Average ACT Score: National Averages and Percentiles (2026)

The national average ACT composite score for the class of 2025 is 19.4, based on approximately 1.4 million test-takers. That number has been declining slowly over the past decade, down from 21.0 in 2015, though it has stabilized over the last two years.

This guide puts that average in context: what the section averages look like, how scores vary by state, where you fall in the percentile rankings, and what scores competitive colleges actually expect.

National Average ACT Scores (Class of 2025)

The most recent data comes from ACT's graduating class report for 2025.

Notice that the average student barely meets the English benchmark (18) and falls short of Math (22), Reading (22), and Science (23). Only about 30% of test-takers met three or more College Readiness Benchmarks, and roughly 43% met none at all.

For a deeper look at how the ACT is scored and what the 1-36 scale means, see our ACT score range guide.

ACT Score Percentiles

Your percentile tells you the percentage of test-takers who scored at or below your score. The table below is from ACT's official national ranks for 2025-2026.

Key takeaways: a 21 puts you at the 68th percentile (above average). A 24 reaches the 80th percentile. A 30 hits the 94th percentile. And a 34 or higher lands in the 99th percentile.

Want to check where your score falls? Use our score calculator.

Average ACT Scores by State

State averages vary dramatically, primarily because of participation rates. States where the ACT is mandatory (100% of students tested) have lower averages because the full range of students takes the test. States where the ACT is optional tend to have higher averages because only motivated, college-bound students self-select to take it.

Highest-Scoring States (Class of 2024)

Lowest-Scoring States (Class of 2024)

The pattern is clear: every state in the bottom group has mandatory testing. When all students take the ACT regardless of college plans, the average drops. When only self-selected, college-bound students take it, the average rises. Keep this in mind when comparing your score to state averages.

Full state-by-state data is available from ACT's official state scores page.

Historical Average ACT Scores (2015 to 2025)

The national average has dropped 1.6 points over the past decade. The sharpest single-year decline was 2021 to 2022 (a 0.5-point drop), widely attributed to pandemic-era learning disruption. The decline appears to have plateaued in 2024 and 2025 at 19.4.

Sources: NCES Fast Facts (through 2023), ACT graduating class reports (2024-2025).

What ACT Score Do You Need for College?

The "right" score depends entirely on where you are applying. Here are approximate ACT ranges for different college tiers based on recent admissions data:

These are general ranges. Always check the specific school's Common Data Set or admissions page for their most recent middle 50% ACT scores. If you are deciding between the ACT and SAT, our SAT vs ACT comparison can help.

Average ACT Scores by Gender

For the class of 2024, females scored slightly higher on composite (19.7 vs 19.4 for males), driven by stronger English (+1.0) and Reading (+0.9) performance. Males scored higher on Math (+0.6) and Science (+0.2). This pattern has been consistent for many years.

College Readiness Benchmark Attainment

ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks predict a 50% probability of earning a B or higher in the corresponding college course. For the class of 2023 (most detailed data available):

• Met all 4 benchmarks: 20.8%
• Met no benchmarks: 43.3%
• Met English benchmark (18): ~51%
• Met Math benchmark (22): ~29%
• Met Reading benchmark (22): ~40%
• Met Science benchmark (23): ~30%

Math and Science remain the sections where the largest share of students fall below the benchmark. If you are below the Math benchmark, targeted practice can make a significant difference. Our ACT Math prep guide covers the topics and strategies that matter most.

A Note on the Enhanced ACT (2025+)

Starting in 2025, the enhanced ACT calculates the composite from three sections (English, Math, Reading) instead of four. Science became optional and no longer affects the composite. ACT has stated that composites calculated with and without Science are "comparable" and "interchangeable," but no early data comparing the two approaches has been published yet. The first graduating class fully tested under the enhanced format will be the class of 2026.

Ready to see where you stand? Take a practice quiz covering the same skills tested on the ACT, or explore our section guides for English, Math, Reading, and Science.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average ACT Scores

What is the average ACT score?

The national average ACT composite for the class of 2025 is 19.4. The 50th percentile falls at approximately 18.

What ACT score is above average?

Any composite above 20 is above the national average. A 21 puts you at the 68th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about two-thirds of test-takers.

What is a good ACT score for college?

It depends on the school. For state flagships, aim for 24 to 30. For top 50 schools, target 28 to 33. For Ivy League and top 10, you generally need 33 or higher. Check each school's admissions data for their middle 50% range.

Why has the average ACT score been declining?

The national average has dropped from 21.0 in 2015 to 19.4 in 2025. Factors include more states mandating the ACT (bringing in students who otherwise would not take it), pandemic-era learning loss (the sharpest drop was in 2022), and changing student demographics. The decline appears to have stabilized.

Do state averages vary a lot?

Yes. States where the ACT is mandatory (like Nevada, Mississippi, Alabama) average around 17 to 18. States where it is optional (like Connecticut, Massachusetts, California) average around 26 to 27. The difference is almost entirely explained by participation rate, not educational quality.

How does the enhanced ACT affect averages?

Under the enhanced ACT (2025+), the composite is calculated from English, Math, and Reading only (Science is optional). ACT states that scores are comparable across the legacy and enhanced formats, but no early comparative data has been published yet.