The average ACT composite score nationally is approximately between 19.4 and 20.6, depending on the source and year of the data. For example, the 2022 national average was 19.8, while some 2024 reports show averages around 19.4 to 20.6
. Breaking down by sections, average scores tend to be:
- English: about 19 to 19.9
- Math: about 19.4 to 20.2
- Reading: about 20.5 to 21.2
- Science: about 20 to 20.6
The composite score is the rounded average of the four sections, each scored from 1 to 36
. In summary, the typical average ACT composite score is roughly 19.5 to 20.6, with 20 being a reasonable midpoint estimate for recent years. Scores above this average are considered above average and more competitive for college admissions
