Exploring average ACT scores by state

Every 5 years, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) releases comprehensive data on ACT scores, providing us with a complete picture of each state’s performance. We broke down average ACT scores and the percentage of graduates taking the ACT in 2017 and compared these values with scores and participation rates from 2013.

Read on to learn more about which states require students to take the ACT, changes in how many students took the ACT exam, and the average ACT score by section for students from each state. Let’s dig in!

National Snapshot

The American College Test (ACT) is a leading standardized exam for U.S. college and university admissions, widely recognized for its comprehensive coverage and unique ACT score range of 1-36 for each section. The ACT score chart evaluates performance across 4 core sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science (optional, but recommended for STEM programs), with each section contributing equally to the composite ACT score. The average of the four section scores is used to calculate a student's total ACT score, forming the basis of the ACT average score colleges use in admissions decisions.

Looking at recent data, the average ACT score in the U.S. in 2017 stood at 21.0, showing a slight increase compared to the ACT average score of 20.9 reported in 2013. Section-by-section, the average ACT English, Math, Reading, and Science scores were 20.2, 20.9, 21.1, and 20.7 in 2017, respectively. Trends indicate marginal improvements in English, Reading, and Science since 2013. ACT Math scores, though, averaged slightly lower than in previous years. Students and educators monitor these shifts to better understand what constitutes a good ACT score each year.

In addition to performance changes, the percentage of high school graduates taking the ACT grew from 52% to 56% over this period. This expansion further affects what is considered a good score on the ACT each year, as institutions continually assess ACT scores based on national trends and published ACT average scores.

Where is the ACT required?

According to the data, state ACT requirements are becoming more common. 10 states started requiring all of their students to take the ACT exam, and only 2 states removed the requirement. 17 states now require all of their students to take the ACT exam.

7 states already had 100% ACT participation in their student population and stayed that way:

• Colorado
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• North Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Wyoming

10 states had their ACT participation increase to 100% of their student population:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Wisconsin

2 states had their ACT participation decrease from 100% of their student population:

• Illinois
• Michigan
  
  

Which states had the largest increase in ACT test takers?

The ACT tends to be more popular in southern and midwestern states. Nevada had the most significant rise in ACT test takers between the two periods, with a 68% increase in just four years. States that made the ACT required saw the largest increases in ACT participation. Hawaii and Alaska both saw their participation skyrocket, even without requiring the exam. All in all, 32 states saw their ACT participation increase between 2013 and 2017, and only nine saw their ACT participation decline.

The states with the largest increase in their ACT participation among their students were:

1. Nevada: 68% (became required)
2. Hawaii: 50%
3. South Carolina: 49% (became required)
4. Wisconsin: 29% (became required)
5. Montana: 28% (became required)
6. Alaska: 28%
7. Missouri: 26% (became required)
8. Minnesota: 26% (became required)
9. Oklahoma: 25% (became required)
10. Alabama: 22% (became required)

Which states had the largest decrease in ACT test takers?

Michigan saw the most considerable reduction in ACT test takers by far, with a 71% decrease after they removed the requirement. Illinois also removed the ACT requirement, but “Land of Lincoln” students seemed happier taking the ACT: Illinois only saw a 7% decrease in participation. Idaho, conversely, posted a significant reduction of 11% without any change in requirements, showing that the ACT is falling out of favor in that state. These were the only nine states that saw their ACT participation decrease between 2013 and 2017.

The states with the largest decrease in their ACT participation among their students were:

1. Michigan: -71% (removed requirement)
2. Idaho: -11%
3. Illinois: -7% (removed requirement)
4. District of Columbia: -6%
5. New Mexico: -4%
6. Indiana: -3%
7. Kansas: -2%
8. Florida: -1%
9. New Hampshire: -1%

Which states had the highest ACT scores?

New Hampshire stands out with the highest ACT composite score of any state, achieving an impressive average of 25.5. Recall that an ACT perfect score is 36. This remarkable result gives you an idea of what is considered a good ACT score among top-performing states. New England and the Northeast dominate the rankings, holding 9 of the top 10 spots for average ACT scores. Renowned for their robust public education systems, New England states’ commitment to academic excellence shines through in strong test day performances.

