ACT is more than a test for many high school juniors and seniors. It determines the college admission and scholarship opportunities. Understanding the average ACT score can help students align their admission goals, and for educators, this can be the benchmark. Here is more information about the ACT score.
ACT Score Structure
The ACT features 4 sections and 1 optional section. Every section comes with a scaled score between 1 and 36. Here is the breakdown of all four sections.
| ACT Section | Score Range | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| English | 1–36 | Grammar, usage, and rhetorical skills |
| Math | 1–36 | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry |
| Reading | 1–36 | Comprehension, analysis |
| Science | 1–36 | Data interpretation, reasoning |
| Composite | 1–36 | Average of the above four |
| Writing (Optional) | 2–12 | Essay, not included in composite |
This structure makes the ACT straightforward, and every section carries equal weight, and the average reflects overall academic readiness.
Average ACT® Scores by State
The table below highlights average ACT® Test performance by state, alongside the percentage of students tested. Note that scores often reflect participation rates: when nearly all juniors are required to take the exam, averages may trend lower, while selective participation typically yields higher state averages.
| State | % of Students Tested | Average ACT® Score |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 100% | 18.0 |
| Alaska | 13% | 19.9 |
| Arizona | 100% | 17.7 |
| Arkansas | 95% | 18.5 |
| California | 3% | 26.5 |
| Colorado | 8% | 24.7 |
| Connecticut | 8% | 26.5 |
| Delaware | 4% | 25.0 |
| District of Columbia | 17% | 26.7 |
| Florida | 44% | 19.0 |
| Georgia | 27% | 21.2 |
| Hawaii | 62% | 17.7 |
| Idaho | 10% | 23.3 |
| Illinois | 14% | 24.5 |
| Indiana | 7% | 23.3 |
| Iowa | 43% | 21.0 |
| Kansas | 72% | 19.3 |
| Kentucky | 100% | 18.6 |
| Louisiana | 100% | 18.2 |
| Maine | 2% | 25.0 |
| Maryland | 6% | 24.7 |
| Massachusetts | 7% | 26.1 |
| Michigan | 6% | 24.5 |
| Minnesota | 66% | 20.7 |
| Mississippi | 100% | 17.7 |
| Missouri | 65% | 19.8 |
| Montana | 97% | 19.5 |
| Nebraska | 95% | 19.1 |
| Nevada | 100% | 17.2 |
| New Hampshire | 4% | 25.9 |
| New Jersey | 10% | 24.1 |
| New Mexico | 12% | 20.0 |
| New York | 8% | 25.4 |
| North Carolina | 89% | 18.5 |
| North Dakota | 87% | 19.6 |
| Ohio | 78% | 19.0 |
| Oklahoma | 100% | 17.6 |
| Oregon | 13% | 21.1 |
| Pennsylvania | 5% | 24.3 |
| Rhode Island | 4% | 25.4 |
| South Carolina | 40% | 18.7 |
| South Dakota | 58% | 21.1 |
| Tennessee | 100% | 18.8 |
| Texas | 22% | 19.4 |
| Utah | 89% | 20.0 |
| Vermont | 6% | 23.6 |
| Virginia | 8% | 24.8 |
| Washington | 5% | 24.5 |
| West Virginia | 22% | 20.4 |
| Wisconsin | 94% | 19.4 |
| Wyoming | 100% | 19.1 |
| National Average | — | 19.4 |
States with 100% participation, like Nevada, Alabama, and Kentucky, typically report lower acerages as scores represent all students, not just college-bound ones.
Low participation states like (California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts) have higher averages since the ACT® Test is mainly taken by strong test-takers. The Average Composite Score currently stands at 19.4, providing a benchmark for comparison.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
A good ACT score cannot be denied easily. A good score depends on your target college’s academic and scholarship goals. However, some clear benchmarks exist:
| ACT Score Range | Performance Level | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 30–36 | Excellent | Top 5%, highly competitive |
| 24–29 | Strong | Above-average, selective schools |
| 21–23 | Solid | Slightly above the national average |
| 19–20 | Average | Matches typical performance |
| 15–18 | Below average | Limits options, still workable |
| 1–14 | Low | Needs major improvement |
Students trying to apply to selective universities should view 30+ as a strong target. While those applying to regional or less competitive schools may find 22-24 sufficient.
Why the Average ACT Score Matters?
Understanding the average ACT score helps students and parents put results in context. If a student scores above or at the national average (around 19-20), they are already doing well compared to their peers. Scoring above 24 signals readiness for more competitive admissions. Averages help educators find gaps and support instruction. Also, knowing the average ACT score helps students to align their prep strategy with the ACT test dates 2025. From managing a study schedule to regular coursework, things will get less overwhelming.
One of the best ways to see where you stand against the national average is by taking an ACT practice test. Regular practice helps students track progress and set realistic score goals.
Average ACT Score by Subject
The breakdown of the scores by section offers a clear view:
| ACT Section | Average Score (2025) |
|---|---|
| English | 18.6 |
| Math | 19.0 |
| Reading | 20.3 |
| Science | 19.7 |
| Composite | 19.5 |
Students can also estimate their results using our ACT score calculator, which provides a clear idea of how section scores add up to the composite score.
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Reading tends to score slightly higher; on the other hand, English averages remain the lowest. This pattern shows how students often struggle with grammar and sentence structure, but do better with comprehension.
FAQs About the Average ACT Score
Let’s answer your question about the average ACT score.
What is the average ACT score in 2025?
The national average is 19.5, based on ACT’s most recent data.
What score is needed for top colleges?
Colleges are looking for scores in the 30–34 range, while moderately selective schools accept 24–29.
Is 20 a good ACT score?
Yes. Many public universities will accept A 20 as competitive, but not highly selective ones.
How many times can you take the ACT?
Students may take it up to 12 times, but most test-takers sit for it 2–3 times to improve their scores.
Does the writing section affect the ACT composite score?
No. There’s a separate writing test on a scale of 2–12, and it doesn’t affect the 1–36.
How do ACT scores compare with SAT scores?
Roughly, a 21 ACT equals a 1060 SAT, while a 30 ACT equals a 1370 SAT.
How do colleges view an average score?
Colleges view averages in the context of the whole. Several public and private universities accept scores that are average, but higher-ranked colleges and universities require scores that are significantly above average.
Bottom Line
The ACT remains a vital part of the admissions process, even as more schools adopt test-optional policies. The average ACT score of 19.5 gives students a baseline. However, what matters most is aligning scores with college goals. At Ivy Learning, we encourage families to see the ACT not as an obstacle but as a guide. We don’t just focus on improving ACT scores but helping students to learning skills that help beyond academics. By understanding averages, percentiles, and benchmarks, students can set realistic targets and pursue growth with clarity.
