<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

 

Advanced Search

Neumont College of Computer Science is different by design. To better prepare our graduates for a career in the field of computer science, our six degree programs combine the best elements from traditional colleges (theory), technical schools (skills...

“…

Every day is a learning experience here at Neumont. Coming here with no experience with any of the things they were doing here was a little daunting. I met people with a lot of experience, and others with no experience at all, just like me. Another...

” – Brett from Roswell, NM

With campus situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, SUNY College at Oswego is a public university in northern New York State. SUNY Oswego is home to schools of Education, Liberal Arts, Communication, and Business conferring degrees in over 60 fields...

“…

Most of my classes, were very enjoyable. I took a public speaking class and learned such a huge amount of material, without realizing it. I did so well in the class and learned so much that the teacher asked me to be his Peer Educator for the next...

” – Sarah

Eastern Mennonite University is a Christian-based liberal arts college in the Shenandoah Valley. All students are required to spend part of their academic career studying in another culture as a guest of a local host family or traveling abroad...

“…

I have learned more about myself and future careers than I have ever learned. I have also had the opportunity to open myself up more to the world and express myself better thanks to the school. I am now a more outgoing and culturally aware person.

” – Mariah from Rockville, VA

College placeholder image

Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. SNU has a Christ-centered approach in its college environment and academics. Twicely-weekly mandatory is required for “initiating...

“…

Yes I'm learning much from academics and also living on your own. Coming from a city to a little suburb can be such a culture shock but in the end you will get adjusted and will make a ton of friends. You will learn a a lot and from other people and...

” – Sarai from Chicago, IL

With a campus settled at the base of Mount Sentinel, the University of Montana is a 4-year public school in western Montana and the flagship institution of the Montana University System. UM is home to 13 colleges and schools granting undergraduate...

“…

I only completed a year of general studies at the U of M, but the range of choices I had was great. In each class I had to work for my grades, but when the year was over, I felt like I had learned a lot.

” – Molly from Kinsey, MT

College placeholder image

Originally founded as a women’s college in 1911, Bethany Lutheran College is a coeducational Chrisitan liberal arts institution in southern Minnesota. Bethany grants undergraduate degrees in 24 academic majors and all classes are taught from a...

“…

The professors are great. The classes are small so you really get a lot of one-on-one time.

” – Kyle from Lakeville, MN

College placeholder image

Founded in 1859, Benedictine College is a private, Roman Catholic institution sponsored by both the Mount St. Scholastica Monastery and St. Benedict’s Abbey. Located in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine also has a campus in Florence, Italy. This...

“…

Since it is a liberal arts college there are a variety of classes to take and learn about. The classes range from Introduction to Theology, Survey of Motion Picture History, Financial Management, Dance, and Nursing.

” – Regina from Saint Louis, MO

College placeholder image

Brescia University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Owensboro, Kentucky. The college offers over 50 major and minor fields of study and features class sizes with an average 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Along with its...

Bethel University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts university in the Twin Cities metro area. Bethel confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 90 majors covering 106 academic areas of study featuring a general education curriculum that...

“…

As Bethel is a small school there are many opportunities for students to have close interaction and communication with their professors. Teachers notice when a student is not in class and the classes, such as the Humanities program is very well...

” – Ashley from Lakeville, MN

College placeholder image

Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private, 4-year institution established in the capital city of Lincoln. Students attending NWU are eligible to receive a $1000 renewable grant if they schedule a campus visit. Academics at the college are based upon...

“…

The professors are eager to teach and they have a lot of neat classes that you can take.

” – Nebraskan

College placeholder image

Freed-Hardeman University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Henderson, Tennessee. Students attending FHU are required to both attend a daily chapel and enroll in a Bible course each semester, and the college provides students...

“…

I have been able to sit in on a few classes and was blown away every time! The teachers seem to be great and want to help you do well!

” – William from Evansville, IN

Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic liberal arts college in the Cincinnati area. The Mount offers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic majors and several degrees can be completed in 3 years. As a...

“…

When I first came to Mount Saint Joseph, I felt uncomfortable and unconfident because I didn't know a lot about the field I was studying. Luckily for me the professors are kind and respect students and will do anything to help them succeed. Its not...

” – Courtney from Cincinnati, OH

Louisiana State University Shreveport is a public, 4-year branch institution of the Louisiana State University system. The campus at LSUS features a wide variety of academic facilities available for students to visit, such as the Museum of Life...

“…

Although some of my classes are difficult, they are very insightful and I enjoy attending the classes. It's one thing when you dread going to a class, but its another when you actually want to attend the class.

