FAMU SAT & ACT Score Requirements: What You Need to Get In (2026)

Last Updated: May 2, 2026

Key Takeaways

• FAMU's admitted-student SAT middle 50 is 1080 to 1230 and ACT middle 50 is 22 to 27. The recalculated weighted core GPA middle 50 is 3.69 to 4.24.
• FAMU requires the SAT, ACT, or CLT for first-year applicants per Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002. Test-optional is not an option for any first-year applicant.
• The Fall 2024-25 acceptance rate was approximately 20.6 percent (about 4,678 admits from 22,756 applications, with 1,429 enrolled). FAMU is one of the more selective Florida State University System schools by admit rate, despite a lower test middle 50 than Florida flagships.
• FAMU is one of the top-ranked public HBCUs in the country and runs the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering with Florida State University. The Marching 100 band is a defining cultural feature of the campus.
• FAMU's top merit awards (Distinguished Scholars, Life-Gets-Better) are competitive, not automatic. The Distinguished Scholars Award requires a 4.0 recalculated GPA, a 32 ACT or 1440 SAT, plus a 76 on the ALEKS math placement.

What SAT or ACT Score Do You Need for FAMU?

FAMU does not publish a single competitive minimum but uses a holistic review with a clear emphasis on academic preparation, fit with the FAMU mission, and strong recommendations. The published middle 50 ranges for the most recent admitted class:

Half of FAMU's admitted students scored inside 1080 to 1230 on the SAT and 22 to 27 on the ACT. Practical target: aim for a 1150 SAT or a 25 ACT to land in the middle of the admitted pool. A 1080 or 22 keeps you competitive at the 25th percentile. A 1230 or 27 puts you above three-quarters of admits and into the merit-scholarship conversation.

One important nuance: FAMU's ~21 percent acceptance rate looks deceptively selective on paper relative to the test middle 50. The low admit rate reflects a smaller class size, strong fit selection, and the school's holistic review weighting on factors beyond test scores (recommendations, leadership, community engagement, and alignment with FAMU's HBCU mission). A strong test score combined with strong rigor, a coherent narrative about fit, and a clear academic record outperforms a higher score with a generic application.

FAMU Requires the SAT, ACT, or CLT

FAMU is a member of the State University System of Florida, and its testing policy is set by the Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002. From the FAMU admissions page:

"Florida A&M is not Test Optional and standardized SAT/ACT/CLT scores are required."

• You must submit one of three accepted tests. No score, no review. There is no test-optional pathway.
• The CLT (Classic Learning Test) is accepted. Like other Florida SUS schools, FAMU accepts the CLT as an alternative to the SAT or ACT. The admitted CLT middle 50 is 61 to 73 out of 120.
• Self-reported scores are accepted at the application stage. Official score reports from the testing agencies are required only after admission, before enrollment.

FAMU Application Deadlines

FAMU runs Early Action and Regular Decision rounds plus rolling admission. The published deadlines:

Three strategic notes:

• Early Action is non-binding and the strongest single move. EA produces a decision by December 12, well before most peers. Top merit scholarship candidates should target EA to maximize award consideration.
• February 1 is the priority scholarship deadline. Applications submitted after February 1 are still reviewed for admission, but with reduced scholarship eligibility. The Distinguished Scholars and Life-Gets-Better Scholarship review is gated by this date.
• Application fee is $30. Fee waivers from ACT, College Board, and NACAC are accepted.

FAMU Course Requirements (the 18-Unit High School Curriculum)

Like all Florida SUS schools, FAMU requires 18 academic units in specific subject areas. This is the State University System minimum:

• English: 4 units (must include substantial writing).
• Mathematics: 4 units (preferably Algebra I and above).
• Natural Science: 3 units (preferably biology, chemistry, physics; minimum 2 with lab).
• Social Science: 3 units.
• Foreign Language: 2 units (must be sequential — two years of the same language).
• Academic Electives: 2 units (preferably core subjects).

The most common gaps come up around the foreign language requirement (two years of the same language; alternating Spanish and French does not count) and the natural science lab requirement. Verify both with your school counselor before the November 1 EA deadline window.

FAMU's HBCU Heritage and the FAMU-FSU Engineering Partnership

FAMU was founded in 1887 and is the only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the State University System of Florida. It is consistently ranked among the top public HBCUs in the country. The FAMU experience includes several distinctive features that shape the academic and cultural environment:

• FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. A jointly operated engineering college with Florida State University. Engineering applicants apply to the joint program; degrees are conferred by either FAMU or FSU depending on enrollment. This is an unusual structure in U.S. higher education and gives FAMU engineering students access to a research-intensive joint faculty.
• School of Pharmacy. One of the most highly regarded HBCU pharmacy programs in the country, with a six-year PharmD pathway available to qualified incoming students.
• Marching 100 (Marching Band). One of the most famous marching bands in the HBCU world. The Marching 100 has performed internationally and is a major cultural identifier for the FAMU community.
• School of Business and Industry (SBI). Offers a BS in Business Administration plus a separate One-Year and Professional MBA pathway, with formal dual-degree options like the PharmD/MBA. Distinctive among public business programs for its corporate engagement model and direct-from-undergrad MBA pipeline.
• Tallahassee location. Same city as Florida State University and the Florida state government, with strong internship and policy-experience pipelines.

