<span>28 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 28 ACT Score</span>

28 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 28 ACT Score

The ACT is a college entrance exam used during the admissions process to measure proficiency in Math, Science, English, and Reading. Taking 2 hours and 55 to complete, the ACT is composed of 215 questions, along with an optional Writing portion, and is graded on a scale of 1 to 36. The national average ACT score is 20.8. 

 

Is a 28 ACT Score (88th Percentile) Good?

A score of 28 places you in approximately the 88th percentile of all high school students. With a 28, you’re an extremely competitive candidate at a majority of schools, as well as able to consider applying to more selective institutions as well. Since one of the purposes of taking the ACT is to generate a large number of college options to choose from, a score of 28 accomplishes this goal.

Looking at this from that percentage angle, an ACT score of 28 puts you at the 88th percentile — that means you scored higher than 88% of all test takers, of which there are nearly 2 million. All that considered, a 28 is definitely a good score! Congratulations! 

 

What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 28?

With an ACT score as high as 28, you’re a competitive candidate at a majority of institutions and we’ve put together a sample list of them below. Be aware that a standardized test score alone is not a guarantee of acceptance, but all of these institutions have a history of admitting students who earn a 28 on the ACT.

 

Should I Retake the ACT with a 28 Score?

There’s no pressure to retake the ACT with a score of 28. The one primary reason a student would retake the ACT at this juncture would be if their ideal school wants a point or two higher. Otherwise, you’re eligible for merit aid and are competitive at a wide variety of schools, so retaking it isn’t necessary.

If you’re a junior and your ACT score is in the 90th percentile for the colleges and universities you’re interested in, concentrate on doing as well as possible in all classes during your remaining time in high school. Devote more study time to any courses that feel especially difficult to ensure that your GPA remains at a good level. Most colleges weigh ACT scores on an equal basis with GPA so it’s important to put in the work and finish high school strong.

Several more selective colleges use an ACT score of 30 as an approximate benchmark for admission, but don’t let that deter you from applying. Just be sure to also apply to Likely and Target colleges, too. If you opt to retake the ACT to improve your odds, you have a good amount of time to do so before college application season. Review the breakdown of your current score, study up on sections that weren’t your best, and consider getting a tutor to help you reach your goal score.

For seniors, concentrate on the rest of your application to ensure that it’s as marketable as an ACT score of 28. Pay particular attention to the personal essay and list of after school activities. Have your college counselor look over your essay and offer suggestions and critique. For more feedback, show it to a trusted teacher or mentor. Furthermore, contact any teachers who’ve impacted your high school career and ask them to write letters of recommendation. Try to ask your favorite teachers since the more personalized the letter gets, the more help it will be in getting into college.

 

28 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 28 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 1310-1340 on the SAT. There are a few key differences between these two tests, so what you score on one may not be what you score on the other, but this is a good tool for comparison. 

 

Scholarships for a 28 ACT Score

Earning a 28 ACT score makes you eligible for merit aid both from your potential institution and from third-party scholarship providers. Start applying for scholarships today — and not only ones for merit, either. 

Find scholarships based on your location, life circumstances, extracurriculars, future major, and so much more on our extensive scholarship database. College comes with a variety of costs outside of tuition and having a nest egg will help offset the extra dollar signs! 

 

View all scholarships

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 28 a good ACT score?

A 28 ACT score makes you eligible to apply at a vast majority of schools as a competitive candidate, making it a good score. It also makes you eligible for a good amount of merit aid, which is definitely good! 

 

What colleges can I get into with a 28 ACT score?

With a 28 ACT score, you’re eligible to apply at more selective institutions as Target schools, including Pennsylvania State University, Texas A&M University-College Station, and Purdue University. Check out all of your options and make sure the rest of your college application just as impressive as your ACT score! 

 

What percentile is a 28 ACT score?

A 28 ACT score puts you at the 88th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 88% of all test takers. 

 

What is the SAT equivalent of a 28 ACT score?

A 28 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1310 to 1340 on the SAT

 

What scholarships can you get with a 28 ACT score?

A 28 ACT score makes you eligible for merit scholarships, as well as merit aid from potential colleges and universities. Make sure to also apply for scholarships based on your location, extracurriculars, life circumstances, passions, future majors, and more! 

 

View all scholarships

 

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Adelphi University is a private university that calls Garden City, NY, home. On top of the main campus, AU also provides learning hubs in Manhattan, Hudson Valley, and Suffolk County, as well as online programs.The Princeton Review lists Adelphi...

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in the end, it is what you make of it. adelphi really tries hard to make students feel welcome. the parties are not crazy, but again, you can make them fun for you.