” – Shelbi from Keithville, LA

Bethany College is a private, 4-year institution located in Bethany, West Virginia. The college offers a wide variety of degree programs, as well as the ability for students to create their own concentration and/or enroll in dual majors...

“…

Bethany College is a small non-sectarian, liberal arts college affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, in which you are immersed within a close-nit community surrounded by the beautiful hills of West Virginia. Bethany is secluded from society so it...

” – Gregory from Bethany, WV

Founded in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College is a Catholic liberal arts college in western Michigan. Aquinas offers undergraduate degrees in over 100 fields of study including the first Sustainable Business program in the...

“…

The teachers here are really focused on helping students learn and are always open to discuss any problems you have. Also, the classes are stimulating and very interesting. Classes are small and everyone knows each other in the class and this helps...

” – Running Guy

A St. Ambrose University education equips you like no other — because St. Ambrose is a university like no other. 

 

Relentlessly committed to our students, we provide a private college experience that ignites transformation. We offer more than 60...

“…

The small student to teacher ratio will be great. Offer may different types of programs.

” – Jacqueline from Bartlett, IL

College placeholder image

Featuring an educational model that combines traditional classroom approaches with hands-on ministry in area churches, The King’s University is an evangelical institution with a main campus in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Affiliated with...

Discover a life-changing education in the shadow of the Adirondacks. At SUNY Potsdam, you'll be inspired by an unconventional community of teachers and mentors who will encourage you to pursue your passions. You'll figure out pretty quickly that our...

“…

The professors here are exceedingly helpful. They are always available by phone or office hours and show concern for your grades. They even cordially invite you and other students to their houses for smores and pizza! It's a reassuring feeling to be...

” – Patricia from Stillwater, NY

As one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, the University of Akron is home to five colleges and three regional campuses in Orrville, Lakewood, Medina, Ohio. Akron offers highly ranked degree programs in engineering...

“…

The classes are generally small and the professors are fantastic. After you finish your electives, all the major-specific class are enticing and exciting. I'm glad I chose Akron over a smaller school. There are tons of opprotuniteis here for...

” – Abby from Bellville, OH

Southwestern Adventist University is a private, 4-year institution established in Keene, Texas. The college offers a significant number of bachelor programs, as well as many pre-professional programs, some of which can be completed entirely online...

“…

Great Staff, very friendly and helpful. Campus is open area some trees, but I feel safe. Good Christian environment.

” – Zachariah from Joshua, TX

Oregon State University–Cascades is a public university in Bend, Oregon. Students earn an OSU degree in a smaller setting. OSU-Cascades offers a variety of bachelor’s degrees including signature programs like energy systems engineering, software...

“…

Oregons best kept secret. A great education with great faculty in a great place to live. Education made easy in a place that you love.

” – Sam from Bend, OR

Gordon College is a nondenominational Christian liberal arts college in Wenham, Massachusetts. Gordon offers undergraduate degrees in 30 academic majors as well as the new Center for Career and Connection Institute to help students create life plans...

“…

Being at a Christian Liberal Arts school allows me to explore a wide variety of issues regarding faith and practice, while integrating course material in daily life.

” – Teresa from Lake Saint Louis, MO

College placeholder image

Tennessee Wesleyan University is a public, 4-year institution established in Nashville. The 500-acre main campus is situated approximately ten minutes from the downtown area and is accompanied by the Avon Williams Campus, which is directly in the...

“…

I am a current freshman at TWC. I feel like my academics have soared so much higher since high school. I feel everyday in class is not a waste.

” – Kaylee from Wartburg, TN

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is an environmental studies institution in Syracuse and the oldest forestry-related college in the United States. SUNY ESF grants bachelor’s and associate degrees in 27 ecological fields of study and...

“…

I am learning tons about the things I care about. SUNY-ESF offers only classes which concern almost any environmental field. In English we read books all about the environment, in History we learn the history of the environmental movement, in...

” – Samamtha from White Hall, MD

College placeholder image

Johnson University is a private, Christian university founded in 1893. The curriculum integrates the arts and sciences with Bible studies and theology. Johnson University is affiliated with the Independent Christian Church and offers an on-campus...

“…

in every class that i have attended thus far, i have learned something new. each teacher does his/her best to encompass and utilize each of the different learning styles in his/her classroom and connect the subject to other classes.

” – Hannah

Maranatha Baptist University is a Christian college in southeast Wisconsin affiliated with the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International. Maranatha offers bachelor’s degrees in 38 academic majors and 37 minors and all students are required to...

“…

The classes are God-centered and reasonably paced. They are also mostly smaller classes with 20-40 students so it is very possible to get to know the teachers.

