Colorado SAT Scores: An Analysis of College Readiness and Performance Trends
Colorado's Class of 2024 SAT® results provide valuable insights into the state of college readiness among its high school students. While the SAT remains a common standard for college admissions, with many colleges making score submissions optional, the data reveals both strengths and challenges in preparing students for higher education.
Colorado's Overall SAT Performance
Colorado’s average SAT® score for the Class of 2024 was 998 (ERW: 510, Math: 488). This falls below the national average of 1024 (ERW: 519, Math: 505). This places Colorado near the bottom nationally, outperforming only 10 states and the District of Columbia. These rankings suggest systemic challenges in preparing students for the SAT® and college readiness more generally.
Digital SAT Transition
For the class of 2024, only 1% of Colorado’s students took the Digital SAT®. By 2025, 100% will be required to take it. In March 2024, the SAT went fully digital, and it got shorter. The paper test lasted three hours, but the digital offering lasts two hours. According to CollegeBoard, over 99% of digital test-takers completed the exam successfully. Most students (84%) and support staff (99%) reported better experiences with the digital SAT compared to the paper version.
National SAT Score Averages
In 2024, the average total SAT score was 1024, the lowest since the test changed formats in 2016.
Historical Trends
As with the ACT, SAT scores have been historically low in recent years. In the past six years, 2021 had the highest SAT score, with an average result of 1060.
Read also: SAT Requirements for LSU
National Average SAT Score Over Past Six Years, 2019-2024
| Graduating Class | Average ERW Score | Average Math Score | Average Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 531 | 528 | 1059 |
| 2020 | 528 | 523 | 1051 |
| 2021 | 533 | 528 | 1060 |
| 2022 | 529 | 521 | 1050 |
| 2023 | 520 | 508 | 1028 |
| 2024 | 519 | 505 | 1024 |
Source: College Board
State-Level Comparisons
The percentage of high school students who took the SAT differed significantly by state. For example, in Mississippi and North Dakota, only 1% of students took the SAT. In contrast, 100% of students took the SAT in the District of Columbia, and 99% of students in Rhode Island. Kansas and Utah had the highest average total SAT scores, with mean scores of 1256 and 1230, respectively. New Mexico and West Virginia had the lowest average total SAT scores, with mean scores of 885 and 919, respectively.
Average SAT Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2024
| State | Average ERW Score | Average Math Score | Average Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 591 | 566 | 1157 |
| Alaska | 555 | 524 | 1079 |
| Arizona | 599 | 586 | 1185 |
| Arkansas | 612 | 575 | 1188 |
| California | 549 | 537 | 1086 |
| Colorado | 510 | 488 | 998 |
| Connecticut | 502 | 488 | 990 |
| Delaware | 484 | 464 | 948 |
| District of Columbia | 480 | 457 | 937 |
| Florida | 493 | 455 | 948 |
| … | … | … | … |
Source: College Board
Demographic Trends in SAT Scores
SAT scores broken down by race/ethnicity showed similar trends to those of the ACT. In 2024, Asian students achieved the highest average SAT score of 1228. Asian students’ average score was 347 points higher than the average SAT score of American Indian/Alaska Native students, which was 881. The group with the second-highest SAT score was “Two or More Races” with 1090, slightly higher than white students. Black students had the second-lowest average SAT score at 907. They comprised 12% of test-takers.
Average SAT Scores by Race/Ethnicity, 2024
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage of Test-Takers | SAT ERW Average Score | SAT Math Average Score | Total Average SAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 1% | 449 | 432 | 881 |
| Asian | 10% | 599 | 629 | 1228 |
| Black/African American | 12% | 467 | 440 | 907 |
| Hispanic/Latino/a | 25% | 481 | 458 | 939 |
| Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander | 0% | 475 | 452 | 926 |
| White | 37% | 551 | 532 | 1083 |
| Two or More Races | 4% | 556 | 534 | 1090 |
| No Response | 12% | 477 | 471 | 949 |
Source: College Board
Read also: Decoding Princeton Admissions
Men have consistently outscored women in the SAT since 2017. However, women have scored higher on the ERW section every year. Men scored higher on the math section.
In 2024, men scored higher than women in total score by 11 points. Men score roughly 20 points higher than women in the math section each year. Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, such as engineering and computer science. The scores of people who reported their gender as “Another/No Response” have significantly increased over time. In 2022, they were the highest scoring group by gender for the first time and were again in 2023 and 2024.