For applicants targeting an HBCU experience with strong national reputation, FAMU sits alongside Howard, Spelman, Morehouse, and North Carolina A&T at the top of the public-and-private HBCU tier.

Florida Bright Futures and FAMU Merit Scholarships

FAMU's aid pipeline combines Florida state aid (Bright Futures) with FAMU institutional scholarships. Florida residents stack both:

• Florida Bright Futures - Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): 100 percent of tuition and applicable fees during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Requires a 3.50 weighted GPA, 1330 SAT or 29 ACT (or 95 CLT), and 100 service hours.
• Florida Bright Futures - Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): 75 percent of tuition and applicable fees. Requires a 3.00 weighted GPA, 1190 SAT or 24 ACT (or 82 CLT), and 75 service hours (for 9th-grade entrants 2024-25 and later).
• Distinguished Scholars Award (FAMU institutional, competitive): Requires a 4.0 recalculated GPA, a 32 ACT or 1440 SAT, and a 76 on the ALEKS math placement. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Among FAMU's most prestigious awards, with limited slots.
• Life-Gets-Better Scholarship (FAMU institutional, competitive): Part of the Presidential Scholarship Program. Highly competitive with extra application steps and limited slots.
• FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA) Scholarships: Awarded through alumni chapters across the country. Separate application process by FAMU NAA chapter.
• FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Scholarships: For engineering admits, a separate set of awards through the joint engineering program.

For Florida residents who hit the 1330 SAT or 29 ACT FAS threshold, the combination of full Bright Futures tuition plus FAMU institutional aid (where awarded) plus federal Pell Grant (for qualifying students) can make FAMU effectively free or near-free. This combination is one of the strongest in-state value plays in Florida.

What FAMU Weighs Beyond Test Scores

FAMU's holistic review weights both academic and personal factors. In rough order of weight:

1. Recalculated GPA. FAMU recalculates GPA from academic core courses. This is the GPA used for both admission and scholarship decisions.
2. Standardized test scores. Required, used in admission and pinned to specific scholarship thresholds.
3. Course rigor. AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment, or honors coursework is weighted in the holistic review. Florida has unusually robust dual-enrollment infrastructure, which can substantially boost rigor signal.
4. Class rank, when reported. FAMU's admissions guidance explicitly notes class rank as a "very important" factor when high schools provide it.
5. Letters of recommendation. Considered "very important" by FAMU admissions officials, which is unusual for a public university. A specific, substantive letter from a teacher or counselor who knows you well outperforms a polished generic one.
6. Activities and personal essay. Cohesive narrative about fit with FAMU's mission, leadership, and community engagement carries weight.

FAMU does not require interviews for the standard application. Engineering applicants applying to the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering may have additional supplements specific to that program.

A Realistic Prep Plan for FAMU-Level Scores

If FAMU is your target and your current practice SAT is 1020 or ACT is 19, here is a workable pathway to the admit middle 50 (and Bright Futures qualification):

1. Sophomore spring to junior summer. Take one timed official Bluebook SAT and one ACT. Pick whichever scores higher in percentile. Consider the CLT if your strengths align with classical reading and quantitative reasoning.
2. Junior fall. Begin structured prep, two to three hours per week, with full timed tests every two to three weeks. Focus on your weakest section first.
3. Junior spring. First official sitting. Lock in your strongest section. Florida residents should aim for at least a 1190 SAT or 24 ACT to qualify for FMS.
4. Summer before senior year. Heavy prep window. Push toward FAS thresholds (1330 SAT or 29 ACT) for full Bright Futures, and toward Distinguished Scholars territory (1440 SAT or 32 ACT) if your GPA is at or near 4.0.
5. September or October of senior year. Second official sitting before the November 1 EA deadline. A third sitting is possible for the February 1 priority deadline.

Score targets to anchor on: 1080 SAT or 22 ACT for the FAMU 25th admit percentile, 1150 SAT or 25 ACT for the all-university admitted middle, 1190 SAT or 24 ACT for Bright Futures FMS, 1230 SAT or 27 ACT for the upper end of admits, 1330 SAT or 29 ACT for Bright Futures FAS, and 1440 SAT or 32 ACT for the Distinguished Scholars Award (with 4.0 GPA and 76 ALEKS math).

