More Colleges are Waiving SAT and ACT Scores for Incoming Freshman
Many colleges are waiving SAT and ACT scores for incoming freshman because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many test dates had to be cancelled for health and safety reasons. So, students were left unsure of how to take these standardized tests. To solve this dilemma, many schools are letting students apply without test scores and testing requirements.
In some cases, colleges waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman is temporary. Once testing can happen safely, some schools may ask for SAT and ACT scores again. For others, the change may be longer. Or even permanent.
Take the University of California. This college waived these test requirements for incoming freshmen as part of the admissions process this year, due to coronavirus and the coronavirus pandemic. Then, they made the decision to waive test scores for next year, too. The plan is to reconsider whether test scores are really key for high school students during the admissions process.
Middlebury College plans to try a test optional policy for three years. If all works well, they may make this policy permanent. And many schools were already test optional. They recognized that test scores don’t always show the full picture of a student’s potential.
The bottom line: If you’re going though the application process and need to apply to a school without test scores, you may now have more options than ever!
50 Colleges Waiving SAT Scores for Incoming Freshmen
According to fairtest.org, this list of colleges are waiving SAT and ACT scores for incoming freshman for 2020.
1
Adelphi University*
Adelphi is one college waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman. This school is a doctoral research school based in Garden City, NY. It has a focus on liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training. Just 23 miles from New York City, Adelphi is the perfect home base for cultural exploration.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$40,300
% Get Financial Aid:
91%
Grad Rate:
70%
2
Alabama A & M University*
AAMU is a land grant institution founded in 1890. It is also an HBCU. The school offers over 60 academic programs at its welcoming campus near Huntsville, Alabama.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$18,634
% Get Financial Aid:
91%
Grad Rate:
27%
3
Alabama State University*
ASU was founded in 1867 to serve African American students. Today, it welcomes students of diverse backgrounds to its campus near culturally rich Montgomery, Alabama. Choose from nearly 50 academic programs.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$19,396
% Get Financial Aid:
93%
Grad Rate:
59%
4
Albion College*
Albion College is another college waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman. It is a private, four year liberal arts college. It was founded in 1835 in Albion, Michigan. Students may choose from 49 majors, focuses, and pre professional programs. Albion is also home to over 100 campus organizations, including Greek life.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
- Recommendation letters (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$48,275
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
64%
5
Austin Peay State University*
This state school in Tennessee has campuses in Clarksville, Highland Crest and Fort Campbell, KY. Or, choose to study online. The school typically offers 49 Bachelor’s degree programs and is committed to helping students make a difference in the world.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$13,847
% Get Financial Aid:
99%
Grad Rate:
41%
6
Bethany College (Kansas)*
Bethany is a small, private college in Lindsborg, Kansas. A college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), it encourages students to explore faith as well as pursue academic excellence. Bethany offers small college town life but is just an hour from the city of Wichita.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$29,565
% Get Financial Aid:
93%
Grad Rate:
29%
7
Bismarck State College*
BSC is the third largest school in the North Dakota U System. This college is also waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman. It typically offers mostly Associate’s degrees, diploma programs, and certificate programs. Or, choose from two Bachelor’s degree programs. The college’s 120 acre campus in Bismarck overlooks the Missouri River.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- Open admissions policy
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$5,820
% Get Financial Aid:
83%
Grad Rate:
49%
8
Bluefield State College*
Bluefield State College is a public college in the mountains of West Virginia. It’s home to four schools, the largest of which is the School of Arts & Sciences. Bluefield focuses on career focused education, especially in the STEM fields.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$14,352
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
26%
9
Brigham Young University (Idaho)*
BYU Idaho was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. So, faith is often a key part of the school’s culture. You may choose from online programs or traditional, on campus learning. The BYU Idaho campus is home to 34,000 students.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- Recommendations
- High school record (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$4,208
% Get Financial Aid:
64%
Grad Rate:
57%
10
Cleveland State University*
Cleveland State U is a public research school and top Ohio colleges. This college is also waving SAT scores. It typically serves more than 17,000 students and offers more than 175 academic programs. Plus, CSU may connect students with 3,000+ internships, coops, and other engaged learning experiences in every industry.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$15,370
% Get Financial Aid:
90%
Grad Rate:
45%
11
Clarion University*