The composite scores below consistently hover around or above the 79th percentile nationally, which many educators consider to represent a competitive ACT score and a mark of achievement.

The list below illustrates which states posted the highest ACT scores across the country:

1. New Hampshire: 25.5 - the highest overall ACT score
2. Massachusetts: 25.4
3. Connecticut: 25.2
4. Maine: 24.3
5. District of Columbia: 24.2
6. New York: 24.2
7. Delaware: 24.1
8. Michigan: 24.1
9. Rhode Island: 24.0
10. New Jersey: 23.9

States ranking toward the top frequently produce average scores well above the national average and reflective of academic strength. High-performing areas not only achieve some of the highest scores on the ACT nationwide, but also set aspiring students’ benchmarks for what is an excellent result on this college admissions exam. For further insights into percentile breakdowns, review the ACT’s official percentile rankings, which outline what qualifies as a high ACT score to strive for each year.

Which states had the highest ACT English scores?

Connecticut leads the nation with the highest ACT English scores, achieving an impressive 25.5 average on the ACT English section. This remarkable performance highlights the value of consistent ACT English practice among students in the state. New England continues its dominance with many of the top ACT English scores nationwide. It’s no surprise, given the region’s rich literary history: many iconic American writers hailed from New England, and that tradition of excellence carries on today.

The states with the top ACT English scores were:

1. Connecticut: 25.5
2. New Hampshire: 25.4
3. Massachusetts: 25.4
4. District of Columbia: 24.4
5. Maine: 24.2
6. Delaware: 24.1
7. Michigan: 24.1
8. Rhode Island: 24.0
9. New York: 23.8
10. New Jersey: 23.8

These impressive ACT English averages demonstrate the importance of focused ACT English practice for students aiming to achieve a high or even a perfect ACT score.

Which states had the highest ACT Math scores?

Massachusetts stands out as the top-performing state for ACT Math, achieving the highest ACT Math average score of 25.3. Home to the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts is no stranger to rigorous ACT Math prep or challenging ACT Math questions. The Bay State consistently excels in maximizing student performance, which is reflected in its impressive ACT Math scores.

Not far behind, Massachusetts’ New England neighbors (New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine) also rank within the top 10 for ACT Math results. These states benefit from strong educational traditions that help students conquer even the most difficult ACT Math questions. New York and New Jersey, leading feeders for Wall Street and major finance sectors, demonstrate substantial achievement with students earning average ACT Math scores of 24.0 and 23.8, respectively. These high scores highlight the importance of consistent ACT Math prep and strategic preparation.

The states that scored the highest on the ACT Mathematics section were:

1. Massachusetts: 25.3.
2. New Hampshire: 25.1
3. Connecticut: 24.6.
4. Maine: 24.0
5. New York: 24.0
6. New Jersey: 23.8
7. Michigan: 23.7
8. District of Columbia: 23.5
9. Delaware: 23.4
10. Pennsylvania: 23.4

Whether aiming for the ACT max score or seeking improvement through targeted ACT Math practice and preparation, these top-performing states prove that dedicated use of ACT Math prep resources and frequent practice with ACT Math questions are key to excelling on the Mathematics section of the test.

Which states had the highest ACT Reading scores?

The New England trifecta of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut leads the nation with ACT Reading scores of 26.0, 25.9, and 25.6. Close behind, the District of Columbia impresses with a score of 24.9, while Maine and Delaware each achieve a solid 24.8. These consistently outstanding ACT Reading results underscore each state’s commitment to fostering reading proficiency through quality education and robust ACT Reading practice programs.