Average Total SAT Score and by Gender, 2024
| Gender | SAT ERW Average Score | SAT Math Average Score | Total Average SAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | 522 | 496 | 1018 |
| Men | 516 | 514 | 1029 |
| Another/No Response | 556 | 511 | 1067 |
Source: College Board
Average Total SAT Score by Gender Over Time, 2017-2024
| ERW Men | ERW Women | Another or No Response | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1070 | 1050 | N/A |
| 2018 | 1076 | 1061 | 779 |
| 2019 | 1066 | 1053 | 802 |
| 2020 | 1055 | 1048 | 967 |
| 2021 | 1067 | 1054 | 1041 |
| 2022 | 1056 | 1043 | 1091 |
| 2023 | 1032 | 1023 | 1058 |
| 2024 | 1029 | 1018 | 1067 |
Source: College Board
Average ERW Section Score by Gender Over Time, 2017-2024
| Math Men | Math Women | Another or No Response | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 532 | 534 | N/A |
| 2018 | 534 | 539 | 406 |
| 2019 | 529 | 534 | 409 |
| 2020 | 523 | 532 | 499 |
| 2021 | 530 | 535 | 540 |
| 2022 | 526 | 531 | 567 |
| 2023 | 517 | 523 | 552 |
| 2024 | 516 | 522 | 556 |
Source: College Board
Read also: Applying to Ole Miss: ACT Requirements
Average Math Section Score by Gender Over Time, 2017-2024
| Math Men | Math Women | Another or No Response | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 538 | 516 | N/A |
| 2018 | 542 | 522 | 374 |
| 2019 | 537 | 519 | 393 |
| 2020 | 531 | 516 | 468 |
| 2021 | 537 | 519 | 501 |
| 2022 | 530 | 512 | 524 |
| 2023 | 515 | 500 | 506 |
| 2024 | 514 | 496 | 511 |
Source: College Board
Those who grew up speaking English and another language had the highest total SAT score overall by a narrow four-point margin. Those whose first language was not English had the second highest total SAT score. Those who learned English along with another language scored the highest overall, but behind English only speakers in the ERW section. Those who answered “No Response” scored the lowest on both sections and had the lowest overall score.
Average SAT Score by First Language Learned, 2024
| First Language Learned | Percentage of Test Takers | SAT ERW Average Score | SAT Math Average Score | Total Average SAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Only | 52% | 536 | 514 | 1050 |
| English and Another Language | 16% | 534 | 530 | 1064 |
| Another Language | 11% | 522 | 537 | 1060 |
| No Response | 20% | 461 | 444 | 905 |
Source: College Board
The highest level of education that one’s parents received appears to heavily influence how students perform on the SAT. Students with parents who have graduate degrees achieved the highest total SAT score and section scores. Students with parents without high school diplomas had the lowest total SAT scores and section scores, with an average total of 903 points. The majority of test-takers have parents with bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Average SAT Score by Highest Level of Parental Education, 2024
| Parent’s Highest Level of Education Achieved | Percentage of Test Takers | SAT ERW Average Score | SAT Math Average Score | Total Average SAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No High School Diploma | 6% | 457 | 446 | 903 |
| High School Diploma | 19% | 491 | 470 | 961 |
| Associate Degree | 4% | 512 | 488 | 1001 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 24% | 560 | 548 | 1108 |
| Graduate Degree | 20% | 597 | 589 | 1186 |
| No Response | 26% | 457 | 440 | 897 |
Source: College Board
SAT performance also correlates with family income. Families in the lowest quintile - the lowest 20% - of income made less than $55,667 in 2024. Test takers from this group scored the lowest with a total average SAT score of 887. Test takers from the highest quintile (earning at least $117,610) of family income level, received the highest total average SAT score of 1152. The difference between test takers from the lowest quintile and the highest quintile was 265 points in total score.
Average SAT Score Based on Family Income Level, 2024
| Family Income Group | Yearly Income | Percentage of Test Takers | SAT ERW Average Score | SAT Math Average Score | Total Average SAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Quintile (Lowest 20%) | $0-$55,667 | 10% | 455 | 431 | 887 |
| Second-Lowest Quintile | $55,668-$71,991 | 11% | 482 | 457 | 939 |
| Middle Quintile | $71,992-$89,465 | 13% | 502 | 479 | 981 |
| Second-Highest Quintile | $89,466-$117,609 | 17% | 530 | 509 | 1038 |
| Highest Quintile | At least $117,610 | 25% | 582 | 570 | 1152 |
| Unknown | 24% | 499 | 500 | 999 |
Source: College Board
Implications for College Readiness
Colorado’s relatively low average SAT score raises concerns about college readiness. Standard English Conventions (ERW subscore): Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure remain weak, with many students scoring 4-6 out of 15. Colorado high school students are most interested in Business (8%), Health Professions (8%), and Engineering (8%), all of which require strong math skills-an area where many students underperform. Interestingly, students pursuing STEM fields tend to have higher SAT® scores. Despite high SAT® participation, many students may not be college-ready.
Addressing the Challenges
Progress Learning offers comprehensive, easy-to-implement SAT® prep solutions designed to help schools and districts boost student performance. With targeted practice, robust reporting, and digital test readiness, Progress Learning ensures that students are fully prepared for the SAT® and their future college goals.
College Admissions Considerations
Knowing the average SAT scores of enrollees at your top colleges can be helpful when it comes to setting goals. If you’ve already taken the SAT, you can see how your score compares to the typical scores at some of your top college choices to better understand where you stand in comparison to the previously admitted class.
College admissions officials typically take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. Standardized test scores are just one aspect of an application if they are considered at all.
