26 ACT Schools - Best Colleges for 26 ACT Score 2026

A 26 ACT Score is Competitive (74th percentile). You are well above the national average (approx. 19.9). This score is the 'Sweet Spot' for most four-year public universities.

Common Data Set (CDS) Fact: According to Section C8 of the CDS, many institutions in this tier rank standardized tests as 'Considered' rather than 'Very Important.' Your GPA will carry more weight, but your 26 provides the necessary validation of your transcript.

Best Colleges for 26 ACT Score

Following is the list of best suited colleges with your 26 ACT Score.

Logo	College	State	ACT 25th Percentile	ACT 75th Percentile	Acceptance Rate	Status
Logo	College	State	ACT 25th Percentile	ACT 75th Percentile	Acceptance Rate	Status
	Hastings College	Nebraska	26	27	71.33%	SOLID MATCH
	Drew University	New Jersey	26	28	72.66%	SOLID MATCH
	Juniata College	Pennsylvania	26	30	76.16%	SOLID MATCH
	Miami University-Oxford	Ohio	26	30	87.92%	SOLID MATCH
	Marist College	New York	26	30	62.85%	SOLID MATCH
	Saint Anselm College	New Hampshire	26	30	82.3%	SOLID MATCH
	California Lutheran University	California	26	30	87.18%	SOLID MATCH
	Marquette University	Wisconsin	26	31	87.21%	SOLID MATCH
	Beloit College	Wisconsin	26	31	65.86%	SOLID MATCH
	Gonzaga University	Washington	26	31	69.74%	SOLID MATCH
	DigiPen Institute of Technology	Washington	26	31	66.37%	SOLID MATCH
	Texas Christian University	Texas	26	31	56.1%	SOLID MATCH
	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus	Pennsylvania	26	31	55.21%	SOLID MATCH
	Saint Joseph's University	Pennsylvania	26	31	88.68%	SOLID MATCH
	Le Moyne College	New York	26	31	78.28%	SOLID MATCH
	Hofstra University	New York	26	31	69.33%	SOLID MATCH
	Pratt Institute-Main	New York	26	31	50.45%	SOLID MATCH
	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus	New Hampshire	26	31	86.99%	SOLID MATCH
	Saint Louis University	Missouri	26	31	84.71%	SOLID MATCH
	Springfield College	Massachusetts	26	31	75.63%	SOLID MATCH
	Lake Forest College	Illinois	26	31	59.72%	SOLID MATCH
	Mercer University	Georgia	26	31	74.68%	SOLID MATCH
	Florida State University	Florida	26	31	25.04%	COMP. MATCH
	University of Delaware	Delaware	26	31	73.81%	SOLID MATCH
	United States Coast Guard Academy	Connecticut	26	31	23.86%	COMP. MATCH
	Chapman University	California	26	31	72.52%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Wisconsin-Madison	Wisconsin	26	32	49.06%	SOLID MATCH
	Kalamazoo College	Michigan	26	32	79.25%	SOLID MATCH
	Saint Mary's College	Indiana	26	32	83.89%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Colorado Boulder	Colorado	26	32	80.73%	SOLID MATCH
	The University of Texas at Austin	Texas	26	33	31.35%	SOLID MATCH
	Yeshiva University	New York	26	33	63.22%	SOLID MATCH
	Goucher College	Maryland	26	33	80.24%	SOLID MATCH
	Loyola University Maryland	Maryland	26	33	83.48%	SOLID MATCH
	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide	Florida	25	28	57.67%	SOLID MATCH
	Salve Regina University	Rhode Island	25	29	69.53%	SOLID MATCH
	State University of New York at New Paltz	New York	25	29	58.27%	SOLID MATCH
	Washington College	Maryland	25	29	74.71%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Central Florida	Florida	25	29	41.04%	SOLID MATCH
	Stetson University	Florida	25	29	93.8%	SOLID MATCH
	Western Washington University	Washington	25	30	92.69%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Mary Washington	Virginia	25	30	85.79%	SOLID MATCH
	Hollins University	Virginia	25	30	72.4%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Rhode Island	Rhode Island	25	30	76.39%	SOLID MATCH
	Messiah University	Pennsylvania	25	30	79.41%	SOLID MATCH
	Elizabethtown College	Pennsylvania	25	30	81.12%	SOLID MATCH
	Ohio Northern University	Ohio	25	30	54.37%	SOLID MATCH
	John Carroll University	Ohio	25	30	82.37%	SOLID MATCH
	Elon University	North Carolina	25	30	74.46%	SOLID MATCH
	Roberts Wesleyan University	New York	25	30	99.5%	SOLID MATCH
	Clarkson University	New York	25	30	78.42%	SOLID MATCH
	Alfred University	New York	25	30	50.61%	SOLID MATCH
	Rutgers University-Camden	New Jersey	25	30	76.52%	SOLID MATCH
	Calvin University	Michigan	25	30	74.21%	SOLID MATCH