The states excelling in ACT Reading were:

1. New Hampshire: 26.0
2. Massachusetts: 25.9
3. Connecticut: 25.6
4. District of Columbia: 24.9
5. Maine: 24.8
6. Delaware: 24.8
7. Rhode Island: 24.7
8. New York: 24.6
9. Virginia: 24.6
10. Michigan: 24.5

Whether you’re looking to improve your own ACT reading practice or understand the educational environments that drive top ACT Reading scores, these states set a high standard for achievement in reading proficiency across the nation.

Which states had the highest ACT Science scores?

New Hampshire stands out on ACT Science practice performance, achieving the highest ACT Science score nationwide with a superb 24.9. Massachusetts and Connecticut follow closely with scores of 24.7 and 24.6. This trio leads the ACT Science practice rankings, and New England again dominates. New York and Michigan round out the top 5 with comparably strong scores. This section is less about the technical aspects of science and more about logical reasoning, so it’s fitting that the finance and automotive industry capitals are both high on this list.

The states that scored the highest on ACT Science practice were:

1. New Hampshire: 24.9
2. Massachusetts: 24.7
3. Connecticut: 24.6
4. New York: 23.9
5. Michigan: 23.8
6. Maine: 23.7
7. Delaware: 23.6
8. District of Columbia: 23.5
9. Virginia: 23.5
10. Rhode Island: 23.4

These results show that strong ACT Science practice skills are most evident in New England and surrounding states. Consistently high scores set a benchmark for effective science test preparation and logical reasoning across the country.

Which states had the lowest ACT scores?

Nevada scored the lowest on the ACT overall with a 17.8 average composite score, and had the lowest average ACT score in each of the four sections. Nevada also had the greatest negative change in all but one category.

A good portion of this change is likely because they went from 32% to 100% (required) participation. Many students who took the exam simply because they were mandated to do so may have been unprepared. All other states on this list, besides New Mexico and Hawaii, also required their students to take the ACT during this period. Hawaii also saw its participation increase from 40% to 90% and has one of the lowest ACT composite scores with 19.0. These numbers show a correlation between instituting an ACT requirement in a low-participation state and decreasing scores. Only New Mexico saw its ACT participation decrease out of these states, but it still landed in the top 10 lowest-scoring list with a composite score of 19.7. All of the average scores below are around or under the 55th percentile for ACT scores.

The states that scored the lowest on the ACT were:

1. Nevada: 17.8
2. Mississippi: 18.6
3. South Carolina: 18.7
4. Hawaii: 19.0
5. North Carolina: 19.1
6. Alabama: 19.2
7. Oklahoma: 19.4
8. Arkansas: 19.4
9. Louisiana: 19.5
10. New Mexico: 19.7

Which states had the lowest ACT English scores?

Nevada scored the lowest on the ACT English with an average score of 16.3, more than a whole point lower than the next lowest state, South Carolina, at 17.5. Similar to the list above, Nevada and many other states below transitioned to requiring the ACT between the two data periods. Only New Mexico, Arizona, and Alaska did not.

The states that scored the lowest on the ACT English were:

1. Nevada: 16.3
2. South Carolina: 17.5
3. Hawaii: 17.8
4. North Carolina: 17.8
5. Mississippi: 18.2
6. Oklahoma: 18.5
7. New Mexico: 18.6
8. Arizona: 18.6
9. Alaska: 18.7
10. Alabama: 18.9

Which states had the lowest ACT Math scores?

Nevada had the lowest ACT Mathematics score among all states, recording an average of 18.0. Not far behind, Mississippi posted an average ACT Math score of 18.1, also reflecting broader struggles in the ACT Math section. Most states listed here, except for Hawaii, recently shifted to require the ACT for all students, contributing to the sharp rise in test-taking percentages. This phenomenon likely led to more students not engaging in consistent ACT Math practice to take the test. Consequently, they were less prepared for rigorous ACT Math content and unable to excel.

The states consistently scoring the lowest on the ACT Mathematics section include:

1. Nevada: 18.0
2. Mississippi: 18.1
3. Alabama: 18.4
4. South Carolina: 18.6
5. Oklahoma: 18.8
6. Louisiana: 18.8
7. Arkansas: 19.0
8. Hawaii: 19.2
9. Tennessee: 19.2
10. North Carolina: 19.3

Ongoing ACT Math practice and adequate test preparation can help future students improve their performance and address the persistent gaps in ACT Mathematics scores across these states.

