1240–1430

3.97

27–32

57%

Moderate

$19,301

91%

38,170

University of Alabama

1200–1410

3.7

28–32

80%

High

$10,000

80%

47,000

University of Wisconsin-Madison

1200–1490

3.9

28–32

53%

Moderate

$10,700

86%

45,000+

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

1210–1510

3.7

28–33

44%

Moderate

$17,020

85%

48,674

Indiana University Bloomington

1210–1460

3.8

28–33

80%

High

$10,000

N/A

N/A

University of Oregon

1150–1450

3.8

24–30

86%

High

$17,646

N/A

N/A

University of Pittsburgh

1200–1490

3.8

28–33

59%

Moderate

$20,000

85%

28,000+

University of Oklahoma

1140–1350

3.7

25–32

80%

High

$10,000

70%

28,000+

University of Kansas

1240–1480

3.6

26–32

93%

Very High

$11,000

70%

28,000+

University of Iowa

1260–1480

3.7

26–32

83%

High

$11,000

70%

30,000+

University of Arkansas

1220–1480

3.6

25–32

77%

High

$10,000

70%

27,000+

University of Tennessee

1260–1480

3.8

26–32

79%

High

$13,000

70%

28,000+

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 1290 SAT score is a strong score that gives you many good college options. With this score, you can apply to both public and private universities and be a competitive applicant. While some top schools may want a higher score, many great colleges will still consider your application. Make sure to also focus on other parts of your application, like your GPA and extracurricular activities, to improve your chances even more.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 12, 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 1290 SAT Score FAQs

Yes, a 1290 SAT score is above the national average and is considered a strong score. It shows you have strong reading and math skills, and many colleges will accept it.

Yes, you can get into many good colleges with a 1290 SAT score. Schools like the University of Georgia, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Alabama are some of the colleges that accept this score.

If you’re happy with your score and it meets your college goals, there’s no need to retake it. However, if you want to apply to more selective schools or get better scholarship opportunities, retaking the SAT could help.

Many colleges offer scholarships to students with a 1290 SAT score. For example, the University of Arizona offers the Arizona Excellence Scholarship, which can give up to $20,000 per year.

A 1290 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 27 on the ACT. Both scores are good and above average, so colleges will accept either score for admission.

Some top colleges that accept a 1290 SAT score include the University of Texas at Austin, University of Miami, University of Georgia, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These schools have strong academic programs and offer various scholarship opportunities.