For adaptive practice, try the Larry Learns SAT platform or the Larry Learns ACT platform. If you are still deciding which test fits you, see our SAT vs ACT guide, and use the SAT score calculator to convert raw practice scores. For section-specific prep, our SAT math topics and ACT math topics guides break down what each test covers.

Frequently Asked Questions About FAMU SAT and ACT Scores

What is the average SAT score for FAMU?

Approximately 1150, based on a published admitted middle 50 of 1080 to 1230. The 25th percentile is 1080 and the 75th percentile is 1230. FAMU recalculates GPA from academic core courses, so a strong score paired with strong core grades is the most direct path to admission and merit aid.

What is the average ACT score for FAMU?

Approximately 25 composite, with a published admitted middle 50 of 22 to 27. A 27 puts you at the 75th percentile of admits and qualifies you for Bright Futures FAS (with required GPA and service hours).

What are FAMU's SAT requirements?

FAMU requires the SAT, ACT, or CLT for first-year applicants per Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002. There is no published minimum, but the admitted middle 50 SAT range is 1080 to 1230. Self-reported scores are accepted at application; official scores are required after admission.

What are FAMU's ACT requirements?

FAMU requires either the ACT, SAT, or CLT for first-year applicants. The admitted middle 50 ACT composite is 22 to 27. The Distinguished Scholars Award requires a 32 ACT minimum.

Does FAMU accept the CLT?

Yes. FAMU accepts the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative to the SAT or ACT. The admitted middle 50 CLT composite is 61 to 73 out of 120. The CLT is accepted under the same Florida Board of Governors policy as the SAT and ACT.

Is FAMU test-optional?

No. FAMU is a member of the State University System of Florida and is governed by Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002, which requires first-year applicants to submit an SAT, ACT, or CLT score. The FAMU admissions page explicitly states "Florida A&M is not Test Optional."

What GPA do I need for FAMU?

FAMU does not publish an absolute minimum GPA. The recalculated weighted core middle 50 GPA is 3.69 to 4.24. The Distinguished Scholars Award requires a 4.0 recalculated GPA. Bright Futures FMS requires a 3.00 weighted GPA; FAS requires 3.50.

What is FAMU's acceptance rate?

The Fall 2024-25 acceptance rate was approximately 20.6 percent: about 4,678 admits from 22,756 applications, with 1,429 enrolled. FAMU is one of the more selective Florida SUS schools by admit rate, despite a lower test middle 50 than the Florida flagships. The selectivity reflects smaller class size and stronger weighting of fit, recommendations, and academic narrative.

When is the FAMU application deadline?

Early Action is November 1 (materials due November 14, decisions December 12). Regular Decision (Priority) is February 1 (materials due February 14, decisions March 12). Rolling admission is open through May 1. Applying by February 1 preserves full scholarship consideration.

Is FAMU an HBCU?

Yes. FAMU was founded in 1887 and is the only public Historically Black College or University in the State University System of Florida. It is consistently ranked among the top public HBCUs in the country. FAMU's HBCU mission and culture are a defining feature of the campus experience, including the Marching 100 band and a long tradition of Black academic and professional excellence.

What is the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering?

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is a jointly operated engineering school shared between FAMU and Florida State University. Engineering applicants apply to the joint program, with degrees conferred by either FAMU or FSU depending on enrollment. The joint structure gives engineering students access to a research-intensive faculty drawn from both universities.

What scholarships does FAMU offer?

FAMU offers the Distinguished Scholars Award (4.0 GPA, 32 ACT or 1440 SAT, 76 ALEKS), the Life-Gets-Better Scholarship through the Presidential Scholarship Program (highly competitive), FAMU National Alumni Association scholarships, and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering awards. Florida residents also stack Florida Bright Futures (FAS at 100 percent tuition or FMS at 75 percent tuition) on top of FAMU institutional aid.

What is the Distinguished Scholars Award?

FAMU's top merit award for incoming freshmen. Requires a 4.0 recalculated GPA, a 32 ACT or 1440 SAT, a 76 on the ALEKS math placement, and U.S. citizen or permanent resident status. The award is competitive with limited slots and is not guaranteed even for students who meet all minimum thresholds.

How does FAMU compare to other Florida State University System schools?

FAMU's admit rate (~21 percent) is one of the most selective in the Florida SUS, while its admitted SAT middle 50 (1080 to 1230) sits below FAU (1090 to 1280), USF, UCF, FSU (1370 to 1460), and UF (1380 to 1510). The combination reflects a smaller class size, strong fit emphasis, and unique HBCU mission rather than test-pinned selectivity. All Florida SUS schools require the SAT, ACT, or CLT under the same state regulation.