University of Arizona SAT & ACT Scores
The University of Arizona doesn't require SAT or ACT scores for fall 2027 admission. Among enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class who chose to send scores, the middle 50% SAT was 1090–1320, with a median of 1220, and the middle 50% ACT composite was 20–28. The university admitted 83.5% of its 56,376 first-year applicants.
Where does your score land?
Compared with University of Arizona's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is University of Arizona test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
The University of Arizona does not require the SAT or ACT for first-year admission, institutional merit scholarships or the Franke Honors College; official scores you send can help with class placement and core competency requirements.
Checked October 29, 2026 on University of Arizona's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
Arizona says SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission, for its institutional merit scholarships, or for admission to the W.A. Franke Honors College. Scores still have uses. If you send official scores, they can help place you in classes at orientation, and they can help you meet the core competency requirements, the high school course requirements set by the Arizona Board of Regents. For example, a qualifying SAT or ACT English or math score can stand in for a missing English or math course. Students who took the SAT or ACT should have official scores sent directly from the testing agency.
University of Arizona SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1090–1320, and the median was 1220.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1090 | 1220 | 1320 |
| Reading & Writing | 550 | 610 | 680 |
| Math | 530 | 600 | 660 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 12% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
Enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class who sent the SAT had a middle 50% of 1090–1320 and a median of 1220. A quarter scored 1090 or below, and a quarter scored 1320 or above. Section ranges were 550–680 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 530–660 in Math.
Only 12% of the enrolled class sent SAT scores, while 23% sent the ACT. Because scores are optional, these ranges describe only the students who chose to submit, not the whole class.
Since admission doesn't depend on a score, the SAT matters most here for placement and core competency. An SAT Reading and Writing or Math score at the university's set level can meet the English or math course requirement if your transcript falls short.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Arizona ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 20–28 on the ACT, with a median of 24.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 20 | 24 | 28 |
| English | 20 | 24 | 28 |
| Math | 20 | 24 | 28 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 23% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Among enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class who sent the ACT, the middle 50% composite was 20–28, with a median of 24. English scores ran 20–28 and Math scores ran 20–28.
A composite of 28 or higher sits in the top quarter of enrolled students who sent the ACT, while 20 marks the low end of the middle half. ACT English and Math subscores can also meet Arizona's English and math competency requirements, and an ACT science subscore at the set level can count for one of the science units.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Arizona acceptance rate
Less competitive: 83.5% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants56,376
- Admitted47,080
- Acceptance rate83.5%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Action (November 1 deadline, decisions begin January 15) and Regular Decision on a space-available basis; no Early Decision.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: University of Arizona 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Arizona has an Early Action deadline in early November. Early Action applicants get priority consideration for admission, merit aid and Franke Honors College admission, and hear back first. Later applications move to Regular Decision and are considered on a space-available basis, with decisions released in batches in the spring. There is no Early Decision.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores to the University of Arizona, a practical target is an SAT of 1320 or an ACT of 28, the 75th percentile for enrolled students who submitted. Scores near 1220 or 24 are typical of that group. Even if you apply without scores, Arizona asks students who took the SAT or ACT to send official scores, because it uses them for class placement at orientation.
In Arizona's 2025–26 Common Data Set, the rigor of your high school record and your academic GPA are rated very important. Extracurricular activities, talent, character and your level of interest are important. Test scores, class rank, the application essay, volunteer work and work experience are considered, and recommendations are not. Arizona strongly encourages the application essay, and it is required if you want to be considered for the Franke Honors College.
How University of Arizona compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder | 78% | — | — | 29–33 | Test-optional |
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | 78.9% | 1390 | 1310–1460 | 26–32 | Test-optional |
| Michigan State University | 83.2% | 1210 | 1100–1310 | 25–31 | Test-optional |
| University of Arizona | 83.5% | 1220 | 1090–1320 | 20–28 | Test-optional |
| Arizona State University | 88.4% | — | — | — | Test-optional |
| Northern Arizona University | 89.6% | 1175 | 1010–1280 | 19–26 | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is University of Arizona test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: The University of Arizona does not require the SAT or ACT for first-year admission, institutional merit scholarships or the Franke Honors College; official scores you send can help with class placement and core competency requirements.
What is the average SAT score at University of Arizona?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1220 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1090–1320, so a quarter scored 1320 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for University of Arizona?
A score at or above 1320 puts you in the top quarter of University of Arizona's enrolled first-years, and 1090–1320 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for University of Arizona?
University of Arizona's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 20–28, with a median of 24 (fall 2025 entering class). A 28 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is University of Arizona's acceptance rate?
University of Arizona admitted 83.5% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (47,080 of 56,376), which makes it less competitive.
How many University of Arizona students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 12% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 23% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at University of Arizona?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.