” – Thelma from New York, NY

With campus situated a short distance from Saco Bay, The University of New England is a 4-year institution in coastal Maine and the largest private university in the state. UNE is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy...

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The classes are usually about the size of high school classrooms, the teachers will know your name and will make sure you know of office hours. Don't be surprised if they give you their home phone number!

” – Megan from Biddeford, ME

Originally founded as a junior college, Monmouth University is a 4-year private school near the Jersey shore. Monmouth grants bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors and also provides an opportunity for students to earn an undergrad and...

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The classes here are small. All of your classes will never reach 40, so forget about large lecture halls. I love the classes; because of the small class size, you get to learn much more and have a great relationship with your professor. Your...

” – Joanna from Staten Island, NY

Western Washington University is a public institution located in the coastal city of Bellingham. WWU offers more than 160 academic programs on the campus, which is surrounding by 6 miles of trails for students to explore. The university was named a...

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WWU’s faculty can be characterized as innovative, challenging, and accommodating. Most every classroom is equipped with the technology to allow for multi-media presentations, so you will never have a talking head professor. The professors try to...

” – Patricia from Brush Prairie, WA

Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is a 4-year public school in northwest Idaho and the oldest public institution in the state. The U of I hosts 10 colleges granting undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 300 fields of study. In addition to...

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The professors are approachable and friendly, and with small class sizes it isn't hard to get in touch with the teacher for help. Also, with campus wide WiFi internet and the library combined, there is easy access to whatever course data you will...

” – Nate from Payette, ID

Xavier University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Cincinnati and the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. Xavier is home to colleges of Arts & Science, Business, and Professional Sciences offering bachelor’s degrees in over 90 fields...

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I am majoring in Natural Sciences at Xavier University. They provide a mass load of science help and much more, such as, Supplemental Instructions and tutoring. Supplemental Instructions are sessions in which upperclassman teach and review material...

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California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...

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Originally founded as a seminary for training future Marist Brothers, Marist College is a Roman Catholic school in southeast New York State. Marist grants bachelor’s degrees in 47 academic programs. Outside of the classroom, Marist maintains...

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The classes tend to be small, I've never been in a class with more than 25 students. This is so beneficial because each student gets as much individual attention as they need. Most teachers are quite dedicated and have real passion for their subjects...

” – Emily from Alamo, CA

Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UMaine system. UMaine encompasses colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, Education, Engineering, and Natural Sciences conferring degrees in almost 100...

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The professors offer a lot of information in classes. Many professors have fantastic teaching techniques and are definitely worth while.

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Founded in 1906 as a land-grant college, Georgia Southern University is a public research institution and part of the University System of Georgia. GSU’s main campus at Statesboro is situation on 900 acres of land and offers more than 50...

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I've only talk to a few professors, but i have already learned a lot.

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The University of Rhode Island is the state's largest university as well as the land- and sea- grant institution. The main campus is based in Kingston, which, as of 2019, FORBES has named a Best Value College, and spans 1,200 acres which feature...

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The classes I have taken at URI have all helped me learn a lot. They are not time-filler classes that are there just for you to get a grade. You will come out of every class being much more educated on that topic.

” – Paige from Nashua, NH

Founded in 1856, Seton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic university and a member of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium located in South Orange, New Jersey. The suburban, 58-acre campus features 10 schools and colleges that offer upwards of...

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Seton Hall is a mainstream college meaning it is a college that specializes in every single major that is possible and that there is no specific major that they cater to. It is more for those who want a traditional college experience since this is...

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The University of Massachusetts Boston is a four-year public research institution and part of the UMass system. We are defined by our deep connection to the City of Boston, our remarkably diverse student body, our focus on ground-breaking research...

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I love the classes and my teachers. Its really cool to be in such a diverse environment.

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There are ALWAYS things going on in the Tiger Den or on the track field. It's easy to get yourself in a game of ultimate frisbee or kickball. The SAC also does a great job getting fun events a few times a month.

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The University of Toledo is an excellent school. In the classes that I am taking right now, I am learning a lot. I feel like by the time I graduate, I will have received an excellent education.

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Easy to apply and admissions counselors are with you every step of the way. The online class formats are self-explanatory, and you quickly learn the ins and outs. You academic adviser is constantly available and takes the initiative in knowing how...

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I am currently enrolled at Kendall (Ferris affiliate) and I find that the art studio and elective classes are very thorough and challenging. The professors are enjoyable, the atmosphere is non-competitive and the student life enjoyable and fun...

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The professors at Quinnipiac University are extremely helpful. Sure, you'll find an exception to that rule, but I have found that the majority of teachers excel at aiding their students in their education, and personal growth. I dare say that in my...

