A "good" ACT score depends entirely on where you are applying. A 25 is excellent for many state universities but would not be competitive at an Ivy League school. A 30 puts you in the 94th percentile nationally but sits at the bottom edge of the range for top-25 colleges.
This guide gives you concrete score targets organized by college tier, so you can stop wondering "is my score good enough?" and start planning with a specific number in mind.
The Short Answer
The national average ACT composite for the class of 2025 is 19.4. Any score above 20 puts you ahead of the majority of test-takers. But "above average" and "good enough for your target school" are two very different things. For a full breakdown of how the 1-36 scale works, see our ACT score range guide.
ACT Score Targets by College Tier
The most useful way to define a "good" score is to compare it against the middle 50% range of your target schools. The middle 50% means the 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students. If your score falls within that range, you are competitive. If it is above the 75th percentile, your score is a strength in your application.
Ivy League and Top 10
Target: 33+. For the most selective schools in the country, you generally need a 33 or higher to be within the middle 50%. A 35 or 36 makes your score a genuine strength in the application.
Top 25
Target: 32+. Most top-25 schools start their middle 50% at 32 or 33. A 34 puts you solidly in range for nearly all of them.
Top 50 / Selective
Target: 30+. A 30 gets your foot in the door at most top-50 schools. A 32-33 puts you in the comfortable middle of the range.
State Flagships
Target: 27-30. Most competitive state flagships have their 25th percentile around 27-29. A 30 puts you comfortably in the upper half at nearly all of them.
ACT Scores and Scholarships
Many state universities offer automatic merit scholarships based on ACT scores. The University of Alabama has one of the most transparent scholarship grids in the country:
Alabama is not unique. Many state universities across the country offer automatic merit aid starting around ACT 25, with award amounts increasing at each score threshold. A few extra points on the ACT can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money over four years. All scholarships above require a minimum 3.5 GPA in addition to the ACT score.
Is a 30 Good on the ACT?
Yes. A 30 puts you at the 94th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 94% of test-takers. A 30 is competitive for most top-50 schools, comfortably above the range for state flagships, and typically qualifies for significant merit scholarships. It is below the typical middle 50% for Ivy League schools (which start at 33+), but it is a strong score by any national standard.
Is a 25 Good on the ACT?
A 25 is the 83rd percentile. You scored higher than five out of six test-takers. It is nearly 6 points above the national average and competitive at many state universities and less selective private colleges. For competitive state flagships (U of Michigan, UVA), it falls below the middle 50%, so you would want to aim higher if those are your target schools. A 25 also unlocks merit aid at a number of state schools.
Is a 20 Good on the ACT?
A 20 is the 63rd percentile, just above the national average of 19.4. It meets the College Readiness Benchmark for English (18) but falls short of Math (22), Reading (22), and Science (23). A 20 is competitive for many state universities with open or moderate admissions. If your target schools have higher requirements, focused preparation can close the gap. See our ACT prep guide for a study plan.
How to Improve Your ACT Score
If your current score does not meet your target, here is the most efficient path:
- Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your weakest sections. Your biggest gains will come from the section where you are furthest below your target. Our practice quizzes can help you identify those areas quickly.
- Focus on one section at a time. Trying to improve everything simultaneously spreads your effort thin. Pick the section with the most room for improvement and drill it for 2-3 weeks before moving on.
- Use superscoring to your advantage. ACT officially reports superscores, and many colleges accept them. If you scored well on English and Reading but struggled with Math, you can retake and focus your prep on Math. Your best section scores across all test dates get combined.
- Plan for 2-3 test dates. Students who took the ACT more than once gained an average of 2.4 composite points through superscoring. Your first attempt is data. Your second and third are where the gains happen.
For section-specific strategies, check out our guides on ACT English, ACT Math, ACT Reading, and ACT Science. If you are deciding between the ACT and SAT, our SAT vs ACT comparison breaks down the differences.
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, with Science becoming optional. ACT states that scores under the new format are comparable to scores under the old format. The 1-36 scale, College Readiness Benchmarks, and percentile ranks remain the same. The college-tier targets above apply to both the legacy and enhanced ACT.
Frequently Asked Questions About Good ACT Scores
What is a good ACT score?
It depends on your goals. For the national average, anything above 20 is above the middle. For competitive state schools, aim for 27-30. For top-50 private universities, target 30-33. For Ivy League and top 10, you need 33 or higher.
What ACT score do I need for a scholarship?
Many state universities offer automatic merit scholarships starting around ACT 25 with a 3.5+ GPA. Higher scores unlock larger awards. A 32 at the University of Alabama, for example, qualifies for $28,000 per year in out-of-state merit aid.
Is a 30 good enough for Ivy League?
A 30 is the 94th percentile nationally, but it falls below the middle 50% for most Ivy League schools (which typically start at 33). A 30 would not rule you out, especially with a strong overall application, but your ACT would not be a strength in the applicant pool.
What percentile is a 25 on the ACT?
A 25 is the 83rd percentile. You scored higher than 83% of test-takers. It is a strong score for many state universities and unlocks merit aid at a number of schools.
Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?
If your score is below your target school's middle 50% range, yes. Most colleges superscore the ACT, meaning they combine your best section scores across all test dates. Students who retake gain an average of 2.4 points through superscoring. Plan for 2-3 attempts with focused prep between each.
Does the enhanced ACT change what counts as a good score?
No. ACT has confirmed that scores on the enhanced format (3-section composite) are designed to be interchangeable with scores on the legacy format (4-section composite). The same percentile ranks and college-tier targets apply.
