How does your ACT® Test score compare? When you receive your ACT® Test score, you might wonder how your score compares to other students in your state or nationwide. So what is the average ACT® Test score, and how does yours compare?
The latest scoring data (2023) shows that the average composite score on the ACT® Test is 19.5 . By section, the national averages are:
English average score: 18.6
Math average score: 19.0
Reading average score: 20.1
Science average score: 19.6
This data can help you understand where your score ranks. If you score a 20, that means you’re slightly above the 50th percentile and roughly 50% of test takers scored higher than you and 50% scored lower.
This chart shows the latest data for average ACT® Test scores by state. An important factor is the percentage of students who take the test in a particular state. In a state where the ACT® Test is mandated for all high school juniors, overall scores might be lower since everyone takes the ACT® Test. Whereas, in other states, students might only take the ACT® Test to use their scores in college applications, or students in a particular state may primarily take the SAT instead.
| State | % taking the ACT® Test | Average Score |
| Alabama | 100 | 18 |
| Alaska | 15 | 20.2 |
| Arizona | 98 | 17.7 |
| Arkansas | 96 | 18.6 |
| California | 4 | 25.7 |
| Colorado | 9 | 24.5 |
| Connecticut | 8 | 26.4 |
| Delaware | 4 | 24.8 |
| District of Columbia | 17 | 26 |
| Florida | 46 | 18.9 |
| Georgia | 28 | 21.3 |
| Hawaii | 64 | 17.9 |
| Idaho | 23 | 23 |
| Illinois | 16 | 24.5 |
| Indiana | 8 | 22.9 |
| Iowa | 48 | 20.8 |
| Kansas | 74 | 19.4 |
| Kentucky | 100 | 18.7 |
| Louisiana | 100 | 18.2 |
| Maine | 2 | 24.8 |
| Maryland | 7 | 24.5 |
| Massachusetts | 8 | 26.4 |
| Michigan | 7 | 24.4 |
| Minnesota | 68 | 20.8 |
| Mississippi | 100 | 19.8 |
| Missouri | 66 | 19.8 |
| Montana | 98 | 19.3 |
| Nebraska | 96 | 19.4 |
| Nevada | 100 | 17.3 |
| New Hampshire | 5 | 25.7 |
| New Jersey | 10 | 24.6 |
| New Mexico | 14 | 19.8 |
| New York | 9 | 25.3 |
| North Carolina | 90 | 18.5 |
| North Dakota | 96 | 19.2 |
| Ohio | 82 | 19.4 |
| Oklahoma | 100 | 17.8 |
| Oregon | 13 | 20.9 |
| Pennsylvania | 6 | 23.9 |
| Rhode Island | 5 | 24.5 |
| South Carolina | 40 | 18.8 |
| South Dakota | 59 | 21.1 |
| Tennessee | 100 | 18.4 |
| Texas | 23 | 19.3 |
| Utah | 90 | 19.2 |
| Vermont | 6 | 23.6 |
| Virginia | 8 | 24.6 |
| Washington | 6 | 24.5 |
| West Virginia | 26 | 20.3 |
| Wisconsin | 93 | 19.4 |
| Wyoming | 100 | 19 |
| National | 37 | 19.2 |
Want to compare your state’s scores with another state? The most accurate comparisons will exist between states that have similar percentages of students taking the ACT® Test each year.
While the average ACT® Test score can be a good benchmark to help you see where you stand compared to other students, especially in your state, it shouldn’t be your goal.
Start by looking at the colleges you want to attend. If the admissions requirement at your top school is a 22 , then you don’t want to settle for an average ACT® Test score of 20.3. Even then, that can only be your final goal if you are looking to pay full price for college.
Set a realistic but ambitious goal for yourself. For some, that might be the state or national average ACT® Test score. Others might have higher goals. If your ACT® Test score is too low to receive any merit-based aid at your dream school, add a few more schools to your list!
Remember that you are your own biggest competition. Your goal should be to work your hardest to get your best score. That means preparing well, taking practice tests, and taking the ACT® Test multiple times. Don’t compare yourself to your classmates or siblings.
Keep taking the test. Most people earn their best score the third or fourth time they take the ACT® Test. So don’t stop with your first (or even second) score! Keep working hard and pushing yourself to see how you can improve.
Whether you’re looking to improve your below-average score to above-average or to get into your best-fit college (and win those scholarship dollars!), OTC’s Prep for the ACT® Test can help. Learn more on our website.