26 score on the ACT puts in a good position for College and Universities admissions in the US. Here we are providing a list of Universities and colleges that accept a 26 ACT score. These schools and colleges are good match for your score, as not only you will improve your chances of admissions by applying to these colleges, but also will ensure that you are placed with equally talented students. Some schools that require less than this average score might not be a good match for you as the quality of the students will be lower, though your chances of admissions will be higher at those schools.
Your best choices will be the schools and colleges where the average ACT score of the admitted students is 23 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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University of Houston | Texas | 23 | 29 | 66.24% |
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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | South Dakota | 23 | 29 | 82.69% |
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DeSales University | Pennsylvania | 23 | 29 | 77.17% |
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University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Oklahoma | 23 | 29 | 72.92% |
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Cedarville University | Ohio | 23 | 29 | 64.88% |
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High Point University | North Carolina | 23 | 29 | 78.88% |
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Long Island University | New York | 23 | 29 | 92.65% |
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St. John Fisher University | New York | 23 | 29 | 73.05% |
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Truman State University | Missouri | 23 | 29 | 45.05% |
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Rockhurst University | Missouri | 23 | 29 | 66.46% |
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Gordon College | Massachusetts | 23 | 29 | 91.76% |
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University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Maryland | 23 | 29 | 80.55% |
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Transylvania University | Kentucky | 23 | 29 | 90.79% |
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The College of Idaho | Idaho | 23 | 29 | 45.52% |
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Florida | 23 | 29 | 64.53% |
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Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado | 23 | 29 | 90.77% |
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Samford University | Alabama | 23 | 29 | 83.26% |
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Lipscomb University | Tennessee | 23 | 30 | 71.12% |
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Union University | Tennessee | 23 | 30 | 52.55% |
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Susquehanna University | Pennsylvania | 23 | 30 | 76.69% |
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West Chester University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | 23 | 30 | 87.85% |
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Allegheny College | Pennsylvania | 23 | 30 | 69.65% |
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Oregon Institute of Technology | Oregon | 23 | 30 | 92.58% |
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Ohio Wesleyan University | Ohio | 23 | 30 | 52.18% |
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Xavier University | Ohio | 23 | 30 | 84.54% |
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Manhattan College | New York | 23 | 30 | 82.3% |
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University of Missouri-Columbia | Missouri | 23 | 30 | 79.13% |
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Cornell College | Iowa | 23 | 30 | 79.33% |
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Taylor University | Indiana | 23 | 30 | 74.61% |
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Biola University | California | 23 | 30 | 56.63% |
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate |
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.