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Colleges That Accept 730 SAT Score | Public & Private Universities

Last Updated on Jun 24, 2025

IMPORTANT LINKS

A 730 SAT score may fall well below the national average, but it doesn’t mean college is out of reach. Many institutions—especially open-admission colleges, community colleges, and some regional public and private universities—welcome students with SAT scores in this range.

In this guide, we’ll explore which colleges accept a 730 SAT score, how it compares nationally, potential scholarships, and whether it’s worth retaking the test to improve your score.

Is 730 a Good SAT Score?

A 730 SAT score is considered low, placing you around the 8th percentile of test-takers. This means your score is higher than only 8% of students nationwide. Since the national average SAT score is typically between 1020 and 1050, a 730 suggests there’s significant room for improvement. However, SAT scores are just one part of your college application. Many colleges—especially open-enrollment and community colleges—place more weight on your GPA, personal statement, recommendation letters, and extracurriculars.

Pro Tip: Use your college essays and application to highlight personal growth, community involvement, and your strengths outside of standardized testing.

What Colleges Accept a 730 SAT Score?

While most competitive and top-tier universities require higher SAT scores, many two-year and four-year institutions do not have strict SAT requirements or even accept test-optional applications. Some colleges use a holistic review process, and others have open admissions policies.

Colleges That May Accept a 730 SAT Score:

University Name

Avg SAT Range

Acceptance Rate

In-State Tuition

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

Hinds Community College

Open Admission

100%

$3,500

23%

10,000+

Albany Technical College

Open Admission

100%

$3,040

36%

3,100+

Trenholm State Community College

Open Admission

100%

$3,750

28%

1,800

Paul Quinn College

700–850

79%

$10,290

29%

500+

Shorter College (AR)

Open Admission

100%

$6,200

35%

200–300

Coahoma Community College

Open Admission

100%

$3,200

32%

2,000+

Arkansas Baptist College

700–850

75%

$8,760

28%

800

Lawson State Community College

Open Admission

100%

$3,600

30%

3,500

Note: Open-admission schools generally do not require SAT scores, so your 730 score won’t be a barrier to entry.

How Does a 730 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

A 730 SAT score places you in the bottom 10% of all test-takers. Most students score 1050–1100, so a 730 is significantly below the average benchmark used by many four-year colleges. Still, colleges may prioritize:

  • A strong high school GPA
  • Leadership roles or consistent extracurricular involvement
  • Positive recommendation letters
  • A compelling personal essay

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 730?

Yes, especially if you want to broaden your college options. Even a 100–200 point improvement could make you eligible for more colleges and increase your chances for scholarships.

Consider retaking the SAT if:

  • You didn’t prepare seriously the first time
  • You’re targeting more selective colleges
  • You want to be eligible for merit-based scholarships
  • You plan to apply to 4-year universities with higher average scores

730 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 730 SAT score is roughly equal to a 13–14 ACT score, which is also below the national ACT average of 20–21. Like the SAT, this ACT score is typically accepted at community colleges and open-admission institutions.

Scholarships Available for a 730 SAT Score

Most merit scholarships require at least a 1100–1200 SAT score, but other types of financial aid are still available.

Financial Aid Options:

  • FAFSA-based need aid
  • Institutional grants at community and regional colleges
  • Private scholarships based on leadership, talent, or demographics
  • Work-study programs
  • State grants for eligible residents

Top Colleges That May Accept a 730 SAT Score

Here’s a closer look at some public and private institutions that consider or accept applicants with scores in the 700–800 range:

College

SAT Range

Type

Tuition (In-State)

Admission Policy

West Hills College

Open Admission

Public (2-year)

$1,380

Open Admission

Lamar Institute of Technology

700–850

Public (2-year)

$4,200

Holistic Review

Southern University at Shreveport

700–850

Public (2-year)

$4,300

Open Admission

Clinton College

700–850

Private (4-year, HBCU)

$10,200

Holistic Review

CUNY Borough of Manhattan CC

N/A (Optional)

Public (2-year)

$5,170

SAT Optional

Colorado Mountain College

Test-Optional

Public (2/4-year)

$4,800

Test Optional

Baton Rouge Community College

Open Admission

Public (2-year)

$4,221

No SAT Required

A 730 SAT score may limit your options at selective colleges, but many schools still welcome students with scores in this range. Community colleges, HBCUs, and regional institutions often value your overall academic profile, not just test scores.

Pro Tip: While retaking the SAT can improve your opportunities, you should also focus on building a strong GPA, writing compelling essays, and staying involved in meaningful extracurricular activities.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 24, 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 730 SAT Score – FAQs

No, it is below average and places you in the 8th percentile. However, many community and open-admission colleges still accept it.

Yes, particularly at community colleges and certain private institutions that consider applicants holistically or do not require SAT scores.

Yes, especially if you want access to more colleges or scholarships. Even small improvements can open more doors.

Most merit-based scholarships require higher scores, but need-based aid, private scholarships, and institutional grants are still available.

Approximately a 13–14 on the ACT.

Yes. Some four-year colleges and HBCUs accept students in this range, especially with strong GPAs or personal statements.