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    SAT and ACT in Alabama

    Alabama graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1175 on the SAT (3% took it) and 17.9 on the ACT (100% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Alabama's class of 2027 is 210. We cover 14 colleges in Alabama. For fall 2027, 2 require the SAT or ACT, 3 require a score only below a GPA cutoff and 9 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1175
    National Merit cutoff
    210
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    2
    colleges covered
    14

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Alabama

    From the official reports College Board and ACT publish each fall for the graduating class. Compare states with care: an average depends on how many students take the test.

    SATClass of 2026Graduates who took it1,739Share of the class3%Average1175600 Reading and Writing, 575 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class100%Average17.9National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 1,739 Alabama graduates (3% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1175 (600 in Reading and Writing, 575 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 3% of Alabama's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.

    In the class of 2026, 100% of Alabama graduates took the ACT and averaged 17.9, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Alabama student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1150 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

    Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: Alabama · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026

    Testing in Alabama high schools

    Every Alabama public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school, free, and 10th graders take the PreACT.

    Source: Alabama State Department of Education, 2025-26 testing dates · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in Alabama

    For the class of 2027, students in Alabama needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 210 to become National Merit Semifinalists. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.

    Work out your index with the Selection Index calculator, compare states in National Merit cutoffs by state, and see which colleges reward it in colleges with National Merit scholarships.

    Source: NMSC, Guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program

    Colleges in Alabama

    Test policies for fall 2027, and the SAT and ACT scores of the middle 50% of enrolled freshmen. Largest colleges first; each links to its full page.

    The University of AlabamaTuscaloosaTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 3.0 GPAAcceptance rate71%SAT, middle 50%1100 to 1360ACT, middle 50%22 to 31
    Auburn UniversityAuburnTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate47%SAT, middle 50%1280 to 1370ACT, middle 50%26 to 31
    University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 3.5 weighted GPAAcceptance rate94%SAT, middle 50%1250 to 1420ACT, middle 50%23 to 30
    Troy UniversityTroyTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate95%SAT, middle 50%945 to 1155ACT, middle 50%18 to 24
    University of South AlabamaMobileTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate95%SAT, middle 50%1010 to 1200ACT, middle 50%20 to 26
    Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonvilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate73%SAT, middle 50%950 to 1210ACT, middle 50%17 to 24
    University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsvilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate63%SAT, middle 50%1200 to 1370ACT, middle 50%23 to 31
    Alabama A & M UniversityNormalTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate58%SAT, middle 50%810 to 1040ACT, middle 50%14 to 19
    Samford UniversityBirminghamTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate79%SAT, middle 50%1090 to 1230ACT, middle 50%22 to 29
    Alabama State UniversityMontgomeryTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate98%SAT, middle 50%749 to 967ACT, middle 50%15 to 20
    University of West AlabamaLivingstonTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 2.5 GPAAcceptance rate43%SAT, middle 50%860 to 1120ACT, middle 50%16 to 21
    Tuskegee UniversityTuskegeeTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate49%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%18 to 25
    Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomeryTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate92%SAT, middle 50%1036 to 1203ACT, middle 50%18 to 24
    Huntingdon CollegeMontgomeryTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate69%SAT, middle 50%1006 to 1220ACT, middle 50%20 to 25

    To decide whether to send your score, compare it with each college's range in the submit or retake tool.

    Other states

    See every state, or browse all Alabama colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Alabama

    What is the average SAT score in Alabama?
    In the class of 2026, 1,739 Alabama graduates (3% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1175 (600 in Reading and Writing, 575 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 3% of Alabama's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
    What is the average ACT score in Alabama?
    In the class of 2026, 100% of Alabama graduates took the ACT and averaged 17.9, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Alabama student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.
    Do Alabama high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Every Alabama public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school, free, and 10th graders take the PreACT.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Alabama?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 210 or higher made a student in Alabama a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Alabama require the SAT or ACT?
    Auburn University and Tuskegee University require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027. 3 colleges require a score only from applicants below a GPA cutoff: The University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of West Alabama.
    Which colleges in Alabama have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Alabama we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at University of Alabama at Birmingham (1250 to 1420), Auburn University (1280 to 1370) and University of Alabama in Huntsville (1200 to 1370).

    Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.