North Dakota ACT Scores Rise for Class of 2026
The state's average composite score reached 20.1, surpassing the national average for the same graduating class.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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North Dakota students in the Class of 2026 recorded an average ACT composite score of 20.1. This performance outperforms the 2026 national average of 19.2, despite a decrease in overall student participation.
Why it matters
The improved scores reflect a broader statewide trend toward prioritizing advanced coursework and career-aligned assessments. Educators point to increased student engagement in dual-credit programs as a primary factor in these performance gains.
North Dakota high schoolers achieved an average ACT composite score of 20.1, a rise from 19.4 the previous year. Additionally, district dual-credit participation reached 84.8 percent in 2026, while 94.4 percent of students achieved WorkKeys Silver status or higher.
The details
A total of 5,315 students sat for the exam in 2026, a decline from the 7,100 students who participated in 2025. While the ACT is not a mandatory assessment in the state, participation in supplemental programs like the ACT Fee Waiver Program currently sits at 3.1 percent.
Timeline
The Class of 2025 took the ACT in 2025.
The Class of 2026 took the ACT in 2026.
Results for the graduating class were released the week of October 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
The push toward college readiness and dual-credit programs marks a shift in North Dakota toward prioritizing specialized academic pathways over standardized test universality. This evolution mirrors a national trend where states move to emphasize career-aligned assessments like the WorkKeys certification.
Students and families should note that with dual-credit participation at 84.8 percent, early college credit remains a primary pathway for academic advancement in the state. Prospective graduates can utilize the ACT Fee Waiver Program if they meet eligibility requirements for subsidized testing.
The takeaway
The rise in composite scores highlights the growing importance of dual-credit enrollment as a metric for academic success. Families are encouraged to explore district-specific career assessments to maximize their student's college readiness portfolio.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in the North Dakota Secondary Education section.
More information
View the full report of the 2026 Graduating Class results for additional state data.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ND News Cooperative.
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