Clarion U offers both a traditional school experience and online learning, based in western Pennsylvania. The school is home to over 175 academic programs. Students may also get involved in many activities, from Greek life to exploring the nearby town of Clarion.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$16,078
% Get Financial Aid:
93%
Grad Rate:
53%
12
Eastern Michigan University*
EMU is a major learning and research school based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It often offers over 200 undergrad majors, minors, and certificate programs. An 800+ acre campus features over 18 miles of trails. Or, study online with distinguished EMU professors.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$13,758
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
45%
13
Edward Waters College*
Edward Waters College is Florida’s oldest HBCU. A private, Christian liberal arts college, it typically offers four year degree programs designed to prepare students for 21st century challenges. With around 1,000 full time students, EWC may offer a close knit college experience.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$14,878
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
20%
14
Emmanuel College (Georgia)*
Emmanuel College is a Christian liberal arts school based in Northeast Georgia. Surrounded by state parks, its campus offers a peaceful home base for around 900 students. Choose from 30 liberal arts based four year programs (B.A. and B.S.), or two year programs designed for transfer.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school rank
- High school record
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$20,712
% Get Financial Aid:
97%
Grad Rate:
43%
15
Fairmont State University*
Fairmont State U is a comprehensive, state supported school. It’s based in Fairmont, West Virginia – known as “The Friendly City.” Campus is surrounded by Appalachian nature to explore. Choose from 41 degree programs and 90 fields of study.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$16,814
% Get Financial Aid:
92%
Grad Rate:
36%
16
Franklin College*
Franklin College is a close knit liberal arts school based in Franklin, Indiana. It typically offers 55 majors in 24 academic disciplines. Franklin is committed to hands on learning experiences and helping students become ethical leaders.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record (recommended)
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$27,296
% Get Financial Aid:
96%
Grad Rate:
66%
17
Indiana Wesleyan University*
IWU is a Christian liberal arts school affiliated with The Wesleyan Church. It serves over 3,000 students on its 350 acre residential campus in Marion, Indiana. With over 80 undergrad degree programs and a diverse campus community, there’s usually something for everyone at IWU.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$27,296
% Get Financial Aid:
96%
Grad Rate:
66%
18
Iowa Wesleyan University*
IW is a co educational liberal arts school in southeast Iowa. Founded in 1842, it is one of the oldest four year schools west of the Mississippi River. The school is known for leading the way in the sciences, plus including service learning in the curriculum.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$31,530
% Get Financial Aid:
75%
Grad Rate:
22%
19
Jackson State University*
JSU is one of the largest state supported schools in Mississippi. It often offers 46 Bachelor’s degree programs, as well as grad program options. Founded to serve African American students, JSU has a rich history dating back to 1877.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$9,445
% Get Financial Aid:
70%
Grad Rate:
43%
20
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania*
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Kutztown is a comprehensive school with a focus on excellence. Choose from 130 undergrad programs in the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, Business, and Education.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank
- Formal demonstration of competencies
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$15,166
% Get Financial Aid:
93%
Grad Rate:
55%
21
Lamar University*
Lamar is one of the fastest growing schools in Texas. Part of the Texas State U System, it typically serves over 15,000 students with over 100 degree programs. Lamar takes pride in its Honors Program and undergrad research.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- High school record
- High school rank
- Formal demonstration of competencies (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$18,622
% Get Financial Aid:
86%
Grad Rate:
27%
22
Limestone College*
Limestone College is an independent, four year liberal arts institution in South Carolina. It typically offers programs on its campus in Gaffney, SC, plus online programs. Limestone is also a Christian non denominational school and supports students in their spiritual growth.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$26,300
% Get Financial Aid:
99%
Grad Rate:
35%
23
Lock Haven University*
LHU is a state school in central Pennsylvania. It offers 49 undergrad majors and certifications, plus 47 minors. The school’s main campus is based in the historic town of Lock Haven, near the Susquehanna River. It also has a branch campus in Clearfield, PA.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$20,702
% Get Financial Aid:
94%
Grad Rate:
54%
24
Longwood University*
Longwood is a public school in central Virginia. The school focuses on liberal arts education and hands on learning. 100% of students pursue internships or other practical experience. Longwood is located near Farmville, the country’s oldest two college town.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$29,480
% Get Financial Aid:
89%
Grad Rate:
69%
25
Malone University*
Malone is a Christian school that blends faith and learning. The school features a liberal arts core and opportunities for undergrad student research. Located in Canton, Ohio, the campus is near many cultural activities and the natural beauty of Ohio’s “North Coast.”
