SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Gets You More Scholarship Money?

In this guide, we compare the SAT and ACT to determine which test gives more scholarships for college.

If you’re a high school student staring down the path to college—and the mountain of costs that come with it—you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I take the SAT or the ACT, and which one will help me get more scholarship money?

Every year, millions of students weigh this exact decision, trying to make the most of their strengths while stretching their education dollars as far as they can. Comparing SAT vs ACT scholarships is essential for students aiming to lower their tuition through test-based aid.

The good news? Both the SAT and ACT can lead to generous scholarships, but depending on your goals, location, and testing strengths, one might give you a better return than the other.

SAT vs. ACT: Why Test Choice Matters for Scholarships

College isn’t cheap. Between tuition, books, housing, and those last-minute runs to the coffee shop during finals, the costs add up quickly.

Scholarships, especially those that are merit-based, can play a huge role in reducing your financial burden. These scholarships don’t rely on your family’s income, but rather on your academic performance.

And one of the most consistent academic benchmarks colleges use? Your standardized test scores.

But which is better: SAT vs ACT scholarships? It’s not easy to answer.

Both tests are challenging in their own way—high-stakes, often costly, and demanding in terms of time and preparation. That’s why the smarter question is: Which test fits you best?

Choosing the exam that aligns with your strengths gives you the best shot at scoring higher, and the higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for merit-based scholarships that can significantly cut college costs.

Scholarships Linked to SAT Scores

The SAT remains the most widely used standardized test for incoming college students, especially on the East and West Coasts. It’s divided into three sections—Reading, Math, and Writing and Language—and scored on a scale from 400 to 1,600.

Here are a few of the top SAT scholarships:

New Mexico Tech Silver Scholarship

This scholarship is geared toward high-achieving STEM students. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum SAT score of 1390 and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. It awards $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. It’s a great option for students looking for a strong science or engineering program.

Loyola University Chicago Ignatian Scholarship

For students who score at least 1490 on the SAT and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above, this scholarship offers up to $25,000 per year, renewable for four years. A campus interview is also required, and all new undergraduate applicants are automatically considered.

Gwynedd Mercy University Presidential Scholarship

This scholarship covers full tuition and is awarded to students with a minimum SAT score of 1360 (or 1300 on the old SAT) and a 3.5+ GPA. It’s renewable for three additional years as long as the student maintains academic eligibility.

Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship

Designed for out-of-state students, this scholarship requires at least a 1330 SAT score and being in the top 25% of your graduating class. It provides $13,500 per year, and it can be combined with additional merit scholarships at OSU.

Texas A&M University Lechner and McFadden Scholarships

Texas A&M awards these scholarships to incoming freshmen with a minimum SAT score of 1360 (new) or 1300 (old) and a GPA of at least 3.5. Leadership, service, and extracurriculars are also considered. Recipients receive $2,500 per year, plus a $1,000 bonus for studying abroad through an approved program.

Gladys Carol Scholarship

This scholarship supports students pursuing STEM majors. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum SAT score of 1290 and a GPA of 3.6 or higher. It offers $5,000 per year for two consecutive years and requires the submission of transcripts, a FAFSA, and an essay.

Delaware B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship

This award is for Delaware residents who plan to attend the University of Delaware full-time. A minimum SAT score of 1290 is required, along with a non-weighted GPA of at least 3.0. The scholarship covers tuition, books, fees, and housing for up to four years.

Colorado Christian University Distinguished Achievement Scholarship

Offered to students with a 4.0 high school GPA and a minimum SAT score of 1410, this scholarship provides $19,000 per year, renewable for four years, for a total potential value of $76,000.

CCU Trustees’ Scholarship

Also from Colorado Christian University, this scholarship requires a minimum SAT score of 1320 and a high school GPA of at least 3.8. Recipients receive $17,000 annually for up to four years, provided they maintain academic eligibility.

CCU World Changers Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition and is awarded to just three incoming freshmen each year. To be considered, you need a minimum SAT score of 1320 and a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Finalists are invited to a two-day campus event, and all attendees receive a smaller Impact Scholarship.

Scholarships Linked to ACT Scores

If you perform better on the ACT or want to leverage your ACT score for scholarship money, these opportunities should be on your radar. Each one of these ACT scholarships emphasizes a strong ACT score as a key qualification.

ExxonMobil Engineering Scholarship

For Hispanic U.S. citizens planning to study engineering, this scholarship requires an ACT score of 29 or higher and a 3.5+ GPA. It awards $20,000, paid over four years.

Furman Scholars Program (Furman University, NC)

High school juniors with ACT scores of 29+ and a 3.5+ GPA may qualify. This program offers scholarships starting at $20,000 or more, based on merit, talent, or athletics.

Colorado Christian University Distinguished Achievement Scholarship

Students with an ACT score of 30 or above and a 4.0 GPA can receive $19,000 per year for up to four years. Recipients must maintain a 3.5 GPA during college.

