A 1440 on the SAT is a great score. Since the highest possible score on the SAT is 1600, a 1440 places you in the top 4–6% of all test-takers. This indicates excellent academic ability and college readiness, and you are a good fit for most elite public and private universities. Here in this guide, we will go over the top colleges that accept a 1440 SAT score, compare it with national averages, highlight scholarships, and help you decide whether to retake or not.

Is 1440 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Yes—1440 is a great SAT score, particularly if it's your first try. It places you well for admissions at many highly ranked public and private universities, including selective schools like Tulane University, the University of Miami, Boston University, and the University of Georgia. Ivy League and top tech schools might still be out of reach, but a 1440 makes you a serious candidate with the right combination of GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.

Tip: After earning a 1440, focus on strengthening your application and researching schools that offer merit scholarships to students in the 1400+ range.

What Colleges Accept a 1440 SAT Score?

A 1440 SAT score is within or above the mid-50% SAT range for many excellent universities. Here are some top public and private colleges where a 1440 is a competitive score:

• Tulane University
• University of Georgia
• Boston University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Pepperdine University
• Case Western Reserve University
• University of Florida
• Villanova University
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

These schools consider not just test scores but also the strength of your overall application.

How Does a 1440 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

The average SAT score for the Class of 2024 was 1024. That means your 1440 score is more than 400 points above the national average, placing you in the 95th–97th percentile of all test-takers. This level of performance highlights your readiness for academic challenges at top-tier institutions.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1440?

In general, no—you don't have to retake the SAT. 1440 is already a good score. But here are a couple of reasons you may want to think about retaking:

• You’re targeting Ivy League or ultra-selective schools like Stanford or Caltech where the average SAT score is 1500+
• You think you can bring your score up to 1500+ with targeted prep
• You’re aiming for a top-tier scholarship with a required cutoff of 1450–1500

If none of the above, spend your time enhancing other aspects of your application, e.g. leadership activities, essays, or letters of recommendation.

1440 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1440 SAT score is roughly equivalent to an ACT score of 32. This makes your performance equally strong whether you apply to schools that accept SAT, ACT, or both.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1440 SAT Score

Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for students with SAT scores of 1400 or higher. Here are some examples:

• University of Alabama – Merit scholarships begin at a 1360 SAT; larger awards for 1440+
• University of Arizona – Offers the Wildcat Excellence Award for 1400+ scores
• Baylor University – Offers academic scholarships for students in the 1400–1500 SAT range
• University of Mississippi – Offers automatic academic awards starting around 1360
• Oklahoma State University – Provides non-resident tuition waivers for 1440+ SAT scorers
• Temple University – Scholarships awarded for scores 1400 and above

Note: Always check the latest scholarship guidelines on the school's official website.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1440 SAT Score

A 1440 SAT score gives you access to many selective and well-regarded universities. Below are some notable institutions that often admit students with a 1440:

Achieving a 1440 on the SAT places you in a very competitive category for admission to most top public and private universities. It indicates excellent academic ability and leads to many scholarship opportunities. Although re-taking the test can be helpful for ultra-selective institutions, most students will gain more by concentrating on the rest of their college application—such as personal essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters. Make use of your 1440 as a strong foundation to apply confidently and strategically to your goal schools.