Colleges for a 26 on the ACT

What colleges accept a 26 ACT score?

These colleges are a good match for you

If you've achieved a score of 26 on your ACTs, this places you squarely within the average range for accepted students at 533 U.S. colleges. This list features popular colleges where your application will likely be competitive, given their historical acceptance of students with a 26 ACT score. However, it's crucial to remember that a good ACT score is not the sole criterion for admission. In fact, may colleges are now test optional. It's equally significant to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) that aligns with the college's expectations for incoming students. The creation of this list is rooted in a comprehensive analysis of ACT scores from students admitted to all U.S. colleges

Is a 26 ACT good?

Yes, a score of 26 is very competitive. It situates you in the top 82nd percentile on the national scale, outperforming the majority of the 2 million ACT test takers. This score signifies your well above average performance in answering questions in the English, Math, Reading and Science sections of the exam. The ACT is scored out of a maximum of 36 and a minimum of 1, meaning your 26 score represents 72% of the total possible points. If a 26 does not meet the requirements of your preferred college, you might want to consider enrolling in a test prep course to potentially enhance your score.

Demographic comparisons for a 26

Let's examine how a 26 ACT score stacks up to the national averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 26 is 5.7 points (28%) higher than the average male ACT score of 20.3
  • Female: A 26 is 5.4 points (26%) higher than the average female ACT score of 20.6

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 26 is 4.3 points (20%) higher than the average white ACT score of 21.7
  • Black: A 26 is 9.7 points (60%) higher than the average black ACT score of 16.3
  • Hispanic: A 26 is 7.7 points (42%) higher than the average Hispanic ACT score of 18.3
  • Asian: A 26 is 1.1 points (4%) higher than the average Asian ACT score of 24.9
  • Pacific Islander: A 26 is 8.8 points (51%) higher than the average Pacific Islander ACT score of 17.2
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: A 26 is 9.1 points (54%) higher than the average American Indian/Alaska Native ACT score of 16.9
  • Two or more races: A 26 is 5.4 points (26%) higher than the average two or more races ACT score of 20.6

All groups

  • All Students: A 26 is 5.7 points higher than the average ACT score for all students of 20.3

What is the SAT equivalent to a 26 ACT score?

A 26 on the ACT translates to a 1240 on the SAT according to the concordance provided by the College Board and ACT. It's important to note that not all colleges disclose admission data for both the SAT and ACT. As such, we recommend checking our listings for each test to identify schools with similar academic profiles.

What percentile is a 26 ACT score?

Scoring a 26 on the ACT places you in the 82nd percentile nationwide. This implies that your performance surpassed 82% of all test takers. To put this in perspective, about 2 million students sit for the ACT each year. Thus, with your score, you've outperformed about 1,640,000 students placing you ahead of the majority with only 360,000 test takers achieving a higher score.

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ACT 26 Public Private 4 year

533 results nationwide

List of 26 ACT Colleges

Displaying 533 colleges where your 26 ACT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Hint: Filter by admission chance for 1,674 target schools (good chance), 288 reach (harder) schools and 2,640 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

The University of Texas at Austin
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T
Austin, TX

The University of Texas at Austin

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

29 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#14 Best Public Universities in America

  • 52,384enrollment
  • $17,434net price
  • 31%acceptance rate
  • 1230-1500SAT range
  • 26-33ACT range
  • 3.8Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance21%

Applications Due Dec 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Florida State University
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F
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

 

#3 Best Colleges in Florida

  • 44,161enrollment
  • $14,003net price
  • 25%acceptance rate
  • 1210-1370SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.7Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance17%

Applications Due Mar 1

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Arizona State University
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A
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University

Public 4 Year

5 reviews

24 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in Arizona

  • 80,065enrollment
  • $14,808net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 1100-1320SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.54Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance93%

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Penn State Main Campus
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P
University Park, PA

Penn State Main Campus

Public 4 Year

11 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Pennsylvania

  • 50,028enrollment
  • $26,747net price
  • 55%acceptance rate
  • 1210-1390SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance42%

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Michigan State University
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S
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in Michigan