	Emmanuel College	Massachusetts	25	30	79.69%	SOLID MATCH
	Drake University	Iowa	25	30	67.23%	SOLID MATCH
	Illinois Wesleyan University	Illinois	25	30	42.22%	SOLID MATCH
	Florida Polytechnic University	Florida	25	30	56.03%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Redlands	California	25	30	81.87%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Alabama in Huntsville	Alabama	25	30	78.1%	SOLID MATCH
	George Mason University	Virginia	25	31	90%	SOLID MATCH
	Texas A & M University-College Station	Texas	25	31	62.65%	SOLID MATCH
	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	Tennessee	25	31	68.41%	SOLID MATCH
	Roger Williams University	Rhode Island	25	31	90.99%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Scranton	Pennsylvania	25	31	84.35%	SOLID MATCH
	Duquesne University	Pennsylvania	25	31	87.49%	SOLID MATCH
	Warren Wilson College	North Carolina	25	31	83.98%	SOLID MATCH
	SUNY College at Geneseo	New York	25	31	74.93%	SOLID MATCH
	The King's College	New York	25	31	45.27%	SOLID MATCH
	Missouri University of Science and Technology	Missouri	25	31	81.49%	SOLID MATCH
	Gustavus Adolphus College	Minnesota	25	31	73.9%	SOLID MATCH
	Michigan State University	Michigan	25	31	87.95%	SOLID MATCH
	MCPHS University	Massachusetts	25	31	88.26%	SOLID MATCH
	Wentworth Institute of Technology	Massachusetts	25	31	92.31%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Massachusetts-Lowell	Massachusetts	25	31	85.95%	SOLID MATCH
	Grove City College	Pennsylvania	25	32	70.98%	SOLID MATCH
	St Bonaventure University	New York	25	32	81.11%	SOLID MATCH
	University at Buffalo	New York	25	32	67.71%	SOLID MATCH
	Touro University	New York	25	32	71.31%	SOLID MATCH
	United States Naval Academy	Maryland	25	32	10.75%	ELITE REACH
	University of the Pacific	California	25	33	93.23%	SOLID MATCH
	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg	Pennsylvania	24	28	95.55%	SOLID MATCH
	SUNY Oneonta	New York	24	28	72.53%	SOLID MATCH
	Molloy College	New York	24	28	76.63%	SOLID MATCH
	SUNY Maritime College	New York	24	28	80.33%	SOLID MATCH
	Nazareth College	New York	24	28	83.94%	SOLID MATCH
	Niagara University	New York	24	28	89.55%	SOLID MATCH
	Monmouth College	Illinois	24	28	90.7%	SOLID MATCH
	University of St Thomas	Texas	24	29	96.71%	SOLID MATCH
	Arcadia University	Pennsylvania	24	29	77.57%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus	Ohio	24	29	86.22%	SOLID MATCH
	University of North Carolina Wilmington	North Carolina	24	29	68.83%	SOLID MATCH
	St. John's University-New York	New York	24	29	84.67%	SOLID MATCH
	Wagner College	New York	24	29	68.54%	SOLID MATCH
	Pace University	New York	24	29	82.93%	SOLID MATCH
	University of St Thomas	Minnesota	24	29	77%	SOLID MATCH
	Endicott College	Massachusetts	24	29	73.31%	SOLID MATCH
	Western New England University	Massachusetts	24	29	88.01%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Massachusetts-Boston	Massachusetts	24	29	80.76%	SOLID MATCH
	Hanover College	Indiana	24	29	74.11%	SOLID MATCH
	Eckerd College	Florida	24	29	65.09%	SOLID MATCH
	Rollins College	Florida	24	29	49.99%	SOLID MATCH
	University of South Florida	Florida	24	29	43.93%	SOLID MATCH
	Quinnipiac University	Connecticut	24	29	83.79%	SOLID MATCH
	Seattle University	Washington	24	30	85.15%	SOLID MATCH
	Austin College	Texas	24	30	54.37%	SOLID MATCH
	Southwestern University	Texas	24	30	44.79%	SOLID MATCH
	Belmont University	Tennessee	24	30	96.27%	SOLID MATCH
	College of Charleston	South Carolina	24	30	75.69%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Oregon	Oregon	24	30	86.29%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Dayton	Ohio	24	30	74.05%	SOLID MATCH
	The College of New Jersey	New Jersey	24	30	64.43%	SOLID MATCH
	Kettering University	Michigan	24	30	80.75%	SOLID MATCH
	Suffolk University	Massachusetts	24	30	86.79%	SOLID MATCH
	Butler University	Indiana	24	30	82.06%	SOLID MATCH
	Bradley University	Illinois	24	30	75.14%	SOLID MATCH
	DePaul University	Illinois	24	30	70.17%	SOLID MATCH
	University of Illinois Chicago	Illinois	24	30	78.69%	SOLID MATCH
	Whittier College	California	24	30	75.45%	SOLID MATCH
	Auburn University	Alabama	24	30	43.74%	SOLID MATCH

