What Is a Good ACT Score in 2026?
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A good ACT score is one that falls in or above the middle 50% range of admitted students at the colleges you are applying to. As a national reference, the average ACT composite for the class of 2025 was 19.4 out of 36. A composite of 24 or higher is above average, 28 or higher is competitive at many selective colleges, and the most selective colleges typically admit students scoring 33 to 35.
The national average
The ACT composite is scored from 1 to 36. According to ACT, the class of 2025 averaged a composite of 19.4, with section averages of 18.4 in English, 18.9 in Math, 20.0 in Reading and 19.6 in Science.
On the enhanced ACT, the composite is the average of English, Math and Reading only. Science is optional and reported separately.
Good ACT scores by type of college
These are rough ranges to help you plan. Always check the published middle 50% range for each college on your list.
| Type of college | Typical middle 50% ACT range | A strong target |
|---|---|---|
| Most selective (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT and similar) | About 33 to 35 | 34 or higher |
| Highly selective (top 50 national universities) | About 30 to 34 | 32 or higher |
| Selective state flagships and private colleges | About 25 to 31 | 29 or higher |
| Most other four-year colleges | About 19 to 25 | 24 or higher |
How to set your target score
- List the colleges you plan to apply to, including reach, match and likely schools.
- Look up the middle 50% ACT range for each one on its admissions page or Common Data Set.
- Set your target at or above the top of the range for the colleges you care about most.
- Take a full-length, timed practice test to find your starting score and the gap you need to close.