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$29,480
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
57%
26
Mansfield University*
Mansfield is a small school located in northern PA. It’s known for renowned faculty, student research opportunities, and personal attention. Mansfield is rated among the four safest campuses in the United States, according to SafeWise.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank
2019-20 Tuition and Fees: $13,162
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
46%
27
Marymount Manhattan College*
Located in the heart of New York City, Marymount Manhattan College typically offers a small school experience in the big city. Marymount Manhattan College is waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman. The school is known for its creative programs, in areas like the performing arts. They also have excellent programs in the liberal arts and sciences, and more!
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- High school record
- Formal demonstration of competencies
- Recommendations
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$35,628
% Get Financial Aid:
95%
Grad Rate:
46%
28
McMurry University*
McMurry is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Based in Abilene, Texas, McMurry features a lovely, 52 acre campus. Choose from 45 majors, 40 clubs, and 21 intercollegiate sports.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$28,099
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
33%
29
Midway University*
Midway is a private, liberal arts school offering career focused programs. Based in historic Midway, Kentucky, the campus is also a working horse farm. Students may enjoy equestrian sports and other activities. Choose from more than 30 majors and areas of focus.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations (suggested)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$24,850
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
37%
30
Millersville University*
Millersville is a state school based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It got its start as a teacher’s college, in 1855. Today, you could choose from over 100 programs from across four schools. And, may get involved in Division II athletics, 170 clubs, and a lot more.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations (suggested)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$22,220
% Get Financial Aid:
90%
Grad Rate:
60%
31
Millikin University*
Millikin is another college waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman. It is a private, independent, four year school in in Decatur, Illinois. The school is known for Performance Learning. This is education that blends theory and practice, so students could try new concepts and may immerse themselves in what they’re learning.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank
- Recommendation
- Formal demonstration of competencies
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$37,054
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
58%
32
Mississippi College*
MC is the oldest college in Mississippi. It is a private, Christian comprehensive school that blends faith and learning. MC is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Choose from over 80 undergrad majors in fields ranging from the health sciences to the arts.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- High school rank (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$18,800
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
53%
33
Newberry College*
Newberry is a Lutheran liberal arts college in South Carolina. The school encourages the pursuit of faith and reason, giving students opportunities to grow in spirit and intellect. Newberry may offer experiential learning and chances to serve the greater community.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record (recommended)
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$27,400
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
51%
34
Northern Kentucky University*
NKU is a private, metropolitan school not far from Cincinnati, Ohio. A fast growing school, it currently serves more than 14,000 students. NKU is home to over 70 academic majors, 17 Division I athletic teams, and 200+ student organizations.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$20,256
% Get Financial Aid:
99%
Grad Rate:
42%
35
Ohio University*
Ohio U is a public research school in Athens, Ohio. It got its start in 1804 as the state’s first school. Home to nine colleges, the school typically offers over 250 programs of study. Along with the Athens main campus, there are regional and satellite locations, plus online learning.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$22,406
% Get Financial Aid:
94%
Grad Rate:
64%
36
Saint Vincent College*
Saint Vincent College is a private liberal arts school in the Benedictine tradition. (Benedictine priests and brothers make up 15% of the faculty.) The school typically serves over 1,800 students on a 200 acre campus in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Choose from over 50 undergrad programs.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$36,510
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
77%
37
St. Mary’s University (Texas)*
St. Mary’s is a Catholic and Marianist school with over 165 years of history. A liberal arts school, they tend to offer a holistic education with room to explore faith. A 135 acre campus on San Antonio’s West Side is close to culture and the famous River Walk.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations (suggested)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$32,140