” – Jeremiah from Watertown, WI

Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts is a Bay Area-based school of art and design with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland. CCA is home to 22 undergraduate programs in core disciplines of Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, and Humanities...

“…

I am deeply passionate about art. I have been drawing since i was a baby, and my love for creating has only grown since then. My technical skills were sub par prior to attending CCA. In my first semester i learned how to draw, how to REALLY draw. it...

” – Matthew from Oakland, CA

College placeholder image

Founded in 1872, Maryville University of Saint Louis is a 4-year private school in the St. Louis metro area. Maryville grants undergraduate degrees in over 65 academic majors featuring a comprehensive liberal arts and professional curriculum. In...

“…

The faculty and staff of Maryville University provide a great opportunity to learn and achieve more. They want you to do great in the path that you have chosen. Even if you struggle with a subject there are student aides there to provide help along...

” – Rebecca from Warrenton, MO

Founded in 1864, St Louis College of Pharmacy is a private institution established in the Washington University Medical Center biomedical complex. The college offers Bachelor of Science degrees, Bachelor of Arts degrees, and Doctor of Pharmacy...

“…

As a 1st year, a lot of what is being covered right now is review. However, since pharmacy is the only major, everything taught here has a pharmacy spin on it. This helps me realize that I am actually at school to become a pharmacist. I feel like we...

” – Alexis from Murrieta, CA

There is a unique energy at Indiana Wesleyan University—a combination of innovation, purpose and faith—and it takes just one visit to experience it for yourself. IWU students discover their God-given individuality and life calling, and develop in...

“…

I have learned very much from my time at IWU. I am a Christian Worship major with an emphasis in Media, which basically means I'm training to become a media leader within the the Church. Many of my classes, especially Media Scriptwriting, Radio...

” – Randall from Goode, VA

College placeholder image

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a university located in the Mount Rushmore region. The institution was founded in 1885 to train students in the skilled trade of mining, and now offers a variety disciplines in the sciences. SD Mines...

“…

I have already gained alot of knowledge and it's only the end of the first semester. I'm studying for geology and took earth science in high school so I expected that I would know most of what we learned in physical geology but I really learned a lot...

” – Rebecca from Rapid City, SD

St. Scholastica's main campus is in Duluth, MN, on 186 acres of beautiful, forested land overlooking Lake Superior. In addition to our undergraduate and graduate programs for traditional and nontraditional students, the College offers international...

“…

The classes here are challenging and stimulate thinking, but they are interesting as well. My classes right now all keep my interest and intrigue me. They also require me to put in a little effort outside of class, but it's worth it and it doesn't...

” – Krystal from Scandia, MN

Originally founded as Bible institute dedicated to training preachers, Lincoln Christian University is a Christian college in central Illinois. LCU grants undergraduate degrees in 13 majors including Christian-centered subjects such as Preaching...

“…

First of all, the classes are mostly all religious, so if you're not Christian, don't apply here. You won't like it. Second, there's very few math and sciences courses, so for all of us uber-challenged, that's a huge plus!
The professors are always...

” – Sarah from Lincoln, IL

Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. KWC provides a career-oriented liberal arts curriculum and admissions are rated as “selective.” Business, communications, and kinesiology and...

“…

Different majors will challenge you in different ways. I'm an art major and I have learned to build on the skills I already knew. I'm also an entreprenuership minor, something I've never done before and therefore learning a TON! You will be...

” – Senior Student from Owensboro, KY

College placeholder image

With campus a few blocks from the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota Rochester is a regional campus of the UM system in southeast Minnesota with a focus on health sciences. UM Rochester offers bachelor’s degree programs in Nursing, Health...

“…

The professors at UMR are very helpful and extremely accessible. At least one professor per department has office and/or Just Ask hours weekly. The courses are rigorous, but the professors genuinely want to help the students learn. They challenge...

” – Nicole from Necedah, WI

College placeholder image

MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Olathe, Kansas, and it is one of eleven Nazarene education institutions in the country. Students attending MNU are required to attend chapel, and traditional...

“…

Of course you think well it's college you have to learn something but no! This is a fun and exciting university to be at whether I'm in the class room or working on campus I always fill like I have learned something at the end of the day.

” – Rory from Colorado Springs, CO

With campus located in a former freight depot, Southern California Institute of Architecture is a not-for-profit institution of architectural innovation in the urban arts district of Los Angeles. One of the only independent architecture schools in...

“…

You will work late hours. You will be swamped with assignments and projects. You either learn to pick up the pace or drop trying. You'll look back years later and experience brain seizures at the thought of how quickly you've learned to do the things...

