Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Tulane University scored about 1400 to 1520 on the SAT, with an average of 1448. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1400 or lower and a quarter scored 1520 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Tulane at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1400 to 1520 | Average: 1448
Reading and Writing: 700 to 750 | Math: 700 to 770
ACT middle 50%: 31 to 34
Admission rate: 14%
Tulane SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 700 | 750 |
| Math | 700 | 770 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1400 | 1520 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Tulane require the SAT?
No. Tulane says the SAT or ACT remains optional for fall 2027 first-year and transfer admission. But Tulane made two changes for fall 2027:
- Pathways to Medicine: SAT or ACT scores are now required for this invitation-only program, which admits students to Newcomb-Tulane College and the School of Medicine at the same time.
- Academic merit scholarships: test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, A levels and others) are now a preferred credential. They do not affect need-based aid or artistic, athletic or service scholarships.
- Tulane’s own advice: consider submitting if you have 1300 or higher on the SAT, assuming a strong academic record.
- Official scores: only admitted students who enroll send them, within three weeks of the deposit.
- SAT code: 6832.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Tulane’s middle 50% is about 1400 to 1520 among students who sent scores, and Tulane says 1300 or higher may strengthen your application. Tulane also says most enrolling students in the Class of 2028 did not submit scores, so applying without one is common there.
If you want an academic merit scholarship at Tulane, scores now carry more weight, so a score of 1400 or higher is worth sending. Tulane students score evenly across sections: Reading and Writing 700 to 750, Math 700 to 770.
Where do you stand against Tulane’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 750 (Reading and Writing) and 770 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Tulane’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Tulane?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1400 to 1520.
What is the average SAT score at Tulane?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1448.
Does Tulane require the SAT?
No. Tulane is test-optional for fall 2027, suggests sending scores of 1300 or higher, and prefers scores for academic merit scholarships. Pathways to Medicine requires them.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Tulane University of Louisiana (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Tulane Admission, Standardized Tests.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Tulane?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1400 to 1520.
What is the average SAT score at Tulane?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1448.
Does Tulane require the SAT?
No. Tulane is test-optional for fall 2027, suggests sending scores of 1300 or higher, and prefers scores for academic merit scholarships. Pathways to Medicine requires them.