Which states had the lowest ACT Reading scores?

Nevada had the lowest ACT Reading score with an average of 18.1, a good bit lower than any other state on this list. Like the other categories with similar trends, 9 out of 10 states on this list had massive increases in ACT takers, including many who did not take it in the previous period. Arizona is the only state that did not dramatically increase its ACT test-taking population but still saw a bottom-ten average ACT Reading score of 20.1.

The states that scored the lowest on the ACT Reading were:

1. Nevada: 18.1
2. Mississippi: 18.8
3. South Carolina: 19.1
4. Hawaii: 19.2
5. North Carolina: 19.6
6. Alabama: 19.7
7. Arkansas: 19.7
8. Louisiana: 19.8
9. Oklahoma: 20.1
10. Arizona: 20.1

Which states had the lowest ACT Science scores?

Again, we see the same trend: most states on this list started requiring the ACT and saw a corresponding decrease in state-wide scores. The only surprise here is Florida, which had flat ACT participation but still came in the bottom 10 for the ACT Science with a 19.4 average score.

The states that scored the lowest on the ACT Science were:

1. Nevada: 18.2
2. Mississippi: 18.8
3. South Carolina: 18.9
4. Hawaii: 19.3
5. North Carolina: 19.3
6. Alabama: 19.4
7. Florida: 19.4
8. Arkansas: 19.5
9. Oklahoma: 19.6
10. Louisiana: 19.6
    
    

Which states saw the biggest score improvements on the ACT?

With an average ACT composite score increase of 4.2 points, Michigan saw a huge score improvement in most categories. Michigan’s increase in score could be driven by the fact that the state removed the requirement to take the exam, restricting the pool of test-takers to students who chose to take the ACT. Because of that, the real star here is the District of Columbia, which saw considerable gains in all categories and an impressive ACT composite score gain of 3.8 points while its ACT takers only slightly decreased. After DC, New England has a strong showing, followed by some states we haven’t seen yet (Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania). Here’s to the most improved!

The states that saw the biggest increase in their composite ACT scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Michigan: 4.2
2. District of Columbia: 3.8
3. New Hampshire: 1.7
4. Rhode Island: 1.3
5. Maryland: 1.3
6. Massachusetts: 1.3
7. Delaware: 1.2
8. Connecticut: 1.2
9. Virginia: 1.2
10. Pennsylvania: 1.0

Which states saw the biggest score improvements on the ACT English?

Michigan saw the largest increase in its ACT English scores, with an average improvement of 5.0 points. Following Michigan, the District of Columbia experienced a substantial 4.6-point rise in its average ACT English score, more than double the next highest gain. These impressive results highlight the impact that regular ACT English practice can have on student performance. Meanwhile, states in New England and the Northeast maintained their dominance on the ACT exam score leaderboard, recording some of the most significant improvements in English scores during this period.

The states that achieved major increases in their ACT English scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Michigan: 5.0
2. District of Columbia: 4.6
3. New Hampshire: 1.8
4. Delaware: 1.6
5. Rhode Island: 1.6
6. Massachusetts: 1.6
7. Connecticut: 1.5
8. Maryland: 1.5
9. New Jersey: 1.3
10. New York: 1.2

These notable gains reinforce the importance of dedicated ACT English practice for students who want to boost their ACT English scores and achieve higher exam results.

Which states saw the biggest score improvements on the ACT Mathematics?

Michigan had the biggest increase in its ACT Mathematics score, with an average improvement of 3.8 points. Following closely behind, the District of Columbia saw its ACT Mathematics scores increase by 3.0 points, further emphasizing the impact of comprehensive ACT Math prep programs. Rounding out the list are New England and East Coast states that have also been the most improved in other categories, showing that their commitment to improving ACT scores is multifaceted. Virginia stands out as well, appearing in the most improved category with a 0.8 average score increase on the ACT Mathematics.