CCU President’s Scholarship

This award targets students with an ACT score of 24 or higher and a 3.6 GPA. It provides $15,000 per year for four years, renewable with continued academic performance.

Point the Way Foundation Scholarship

This $5,000 scholarship supports military-connected students with an ACT score of 21 or higher and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship

Requires a 33+ ACT score and a 3.9 GPA. This prestigious scholarship offers stipends ranging from $12,300 to over $22,000 per year, depending on residency status.

U.S. Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship

For students with an ACT score of 26 or higher and a 3.0+ GPA, this scholarship offers various awards, including full tuition for schools with ROTC programs. Recipients must commit to military service after graduation.

Ned McWherter Scholarship (Tennessee)

Tennessee high school seniors with an ACT score of 29 or above and a 3.5+ GPA can receive $6,000 annually, renewable for up to four years.

Comparing SAT and ACT for Financial Aid Potential

SAT vs ACT financial aid: Which test unlocks more scholarship opportunities?

The short answer is that both tests can lead to scholarships, but the opportunities you’ll find can vary based on a few key factors.

• Geographic location
• Your college list
• Your test performance

Geographic Differences: SAT vs. ACT by State

Location plays a big role in which test might give you an edge. For example, the best test for financial aid in states like California and New York is the SAT, as it’s been the more popular choice historically. On the flip side, Midwestern and Southern states such as Texas, Ohio, and Alabama tend to favor the ACT.

This geographic preference is reflected not just in admissions but also in state-funded scholarship programs. Some states even require specific test scores for certain merit awards, so knowing your region’s tendencies can help you plan.

College Preferences: Why Some Schools Don’t Favor One Over the Other

Many universities today have adopted a test-optional or test-flexible approach, meaning they don’t prefer the SAT over the ACT, or vice versa. They accept both equally and look at whichever score best represents your abilities. This approach is meant to reduce barriers for students and focus on a holistic view of your application.

That said, some colleges still use test scores as a direct qualifier for scholarships, with set cutoffs for each exam. In those cases, it’s crucial to understand which test score they value more or whether they weigh them equally.

Beyond Test Scores: Other Scholarship Factors

College scholarships test scores are often a critical part of the application process, but they’re not everything. Scholarship decisions, especially for the most prestigious or competitive awards, take a holistic view of each applicant.

Other Key Scholarship Criteria

1. GPA: A high GPA, especially in rigorous courses, shows consistency over time and is often weighted more heavily than test scores.
2. Extracurricular Involvement: Leadership roles, volunteer work, sports, music, or any long-term commitment outside the classroom matter.
3. Essays and Personal Statements: These are your chance to tell your story and stand out from the numbers.
4. Financial Need: Many scholarships, especially federal and institutional ones, are based on your FAFSA results.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Thoughtful recommendations from teachers or mentors can support your application and highlight your character.

Test-Taking Strategies to Maximize Scholarship Chances

To maximize scholarship money through SAT and ACT, it’s important not just to take the tests, but to do well on the one that suits you best.

Here are practical test strategies for scholarships:

• Take both tests once. Try each test and compare your percentile rankings. Whichever one shows your strengths more clearly is the one to pursue.
• Use official prep resources. Khan Academy (for SAT) and ACT Academy are free, official, and tailored to your performance.
• Create a study plan. Cramming doesn’t work well for standardized tests. Build a realistic prep timeline and stick to it.
• Retake strategically: Many students improve on their second or third attempt. Focus on one section at a time and use superscoring if your colleges allow it.
• Understand superscoring: Many schools accept your best scores from multiple test dates, which can help maximize your standardized test scholarships eligibility.

Deciding Which Test Is Best for You

• If you’re a fast reader and good under time pressure, the ACT might be a better fit.
• If you prefer more time per question and excel in reading and writing, the SAT could be your strength.
• If your college list includes more public universities in the Midwest or South, lean toward the ACT.
• If you’re aiming for elite or national-level scholarships, consider the SAT, especially if you performed well on the PSAT.

Final Thoughts on Maximizing Scholarship Money

At the end of the day, both the SAT and ACT are powerful tools for unlocking scholarship opportunities. There’s no single “better” when it comes to SAT vs ACT scholarships—only the one that puts you in the best position to succeed.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Start early. Give yourself time to prepare, take practice tests, and research schools’ scholarship policies.
• Play to your strengths. Choose the test that highlights your abilities and improves your chances of scoring high.
• Focus on the full picture. Test scores matter, but so do GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and financial need.
• Be strategic. Target schools and programs where your scores give you an edge for merit aid.

Choosing the right test is one of many smart strategies for making college more affordable. When paired with thoughtful planning and a strong academic record, it can lead to thousands of dollars in scholarship money and a much more affordable college experience.