Utah's average ACT score rises to 20.1 as state tests show gains
Utah led states that tested over 90% of graduates, while most subjects still fell short of benchmarks for half of test-takers.
Based on reporting by Deseret News. Read the original story →
Utah's class of 2026 posted an average composite ACT score of 20.1, up from 19.9 in 2025 and above the national average of 18.8, the Deseret News reported, citing the ACT. Utah administers the test free to all high school juniors. [1]
Among 16 states that tested more than 90% of graduates, Utah ranked first in average composite score, ahead of Wisconsin and Montana at 19.4, according to a Utah State Board of Education release. Students who retested averaged 25.8 on their superscores. Except in English, no ACT subject had more than half of Utah test-takers above benchmarks. [1]
State assessments also rose. The board reported that 45.4% of students were proficient in English language arts, up 1.5% from last year but below the 46.8% baseline from 2019. Math proficiency was 42.5%, up 1.2% from 2025 and still more than two points below 2019. Science reached 49.8%, a record high against a 2019 baseline of 47%. State Superintendent Molly Hart said in the board's release, "We are proud of the growth shown by Utah students, teachers and schools." [1]
More than half of high school students taking the Utah Aspire Plus assessment scored below proficiency in English, math and science, with math lowest at 34.5%, the Deseret News reported. [1]
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