The states that saw the biggest increase in their ACT Mathematics scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Michigan: 3.8
2. District of Columbia: 3.0
3. New Hampshire: 1.5
4. Massachusetts: 0.9
5. Rhode Island: 0.9
6. Virginia: 0.8
7. Maryland: 0.8
8. Connecticut: 0.7
9. Maine: 0.7
10. Delaware: 0.6

These results underscore how effective ACT Math prep can drive notable improvements in average ACT Mathematics scores, primarily when states invest in dedicated preparation resources and support for students aiming to excel on the ACT Math section.

Which states saw the biggest score improvements on the ACT Reading?

Many states dramatically increased their average ACT Reading scores, led by Michigan with an average score increase of 4.5 points, and the District of Columbia with an average score increase of 3.9 points. Following that, New Hampshire and Massachusetts also saw their ACT Reading scores increase by 1.8 and 1.5. Virginia again appears with an average score increase of 1.5, and new to our top-10 lists is Illinois, which saw the 10th-largest ACT Reading score increase with a gain of 1.2 points.

The states that saw the biggest increase in their ACT Reading scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Michigan: 4.5
2. District of Columbia: 3.9
3. New Hampshire: 1.8
4. Massachusetts: 1.5
5. Virginia: 1.5
6. Maryland: 1.5
7. Delaware: 1.4
8. Rhode Island: 1.4
9. Connecticut: 1.2
10. Illinois: 1.2

Which states saw the biggest score improvements on the ACT Science?

The District of Columbia saw the largest increase in its ACT Science scores in the nation, with an average score increase of 3.8 points. Michigan follows closely behind, with an average score increase of 3.6 points. Following that are the usual New England suspects and Virginia, which has another strong showing here. Newcomer Pennsylvania closes the list at number 10 with an ACT Science score increase of 1.1 points.

The states that saw the biggest increase in their ACT Science scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. District of Columbia: 3.8
2. Michigan: 3.6
3. New Hampshire: 1.7
4. Massachusetts: 1.5
5. Rhode Island: 1.4
6. Connecticut: 1.3
7. Virginia: 1.3
8. Maryland: 1.3
9. Delaware: 1.2
10. Pennsylvania: 1.1

Which states saw the biggest score deterioration on the ACT?

Nevada had the largest ACT composite score decrease, with -3.5, almost twice as large as the next state on the list, South Carolina. As we mentioned, the move to require the ACT likely drove this change for all states on the list except Hawaii and Alaska, which saw their ACT participation double in the last 5 years despite not having a state test requirement. In the short term, requiring participation in the ACT exam will probably lead to a decrease in scores overall as more people take the test. Over time, scores should rise as students get used to the expectation and are given the chance to improve their performance.

The states that saw the most considerable decrease in their composite ACT scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Nevada: -3.5
2. South Carolina: -1.7
3. Wisconsin: -1.6
4. Minnesota: -1.5
5. Oklahoma: -1.4
6. Alaska: -1.3
7. Missouri: -1.2
8. Alabama: -1.2
9. Hawaii: -1.1
10. Montana: -1.0

Which states saw the biggest score deterioration on the ACT English?

The biggest outlier here is Nevada, which saw a 4.1-point drop in English scores, a key contributor to its composite score decrease. This drop is far more than the rest of the list, even among other states that started requiring the ACT. Washington also shows up on the list with an average score decrease of -1.2 points, even with only a moderate increase of 8% in ACT participation.

The states that saw the largest decrease in their composite ACT scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Nevada: -4.1
2. South Carolina: -2.2
3. Oklahoma: -1.9
4. Wisconsin: -1.8
5. Minnesota: -1.8
6. Alabama: -1.6
7. Missouri: -1.6
8. Alaska: -1.4
9. Washington: -1.2
10. Hawaii: -1.2

Which states saw the biggest score deterioration on the ACT Mathematics?