  • 50,023enrollment
  • $22,803net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1360SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.72Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance83%

Compare Calculate my chances 
The University of Alabama
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A
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama

Public 4 Year

7 reviews

27 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in Alabama

  • 38,644enrollment
  • $20,592net price
  • 80%acceptance rate
  • 1130-1410SAT range
  • 23-31ACT range
  • 3.76Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance77%

Applications Due May 1

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University of Central Florida
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C
Orlando, FL

University of Central Florida

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

27 Average ACT Score

 

#3 Best Public Universities in Florida

  • 68,346enrollment
  • $13,108net price
  • 41%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1360SAT range
  • 25-29ACT range
  • 3.64Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance34%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
San Diego State University
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S
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

25 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Public Universities in California

  • 37,402enrollment
  • $13,017net price
  • 39%acceptance rate
  • 1090-1300SAT range
  • 22-29ACT range
  • 3.82Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance43%

Applications Due Nov 30

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Auburn University
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A
Auburn University, AL

Auburn University

Public 4 Year

9 reviews

27 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Public Universities in Alabama

  • 31,764enrollment
  • $25,271net price
  • 44%acceptance rate
  • 1220-1380SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.97Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance39%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of California Irvine
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C
Irvine, CA

University of California Irvine

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

29 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Public Universities in America

  • 35,937enrollment
  • $14,033net price
  • 21%acceptance rate
  • 1230-1430SAT range
  • 26-33ACT range
  • 3.75Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance13%

Applications Due Nov 30

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Wisconsin Madison
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W
Madison, WI

University of Wisconsin Madison

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

29 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#17 Best Public Universities in America

  • 48,956enrollment
  • $13,376net price
  • 49%acceptance rate
  • 1340-1510SAT range
  • 26-32ACT range
  • 3.88Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance34%

Applications Due Jan 15

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The University of Tennessee
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T
Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee

Public 4 Year

4 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

 

#1 Best Public Universities in Tennessee

  • 33,805enrollment
  • $21,880net price
  • 68%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1330SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.66Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance58%

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University of Kentucky
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K
Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

24 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 31,547enrollment
  • $18,693net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1290SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.59Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance96%

Applications Due Feb 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Texas A & M University College Station
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T
College Station, TX

Texas A & M University College Station

Public 4 Year

5 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

 

#21 Best Public Universities in America

  • 74,014enrollment
  • $20,375net price
  • 63%acceptance rate
  • 1150-1390SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.68Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance53%

Applications Due Dec 1

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University of Arizona
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A
Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

25 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Value in Arizona

  • 49,403enrollment
  • $17,075net price
  • 87%acceptance rate
  • 1140-1370SAT range
  • 21-29ACT range
  • 3.48Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance89%

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Colorado Boulder
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C
Boulder, CO

University of Colorado Boulder

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

29 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Colorado

  • 39,585enrollment
  • $21,836net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1390SAT range
  • 26-32ACT range
  • 3.68Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance69%

Applications Due Jan 15

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Texas State University
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T
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University

Public 4 Year

9 reviews

22 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#7 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 38,171enrollment
  • $14,120net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 980-1180SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 3.38Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance94%

Applications Due Jun 1

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Texas Tech University
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T
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University

Public 4 Year

8 reviews

25 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#4 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 40,378enrollment
  • $17,896net price
  • 67%acceptance rate
  • 1090-1280SAT range
  • 23-28ACT range
  • 3.76Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance72%

Compare Calculate my chances 

FAQs

Is a 26 a good ACT score?

Yes, a score of 26 is very competitive. The score puts you in the top 82nd percentile of those who take the test. Explore colleges you can get into with a 26 ACT score.

What colleges can I get into with a 26 ACT score?

The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University and Arizona State University are some of the best colleges that you have a competitive chance of getting into. Explore the full list: Colleges for a 26 ACT score.

What percentile is 26 on the ACT?

A 26 ranks in the top 82nd percentile of all students who take the ACT exam.

What is the equivalent SAT score to a 26 ACT?

A 26 converts to a 1240 on the SAT using College Board / ACT concordance tables. Explore the colleges: Colleges for a 1240 SAT score.