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.

University of Illinois at Chicago
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I
Chicago, IL

University of Illinois at Chicago

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

27 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Illinois

  • 33,747enrollment
  • $10,384net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 1110-1340SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.41Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance75%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
SUNY at Albany
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A
Albany, NY

SUNY at Albany

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

26 Average ACT Score

 

#7 Best Public Universities in New York

  • 16,658enrollment
  • $17,714net price
  • 68%acceptance rate
  • 1120-1320SAT range
  • 22-31ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance68%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of North Texas
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N
Denton, TX

University of North Texas

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#8 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 44,767enrollment
  • $15,283net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 1000-1240SAT range
  • 19-27ACT range
  • 3.46Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance86%

Applications Due Aug 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Grand Valley State University
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G
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

24 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#6 Best Public Universities in Michigan

  • 21,648enrollment
  • $17,105net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 960-1210SAT range
  • 21-27ACT range
  • 3.65Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance93%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of South Florida Main Campus
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S
Tampa, FL

University of South Florida Main Campus

Public 4 Year

4 reviews

26 Average ACT Score

 

#4 Best Public Universities in Florida

  • 49,600enrollment
  • $11,004net price
  • 44%acceptance rate
  • 1140-1330SAT range
  • 24-29ACT range
  • 3.64Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance44%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
West Virginia University
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W
Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University

Public 4 Year

4 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Value in West Virginia

  • 24,741enrollment
  • $12,202net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 1000-1220SAT range
  • 20-26ACT range
  • 3.45Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance93%

Compare Calculate my chances 
Elon University
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E
Elon, NC

Elon University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

27 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina

  • 7,123enrollment
  • $41,527net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1360SAT range
  • 25-30ACT range
  • 3.65Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance69%

Applications Due Jan 10

Compare Calculate my chances 
Boise State University
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B
Boise, ID

Boise State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Idaho

  • 26,115enrollment
  • $17,724net price
  • 84%acceptance rate
  • 1030-1210SAT range
  • 21-26ACT range
  • 3.37Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance92%

Applications Due Aug 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
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C
San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

29 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#7 Best Public Universities in California

  • 22,000enrollment
  • $19,184net price
  • 30%acceptance rate
  • 1220-1410SAT range
  • 26-32ACT range
  • 4.0Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance18%

Applications Due Nov 30

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Ball State University
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B
Muncie, IN

Ball State University

Public 4 Year

5 reviews

25 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#4 Best Public Universities in Indiana

  • 19,777enrollment
  • $12,615net price
  • 69%acceptance rate
  • 1090-1260SAT range
  • 23-28ACT range
  • 3.52Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance74%

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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N
Charlotte, NC

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

23 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#6 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

  • 29,551enrollment
  • $13,951net price
  • 80%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1290SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.57Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance87%

Applications Due Jun 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
The University of Texas at Dallas
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T
Richardson, TX

The University of Texas at Dallas

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 31,570enrollment
  • $13,555net price
  • 85%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1430SAT range
  • 24-32ACT range
  • 3.78Estimated Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance80%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Iowa
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I
Iowa City, IA

University of Iowa

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

25 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Public Universities in Iowa

  • 30,015enrollment
  • $19,587net price
  • 86%acceptance rate
  • 1130-1340SAT range
  • 22-28ACT range
  • 3.81Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance88%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Old Dominion University
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O
Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

24 Average ACT Score

 

#12 Best Public Universities in Virginia

  • 23,107enrollment
  • $16,098net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 1090-1250SAT range
  • 22-27ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance97%

Applications Due Feb 1

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

University of California Riverside

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

26 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#9 Best Public Universities in California

  • 26,809enrollment
  • $14,487net price
  • 69%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1280SAT range
  • 22-31ACT range
  • 3.84Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance69%

Applications Due Nov 30

Compare Calculate my chances 
Chapman University
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C
Orange, CA

Chapman University

Private 4 Year

5 reviews

28 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Private Colleges in California

  • 10,014enrollment
  • $45,033net price
  • 73%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1400SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance62%

Applications Due Jan 15

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College of Charleston
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C
Charleston, SC

College of Charleston

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

27 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#4 Best Public Universities in South Carolina

  • 10,885enrollment
  • $21,120net price
  • 76%acceptance rate
  • 1130-1300SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.94Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance72%

Applications Due Jan 15

Compare Calculate my chances 
Quinnipiac University
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Q
Hamden, CT

Quinnipiac University

Private 4 Year

5 reviews

26 Average ACT Score

Test Optional

#6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut

  • 8,788enrollment
  • $39,051net price
  • 84%acceptance rate
  • 1120-1300SAT range
  • 24-29ACT range
  • 3.39Avg GPA
Your 26 ACT
Admission Chance84%

Applications Due Feb 1

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.