Your best choices will be the schools and colleges where the average ACT score of the admitted students is 24 to 28. We are also showing you the 25th percentile and 75th percentile ACT Score of the admitted students so that you can have a clear understanding of how many students score what ACT Score. If your 26 ACT Score is higher than 25th percentile, it means your score is better than the quarter of the admitted students, and if it is higher than 75th percentile, then it means your ACT score of 26 is higher than 75% of the students admitted at that school.

Choose a college where your score is near to 75th percentile, this will maximize your chances of admission. You can also apply to other schools as well, but to be on safe side, you must apply to at least 2-3 such schools and colleges.

Data Methodology & Expert Verification

The admission statuses (Elite Reach, Competitive Match, etc.) displayed on this page are calculated using a proprietary 7-tier multivariate logic. Unlike static lists, our algorithm cross-references the student's score of 26 against:

2024-2025 Common Data Set (CDS): Specifically Section C8 (Standardized Testing) and Section C9 (Percentiles).
IPEDS Analytics: Latest federal reporting on institutional acceptance rates.
2026 Trend Analysis: Adjustments for schools that have recently reinstated mandatory testing (e.g., Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard).

Note: Standardized test scores are one component of a holistic application. For 2026, many institutions place "Very Important" weight on the rigors of your secondary school record and GPA.

FAQ for ACT 26 Score

How does a 26 ACT score compare to the SAT?

A 26 ACT is roughly equivalent to a 1250 SAT. It’s a decent score for mid-tier schools.

What scholarships are available for a 26 ACT score?

Many schools offer merit scholarships for scores in this range. You may qualify for partial merit-based scholarships.

Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 26 ACT score?

Ivy League schools typically require scores above 30, but a 26 will still keep you competitive for state schools or mid-tier colleges.

Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?

If your target is an Ivy League or a highly selective university, retaking could help. Otherwise, this score is solid for many colleges.

What is the national average ACT score?

The national average ACT score is around 20–21, so a 26 places you above average and in the top 25% of test-takers.

Do test-optional colleges consider a 26 ACT score if submitted?

Yes, submitting a 26 ACT will help strengthen your application even at test-optional schools.

What GPA is a 26 ACT?

A 26 ACT typically aligns with a GPA of around 2.9–3.2, suggesting a good but not exceptional academic record.

Can I get into NYU with a 26 ACT?

NYU generally prefers higher scores, but a 26 could still make you a competitive candidate if you have strong extracurriculars and a good GPA.

Is 26 a good ACT score for Harvard?

Harvard typically admits students with scores above 30, so a 26 is lower than their average. However, with exceptional academic achievements, you could still be considered.

Can I get into MIT with a 26 ACT?

MIT requires scores above 30, so a 26 would fall short. Consider retaking if MIT is your top choice.

Can I get into Princeton with a 26 ACT score?

Princeton usually expects scores above 30, but a 26 may still keep you competitive for many other universities.

What if you improve your ACT score by 2 points (to 28)?

Improving to a 28 would make you more competitive for better-ranked colleges and increase your chances for scholarships.

Best Suited Colleges for ACT Score

36 ACT Score Best Colleges	35 ACT Score Best Colleges	34 ACT Score Best Colleges
33 ACT Score Best Colleges	32 ACT Score Best Colleges	31 ACT Score Best Colleges
30 ACT Score Best Colleges	29 ACT Score Best Colleges	28 ACT Score Best Colleges
27 ACT Score Best Colleges	26 ACT Score Best Colleges	25 ACT Score Best Colleges
24 ACT Score Best Colleges	23 ACT Score Best Colleges	22 ACT Score Best Colleges
21 ACT Score Best Colleges	20 ACT Score Best Colleges	19 ACT Score Best Colleges
18 ACT Score Best Colleges	17 ACT Score Best Colleges	16 ACT Score Best Colleges
15 ACT Score Best Colleges	14 ACT Score Best Colleges	13 ACT Score Best Colleges