Nevada saw twice the next largest score decrease in the ACT Mathematics section, with an average decline of -3.5 points. All of these states started requiring the ACT or saw massive increases in participation, which shows that the ACT Math is still a challenge for students who are not yet ready for it.

The states that saw the most considerable decrease in their composite ACT scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Nevada: -3.5
2. South Carolina: -1.7
3. Hawaii: -1.6
4. Wisconsin: -1.6
5. Minnesota: -1.6
6. Alaska: -1.4
7. Oklahoma: -1.3
8. Montana: -1.2
9. Alabama: -1.1
10. Missouri: -1.1

Which states saw the biggest score deterioration on the ACT Reading?

Nevada saw the largest decrease in ACT Reading scores in the nation, with an average decline of -3.6 points across all its students. This list is similar to the English list, with Nevada as an outlier and all states besides Washington seeing sizable increases in their ACT participation.

The states that saw the biggest decrease in their composite ACT scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Nevada: -3.6
2. South Carolina: -1.7
3. Wisconsin: -1.7
4. Alabama: -1.3
5. Alaska: -1.3
6. Minnesota: -1.3
7. Oklahoma: -1.3
8. Washington: -1.2
9. Missouri: -1.1
10. Montana: -0.9

Which states saw the biggest score deterioration on the ACT Science?

Nevada had the largest decrease in its ACT Science scores in the country, with an average decline of -2.9 points, over twice the next worst decline of -1.4 points in South Carolina. Nevada had the largest decrease in its ACT scores across all four sections of the ACT.

The states that saw the biggest decrease in their composite ACT scores between 2013 and 2017 were:

1. Nevada: -2.9
2. South Carolina: -1.4
3. Wisconsin: -1.3
4. Minnesota: -1.3
5. Oklahoma: -1.2
6. Alaska: -1.1
7. Missouri: -1.1
8. Alabama: -0.8
9. Montana: -0.7
10. Arkansas: -0.6
    
    

Conclusions

Wow! That’s a lot of data. To make it easy to digest, let’s summarize the main conclusions here:

• 32 states saw an increase in ACT participation, while only 9 saw a decrease. The remaining 9 were unchanged.
• 17 states now require the ACT for all students, with only 2 states that previously required it opting out
• Michigan saw the biggest increase in composite ACT scores with an average increase of 4.2 points. This is likely because the state removed the ACT requirement for all its students, so only those who wanted to sit for the ACT were taking it, reducing participation from 100% to 29%.
• The District of Columbia’s average ACT score increase of 3.8 is remarkable on its own. Unlike Michigan, it is especially compelling because the District did not see a significant change in the number of ACT test takers.
• The Northeast has 9 of the 10 states with the highest ACT composite scores. Kudos to them for a strong emphasis on education.
• Nevada was the lowest-scoring state on the ACT with a composite score of 17.8. The Silver State also had the largest decrease in composite ACT score of 3.5 points, twice the next largest decrease. This was likely due to an opposite effect as the change observed in Michigan: Nevada went from 32% of students taking the ACT to 100%, which means even those who were not comfortable with the test now had to take it. Nevada’s score deterioration was the highest across all four of the ACT sections, and was often more than twice as large as the next largest score decrease.
  • This shows that simply mandating a test isn’t enough to encourage academic achievement. Students need to be handed the tools to prepare and be test-ready. More experience with the exam through ACT practice tests, with a particular focus on ACT math practice, should help improve scores over time.
• Overall, the states with the lowest composite ACT scores and the most negative change in ACT scores either implemented test requirements or saw substantial increases in their ACT participation rate. This observation tells us that the initial impact of requiring everyone to take the ACT, including people who would have opted out of the test in previous years, is that scores will go down in the short term. We will be revisiting a new release of this dataset to see if scores recovered in the following years.

Whether you’re looking up your state to find out how its ACT performance compares to others or deciding where you want to move with a young family, we hope this was helpful. Stay tuned for more data-driven deep dives on the ACT exam and college admissions from Achievable!