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Home / ACT Exam / Best Colleges That Accept a 21 ACT Score

Best Colleges That Accept a 21 ACT Score | Scholarships and Admission Info

Last Updated on Jul 11, 2025

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A 21 ACT score is a solid score that can help you get into many colleges across the U.S. The ACT Exam tests your skills in English, math, reading, and science to see if you’re ready for college. If you’re wondering, “Is 21 a good ACT score?”—yes, it is! A 21 is close to the national average, so you have a good chance of getting accepted to many schools. Some colleges also offer scholarships for students with a 21 ACT score to help with tuition. This guide will show you good colleges that accept a 21, your chances of getting in, and tips on scholarships and admissions.

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Is 21 a good ACT Score?

Is 21 a good ACT score? Yes! It’s close to the national average of 19.5, which means you’ve shown strong skills in reading, math, and science. With a 21, you can apply to lots of colleges, but some schools might want a higher score. If you raise your score, you could get more college options and even qualify for scholarships. If you’re also asking, “Is 21 a good SAT score?” Just remember that the SAT and ACT are different tests, so make sure to compare the scores before picking which one to take.

What Colleges Accept a 21 ACT Score?

If you have a 21 ACT score, you still have lots of good college options. Many public universities, community colleges, and smaller private schools accept this score. Top colleges in the U.S. don’t just look at your ACT—they also look at your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. Some schools that may accept a 21 ACT score include San Francisco State University, Cal State Northridge, and Missouri Valley College. Always check what each college requires and work on making your whole application as strong as possible to improve your chances.

📌 How Long is the ACT? Check Here!

How Does a 21 ACT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 21 ACT score is close to the national average of about 19.5. That means you scored about the same as most students who took the test. It shows you have the basic skills needed for college-level work. Some colleges may want a higher score, but lots of schools accept a 21. If you want more options, you can try to raise your score—but a 21 is still a strong place to start your college applications.

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Should You Retake the ACT If You Score a 21?

If you want to boost your ACT score, think about taking the test again to get a better rank and more college options. The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. When you get your score, check which parts you need to work on. Use that info to study and take ACT Practice Tests to get better. Learn smart test tips, like skipping tough questions at first and using elimination, since there’s no penalty for wrong answers. If you can’t take the test again, focus on making your full application stronger. You can also apply to test-optional colleges that care more about your GPA, essay, and activities.

📌 Read ACT English Tips to Boost Your ACT English Scores!

21 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 21 ACT score is about the same as getting a 1080 to 1100 on the SAT Exam. This is helpful if you’re deciding which test to take or want to compare your scores. Both scores are a little below the national average, but still good enough for lots of colleges. Knowing how your ACT score compares to the SAT can help you understand what schools are looking for. Use this info to decide if you should retake the test or start applying to colleges.

📌 Read about the ACT Syllabus here!

College Scholarships That Accept a 21 ACT Score

You can still get scholarships with a 21 ACT score! Many colleges give merit scholarships to students with good scores and strong grades. You might not get as much money as students with higher scores, but it can still help you save on college costs. Every bit helps!

  • University of Southern Mississippi – Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship – $6,000/year
  • Murray State University – Academic Achievement Scholarship – $2,000/year
  • University of Louisiana Monroe – Merit Award – $2,500/year
  • Delta State University – Statesman Scholarship – $2,500/year
  • Arkansas Tech University – Academic Scholarship – $2,000/year
  • Missouri State University – Board of Governors Scholarship – $2,000/year

📌 Know about ACT Format & Sections here!

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 21 ACT Score

A 21 ACT score is a good starting point for college. It might not be enough for the top schools, but many great colleges in the U.S. accept a 21. These schools have strong programs, fun campus life, and even offer scholarships. In this guide, you’ll see 15 great colleges where a 21 ACT score can help you get in and start your college journey.

University Name

ACT Score Range

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

Acceptance Rate

Admission Chance

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

San Francisco State University

18–24

950–1150

3.4

94%

Very High

$7,484

54%

30,000+

Clark Atlanta University

18–21

900–1060

3.1

58%

Moderate

$23,144

44%

3,500+

California State University, Northridge

16–23

900–1121

3.3

66%

High

$7,017

50%

38,000+

Alabama A&M University

17–22

910–1060

3.0

90%

Very High

$10,024

36%

6,000+

Missouri Valley College

17–22

921–1080

3.1

78%

High

$21,800

45%

1,500+

Lincoln University (PA)

16–21

880–1040

2.9

79%

High

$8,026

42%

2,000+

Newberry College

18–23

950–1121

3.2

63%

Moderate

$27,400

48%

1,210+

Point University

17–22

910–1060

3.0

59%

Moderate

$21,850

40%

1,800+

Warner University

17–22

910–1060

3.1

53%

Moderate

$21,162

45%

800+

Trinity Baptist College

17–22

910–1060

3.0

60%

Moderate

$12,880

50%

300+

St. Thomas University

18–23

950–1121

3.2

55%

Moderate

$29,570

49%

1,300+

Bethune-Cookman University

17–22

910–1060

3.0

61%

Moderate

$14,814

38%

2,800+

Fort Valley State University

17–21

900–1050

2.8

90%

Very High

$5,890

27%

2,000+

Midwestern State University

18–24

940–1140

3.1

75%

High

$7,400

45%

6,500+

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

16–21

880–1040

2.9

82%

High

$8,721

29%

2,800+

Note: Tuition fees and enrollment numbers are approximate and may vary. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

A 21 ACT score can still help you get into lots of good colleges. Even though it’s a bit below the national average, you still have plenty of options. To boost your chances, focus on keeping your GPA strong, getting good recommendation letters, and writing a solid personal essay. If you can, take the ACT again to try for a higher score. And remember—colleges look at more than just test scores. Your effort and hard work really count!

Latest ACT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jul 21, 2025

-> The ACT is a standardized test commonly utilized by colleges and universities to evaluate high school students for higher education opportunities.

-> The upcoming ACT Dates 2025 is July 12, 2025 and the Late Registration Deadline has been extended to June 25, 2025 for which $38.00 Late Registration Fee will be charged. 

-> As per, ACT Test Schedule 2025, the next ACT Test Date for the next semester is on September 6, 2025 for which the regular registration deadline is August 1, 2025 respectively. 

-> This multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper exam assesses various academic skills across English, Math, Reading, and Science.

-> The candidates can attempt the ACT Practice Test which helps to crack the examination.

Colleges That Accept a 21 ACT Score FAQs

Yes! A 21 ACT score is around the national average and many colleges accept students with this score. It shows you’re ready for college-level work.

Yes, you can! Some colleges offer scholarships to students with a 21 ACT score. These might not be the biggest awards, but they can help reduce your college costs.

 If you want more college options, it’s a good idea to retake the ACT. Studying a bit more can help you improve your score and get into more schools

Many public universities, smaller private colleges, and community colleges accept a 21 ACT score. These schools offer good programs and a chance to succeed.

A 21 ACT score is about the same as a 1080 to 1100 on the SAT. Both scores are a bit below average but still good for many colleges.

A 21 may limit your choices at very selective schools, but there are still lots of colleges that will accept you. Focus on your GPA, activities, and essays to strengthen your application.