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All of the professors here are amazing! I truly enjoy going to class. They're witty and help you with anything you need help with. The student reviews help out a lot as well. There are always Teacher's Aids to help with any questions you might...

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Lynn University is by far the most diverse college campus I have ever been to. There are people ranging from Boston, Massachusetts all the way to Pakistan. I rate Lynn University a ten out of ten, here you are not a number you are a student that is...

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With campus along the shore of Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern College is a 4-year private institution in Lakeland, Florida. Florida Southern confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic programs. For students interested in history and...

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The staff of Florida Southern are so helpful and passionate about the students' endeavors, it's a breath of fresh air. Not only would you learn in the classroom, but there are so many other opportunities for students to grow and become active members...

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Salisbury University is a 4-year public institution on Maryland’s eastern shore and a member of the University System of Maryland. Salisbury is home to colleges of Education, Business, Science, Liberal Arts, and Health conferring undergraduate...

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This is a beautiful, academically challenging school. The amenities offered are great, and almost all of the dorms are nice. It is situated only 30 minutes from ocean city, but aside from that, there isn't much to do around here.

” – Jessica from Laurel, MD

Founded in 1853 by a local Presbyterian congregation, Westminster College is a 4-year liberal arts college in central Missouri. Westminster grants undergraduate degrees in 33 academic majors and 41 minors. As the site of Winston Churchill’s famous...

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I am taking so many amazing classes here at Westminster!! Each class is really interesting. For example, I am taking psychology as a social science (which I was incredibly not excited for) but I am absolutely loving it!!! My professor makes it so...

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Situated between the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution in southwest Florida. FGCU hosts Colleges of Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, Health, and Engineering conferring undergraduate degrees...

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I love the learning environment, the class sizes are relatively small and the professors i had , have been reachable and easy to talk to.

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Founded by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Manhattan College is a Lasallian Catholic school in The Bronx modeled after the philosophy of the patron saint of teachers. Manhattan is home to six schools hosting more than 100 academic programs...

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My professors have been really excellent, especially my the those in my education program. They are extremely experienced and caring people with so much to offer. One of my professors, for example, has had decades of experience as a teacher...

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The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. We are a diverse community committed, in the Marianist tradition, to educating the whole person and to linking learning...

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Classes are hands on, and in my opinion, experience is the best teacher.

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Classes are a bit more difficult than high school, but you always learn something new in at least one class along with meeting new people.

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Founded by a Baptist minister in 1887, Campbell University is a 4-year Christian institution in central North Carolina. Campbell encompasses eight colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 100 majors, concentrations, and tracks. As...

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There is a whole lot of nothing to do around Buies Creek, so learning is the next best thing... :)

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The University of Northern Colorado is a public research institution with a main campus situated in Greeley, a municipality between the Rocky Mountains and High Plains, with three satellite centers in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Loveland. UNC...

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I had no idea I could cram so much information into my head. I find myself doing everyday activities and understanding so much more about them that I did before. Every time I clean my fish tank, I wonder how many different molecules are in the water...

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The University of Colorado Denver is a public research university and is the only public urban research university in Colorado. The location in the heart of downtown Denver serves more than 15,000 students. UC Denver combines innovative research and...

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For the price i'm paying they really shouldn't be giving the education i'm receiving. The professors here know what hey are talking about. I mean i've probably learned more in the past semester than i ever did in a year in high school. Not only is...

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Arkansas State University is a 4-year public school in northeast Arkansas and the second largest university in the state. Arkansas State is home to eight academic colleges awarding bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level degrees in over 150 academic...

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the teachers really help you out if you need any extra help and love their job.

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The University of North Florida is a 4-year public institution in Jacksonville and a member of the State University System of Florida. UNF is home to five colleges of Health, Business, Arts, Computing, and Education hosting degree-granting programs...

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Take advantage of professor's office hours!! They are more than willing to sit down with you!

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Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s College is a Catholic liberal arts college with campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island. St. Joseph’s offers undergraduate degrees in 28 academic fields of study. In addition, all new students are...

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Established in 1893, Montana State University is situated in Bozeman, Montana. MSU is the state’s land-grant university and is the primary campus for the Montana State University System. Considered by the Carnegie Foundation as an institution with a...

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I learned more my first semester then I did of two years of high school.

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if you want it, in some way, ole miss offers it. there's nothing ole miss cant teach you

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Ready to tackle real-world challenges and make an impact through your education? Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the U.S. and is in the heart of the Green Mountains of Northfield, Vermont.

Founded in 1819 by Captain...

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After adjusting to the new lifestyle (both the Corps of Cadets and the whole college life) I settled into my classes and found whole new sections of math and science to explore. New theories and rules keep coming as I go on in my classwork. I'm...

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