Test-Optional Policies
Today, fewer colleges are requiring standardized test scores for admissions. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which schools closed and concerns emerged about whether students had adequate access to testing, colleges became more lax about their testing policies. In September 2019, before the pandemic, more than 1,700 colleges were test-optional. All of the Ivy League colleges implemented test-optional policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, however, many of them have reinstated their standardized test requirements. For the 2025-2026 application cycle, only Columbia University, Princeton University, and Cornell University remain test-optional.
SAT Scores for Popular Schools
| School | SAT Score (25th-75th Percentile) |
|---|---|
| University of Chicago | 1510-1580 |
| Vanderbilt University | 1480-1570 |
| Stanford University | 1470-1570 |
| Duke University | 1468-1558 |
| Northwestern University | 1460-1560 |
| New York University | 1450-1570 |
| Emory University | 1420-1540 |
| Georgetown University | 1410-1550 |
| University of Notre Dame | 1410-1550 |
| University of Southern California | 1410-1540 |
| Boston University | 1360-1520 |
| Villanova University | 1350-1490 |
| University of Maryland, College Park | 1330-1510 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 1310-1500 |
| University of Florida | 1300-1470 |
| University of Georgia | 1270-1450 |
| Ohio State University | 1250-1440 |
| University of Texas, Austin | 1230-1500 |
| Clemson University | 1220-1420 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | 1210-1410 |
| Purdue University | 1190-1430 |
| Texas A&M University, College Station | 1140-1380 |
| University of North Carolina | 1140-1380 |
| Pennsylvania State University | 1140-1360 |
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Understanding Differences in Average SAT Scores Across Demographics
Whether the SAT is implicitly biased to favor wealthy and white students has long been a subject of debate. A 2023 study by a team of researchers based at Harvard University, however, was able to back this argument with data. They found that “Ivy-Plus” colleges -- a group of 12 highly selective, private schools including the eight Ivy League schools and the University of Chicago, Duke, MIT, and Stanford - were twice as likely to admit students from the highest-income families compared to students from low- or middle-income families even when they had comparable test scores.
In a class of 1,650 students, there were roughly 114 “extra students” from the top 1% despite them having comparable standardized test scores to students of lower income brackets. Higher admission rates for these students from high-income families were primarily due to legacy preferences, higher non-academic ratings, and athletic recruitment. Getting a degree from an “Ivy-Plus” school can lead to many opportunities. senators, and over 70% of Supreme Court Justices. By changing admissions practices, “Ivy-Plus” institutions could shift the makeup of the country’s highest earners and leaders. Students largely support changes in admissions practices, including the elimination of legacy-based admissions.
Preparing for the SAT
Comparing SAT Scores: State Averages vs. When comparing state average SAT scores with score data from a college, it’s important to consider the statistical measure as well as the population included. The overall average score on the SAT is 1024. While that means that a 1030 is technically “above average,” that doesn’t mean that’s a good enough score to set yourself apart from the pack, especially at the most selective colleges. The SAT is a college admissions test and is one tool you can use to get into college. Remember that your state’s average score is not necessarily a good score for you.
Practice and Preparation
The first step to making this comparison is to take an SAT practice test if you haven’t either taken one or the official SAT, yet. Per CollegeBoard guidance, there is no limit to the number of times you can take the SAT. The organization that administers the SAT, College Board, recommends that students take the test at least twice because many schools “superscore” your results. The essay section is only available in a select number of states. If included, the essay section comes after the reading and writing and math sections and will add 50 minutes to your total test time. The SAT or ACT might be easier or harder depending on your strengths and preferences. Both tests cover math and reading, but the ACT has an additional science section that the SAT doesn’t have.
Colorado School of Mines and University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado School of Mines
What are Colorado School of Mines's average SAT scores and GPA? In this guide, we'll discuss what scores are needed for you to get admitted into Colorado School of Mines. There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: SAT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate. In other words, a 1330 places you below average, while a 1460 will move you up to above average. The average GPA at Colorado School of Mines is 3.83. requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. If you're a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.83, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics. The acceptance rate at Colorado School of Mines is 59.6%. somewhat selective. Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission. Scoring at a 1399 SAT or above will already give you a great shot at getting in.
University of Colorado Boulder
What are University of Colorado Boulder's average SAT scores and GPA? In this guide, we'll discuss what scores are needed for you to get admitted into University of Colorado Boulder. There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: SAT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate. In other words, a 1160 places you below average, while a 1380 will move you up to above average. The average GPA at University of Colorado Boulder is 3.76. requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, with a leaning toward A's. The acceptance rate at University of Colorado Boulder is 81.1%. not selective. Because this school is not selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average. Aim for a 1160 SAT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.
University of Colorado Boulder Admissions
- Regular Application Due January 15
- Acceptance Rate 75.86% Less Selective
By the Numbers
These ranges reflect what most admitted students scored, but many are outside these ranges.
- GPA Range
- 3.75+ 67%
- 3.50-3.74 18%
- 3.25-3.49 10%
- 3.00-3.24 4%
- 2.50-2.99 2%
- 2.00-2.49 0%
- Below 2.00 0%
- Application Requirements
- High School GPA Required
- High School Rank Considered if submitted
- College Prep Courses Considered if submitted
- SAT/ACT Scores Considered if submitted
- Recommendations Required
tags: #average #SAT #score #Colorado