% Get Financial Aid:
99%
Grad Rate:
56%
38
St. Thomas Aquinas College*
STAC was founded in 1952 as a teaching college. Today, it offers over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations. Located on a 60 acre campus in the greater New York City area, STAC is close to cultural activities and opportunities to pursue your career goals.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations (suggested)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$33,050
% Get Financial Aid:
97%
Grad Rate:
55%
39
St. Thomas University*
STU is a private, nonprofit Catholic school. It is located in vibrant Miami Gardens, Florida. STU has proud Cuban heritage, academic excellence in the Catholic tradition, and a commitment to diversity. Choose from 18 undergrad majors. STU is another college waiving SAT scores for incoming freshman.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Recommendations (considered but not required)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$32,000
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
40%
40
Savannah College of Arts and Design*
SCAD is a private art school based in Savannah, Georgia. It offers 40 majors and more than 75 minors in creative disciplines. SCAD also strives to enhance the surrounding community. It may offer everything from art galleries to community service opportunities.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$38,075
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
68%
41
Southwest Baptist University*
SBU is a private, Christian liberal arts school. It offers a Christ centered learning experience, with over 80 areas of study. SBU’s 152 acre main campus is located in Bolivar, Missouri. You may also choose from branch campuses in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$24,578
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
48%
42
Texas Tech University*
Texas Tech is a comprehensive public research school. It is based in Lubbock, on the South Plains of West Texas. Choose from 150 undergrad degree programs. There are also over 450 student orgs at Texas Tech, offering plenty of ways to get involved.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- High school rank
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$19,260
% Get Financial Aid:
78%
Grad Rate:
60%
43
Thiel College*
Thiel is an independent school dedicated to the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Based in western Pennsylvania, the college is waving SAT scores and offers a safe and supportive learning environment. It features co curricular activities, athletics, and an excellent Honors Program.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$32,596
% Get Financial Aid:
99%
Grad Rate:
48%
44
University of Akron*
The U of Akron is an influential public research school in Ohio. It serves over 19,000 students from around the world. UA is known for its innovative, career focused programs. Campus is located in the vibrant city setting of Akron.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$17,765
% Get Financial Aid:
95%
Grad Rate:
39%
45
University of Alaska Fairbanks*
U of Alaska Fairbanks is a public school in The Last Frontier. UAF has seven campuses across the state and offers 170 degree programs. The main campus is located in Alaska’s second largest city, Fairbanks, with many ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of this unique state.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$21,216
% Get Financial Aid:
84%
Grad Rate:
32%
46
University of Nevada – Las Vegas*
UNLV is a public research school in Nevada. It takes pride in being one of the most diverse and inclusive schools in the nation, with 61% minority students. Based near Las Vegas, UNLV is close to many exciting cultural activities.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$23,342
% Get Financial Aid:
94%
Grad Rate:
43%
47
University of North Dakota*
UND is another college waving SAT scores. It is a public research college and the largest, oldest school in North Dakota. It offers over 250 academic programs. You could also get involved in hundreds of student organizations and 17 Division I athletic teams. UND is based in the friendly college town of Grand Forks.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$15,895
% Get Financial Aid:
90%
Grad Rate:
55%
48
West Virginia State University*
WVSU is a small HBCU near Charleston, West Virginia. It may offer a close knit college experience with the resources of a larger school. The beautiful campus has plenty of green space, and nearby cities may offer easy access to culture.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$17,691
% Get Financial Aid:
87%
Grad Rate:
29%
49
Westminster College (Pennsylvania)*
Westminster is a private, four year liberal arts college. Its 300 acre campus is located an hour north of Pittsburgh, PA. Enjoy walking trails, an outdoor laboratory, a canoeing lake, and lots more. The college offers 42 majors and 13 pre professional programs.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program
- Recommendations
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$37,300
% Get Financial Aid:
100%
Grad Rate:
73%
50
Youngstown State University*
Youngstown State is a comprehensive research school in Youngstown, Ohio. It features a safe, walkable campus in an exciting city setting. Choose from over 155 undergrad programs in everything from business to the creative arts.
Undergrad Admissions Requirements may include:
- GPA
- High school record
- Completion of college prep program (recommended)
2019-20 Tuition and Fees:
$9,639
% Get Financial Aid:
98%
Grad Rate:
37%
* https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/