Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Average ACT Score by State
Wondering how your ACT score compares to that of other test-takers? While average scores shouldn’t be your only gauge of success, they can serve as good benchmarks to aim for. In this guide, we’ll discuss average ACT scores at both the national and state level.
See also: Average SAT Score by State
What is the national average ACT score?
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36. The national average ACT score is 20.6, but it doesn’t stop there. There’s also average scores for each section of the test. These include English, Math, Reading, and Science. Here’s a breakdown of average scores for each section at the national level:
| Test Section | National Average Scores in 2020 |
| Composite (Total) Score | 20.6 |
| English | 19.9 |
| Math | 20.2 |
| Reading | 21.2 |
| Science | 20.6 |
Average ACT scores by state
Average ACT scores vary from state to state. A key factor to keep in mind is participation rate, which is the percentage of students in the state that take the ACT. States with higher participation rates typically have lower scores because the pool of test-takers is larger.
Meanwhile, states with lower participation rates generally have higher scores. Because of this, scores between states can only be accurately compared when the participation rates are similar. For instance, Oregon (42%) and Georgia (43%) can be compared accurately.
Here are the average ACT scores by state in 2020, according to American College Testing:
| State | Participation Rate | Average Composite Score |
| Alabama | 100% | 18.8 |
| Alaska | 33% | 20.1 |
| Arizona | 71% | 19.1 |
| Arkansas | 100% | 19 |
| California | 19% | 23.3 |
| Colorado | 25% | 23.7 |
| Connecticut | 19% | 25.9 |
| Delaware | 11% | 24.2 |
| District of Columbia | 33% | 23.1 |
| Florida | 46% | 20.6 |
| Georgia | 43% | 21.7 |
| Hawaii | 82% | 18.5 |
| Idaho | 28% | 22.7 |
| Illinois | 31% | 24.7 |
| Indiana | 25% | 22.6 |
| Iowa | 68% | 21.1 |
| Kansas | 82% | 20.4 |
| Kentucky | 100% | 19.5 |
| Louisiana | 100% | 18.7 |
| Maine | 5% | 24.9 |
| Maryland | 19% | 23.8 |
| Massachusetts | 18% | 26 |
| Michigan | 17% | 24.6 |
| Minnesota | 92% | 21.3 |
| Mississippi | 100% | 18.2 |
| Missouri | 78% | 20.7 |
| Montana | 100% | 19.9 |
| Nebraska | 100% | 19.9 |
| Nevada | 100% | 17.9 |
| New Hampshire | 12% | 25.7 |
| New Jersey | 23% | 24.4 |
| New Mexico | 56% | 19.3 |
| New York | 20% | 24.9 |
| North Carolina | 100% | 18.8 |
| North Dakota | 94% | 19.6 |
| Ohio | 100% | 19.9 |
| Oklahoma | 100% | 18.7 |
| Oregon | 42% | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | 15% | 23.7 |
| Rhode Island | 11% | 24.8 |
| South Carolina | 76% | 18.4 |
| South Dakota | 70% | 21.7 |
| Tennessee | 100% | 19.3 |
| Texas | 38% | 20.2 |
| Utah | 100% | 20.2 |
| Vermont | 23% | 23.3 |
| Virginia | 19% | 24.4 |
| Washington | 20% | 22.9 |
| West Virginia | 38% | 20.9 |
| Wisconsin | 100% | 20.1 |
| Wyoming | 100% | 19.7 |
What is a good ACT score?
We’ve discussed average scores, but what is a good ACT score? That depends on the schools you’re applying to and the type of scores they expect from applicants. To get an idea of what you should aim for, check the average scores of the colleges you’re considering. The more selective the school, the higher the average score will be.
A great way to evaluate your score is to look at percentile ranks. Percentiles are numbers between 1 and 99 that indicate how your score compares to other test-takers. For instance, scoring in the 50th percentile means that you scored higher than or equal to 50% of other test-takers. Scoring in the 75th percentile of above will give you a great shot of admission at a variety of schools. But if you’re aiming for a top tier school like Harvard or Stanford, you’ll probably have to score in the 95th percentile or above.
In the end, you should set a realistic (but also ambitious) goal based on the ACT scores at your target schools. And regardless of the type of score you’re aiming for, the key to success is preparation. That means studying hard, taking practice tests, and taking the ACT multiple times if needed. If you do all that, you should have no trouble earning a good score and increasing your chances of admission.
Also see: 2021-2022 ACT test dates
Additional resources for students preparing for the ACT
If you’re getting ready for the ACT, you’re probably getting ready to enter the busiest part of the admissions process. The process can be overwhelming, but luckily, we’ve got resources at your disposal. We can help get you through the test taking process with a guide to when to take the SAT or ACT, and a guide to the differences between the two tests. You can also look at our guide to find the right test prep tutor. And if you don’t get the results you want, don’t fret. There are great college options for low test takers.
Once you’ve got your tests out of the way, you’ll be getting into your college application process. We’ve got answers on whether you should apply early action or early decision. We can also help you find financial safety schools, pick a college, and interpret your financial aid award letter. Good luck with the process, and don’t forget to check back if you have any questions!