” – bij

West Virginia University Potomac State College is located in Keyser, WV. Potomac State offers more than fifty 2-year programs and holds multiple articulation agreements with six institutions, including Allegany College of Maryland and the College of...

“…

Potomac State has a small campus. There are about thirty students in a class which allows professors to be able to work more with each student.

” – Ashley from Berkeley Springs, WV

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a doctoral-level university that focuses on STEM disciplines, including information technology, computer science, physics and civil engineering. The campus is situated in the Rio Grande Valley...

“…

The answer Is definitely. This school is Strongly thrives on the academic status of its students, so of course they provide the tools and resources for student success. the classes are not as big as a regular college I am only a second semester...

” – Andres from Socorro, NM

College placeholder image

Kettering College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in suburban Ohio as a branch of the Kettering Medical Center, with a newly-developed satellite location in Greene County. Students are required to attend convocations and a...

“…

This college offers my career intended and I feel is right for me.

” – Rachel from New Carlisle, OH

John Paul the Great Catholic University is a small private university in the San Diego metro area. JPCatholic blends hands-on instruction in creative arts and business with a Catholic liberal arts education. The school operates on a quarter system...

“…

This is a great school for striving for personal excellence. You will grow in the faith with the curriculum centered around the love of Jesus Christ; you will grow intellectually through challenging courses and caring professors; all around, this...

” – Matthew from Escondido, CA

The Marion Military Institute is a public two-year military junior college. It is the oldest military junior college in the nation and offers several training programs, including the Reserve Officer Training Corps for the Air Force, Army, and Marines...

“…

class schedule is pretty simple and easy. some classes might seem pointless but they help you for the greater cause in the end

” – DeonAndre from Savannah , GA

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a private, non-profit university located in Los Angeles, CA. CDU is a designated minority-serving institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and University, and a...

“…

Beautiful surroundings, azaming staff/ faculty, great environment. The students and professor's are wonderful, nice easy going, friendly. The unviersity is really focusing on your education, small number of students in the class so it is easy to get...

” – Mary from Los Angeles, CA

Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that measures itself by whom it includes and how they succeed; advances research and discovery of public value; and assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social...

“…

ASU's Downtown campus feels more like a group of business buildings than a college town. I personally prefer this over the layout of most other universities. It is near several different types of public transportation (ASU's inter-campus shuttle...

” – Rebecca from Glendale, AZ

LIU Brooklyn is a 4-year private university in the New York City borough of Brooklyn and the original campus of Long Island University. LIU Brooklyn confers undergrad degrees in over 125 academic programs in liberal arts, business, fine arts, and...

“…

I was in the Global College of Long Island University, a school/program that is affiliated with Long Island University. At this school, students go to a different country every year -- the first year to Costa Rica, and the following years places like...

” – Jordyn from Denver, CO

College placeholder image

“…

MCA gives an individualized education. Great for people who prefer a small classroom and teachers that actually care about you. More conceptually based than most other art colleges.

” – Elena from Memphis, TN

Capitol Technology University is located northeast of Washington, DC, and provides programs in engineering, business, and computer and information sciences. It is a private institution, military-friendly school, and a designated Center of Academic...

“…

Capitol is the honestly the best school you can come to. We have amazing professors and small class sizes so students don't feel overwhelmed by a large class and intimidating professor, everyone here wants to help you succeed. Capitol has every type...

” – Rachel from Fort Washington, MD

College placeholder image

Formerly known as Our Lady of the Lake College, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a 4-year Catholic institution with an emphasis on healthcare. FranU’s Baton Rouge campus offers academic programs in three schools: Health Professions...

“…

Our Lady of the Lake is a college that is based off of it's religious beliefs. The faculty and staff is very welcoming and guides students step by step but also gives students the independents that they want and need. The college is very free going...

” – Nicki

The University of Washington Bothell is a 4-year public school in the Seattle metro area and part of the University of Washington System. UW Bothell is home to five schools hosting 55 undergrad and graduate degree-granting programs. As a student at...

“…

University of Washington (Seattle) has an excellent reputation of education, so I am very pleased to know that many of the same professors also teach at the Bothell Campus. I feel like it will be a more personal experience.

” – Maggie from Ridgefield, WA

Ozark Christian College is a private, 4-year institution established in Joplin, Missouri. Ozark has held fast to one mission: training men and women for Christian service. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and by the Association for...

“…

occ looks like a fantastic place to continue a person's studies. the spiritual side of things is also great, with chapel etc. the staff, students, and professors are all very kind and friendly.

” – Maranda from Springfield, MO