SAT and ACT in Alaska
Alaska graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1093 on the SAT (27% took it) and 20.5 on the ACT (6% took it). Alaska has 1 state merit scholarship that can count SAT or ACT scores: Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Alaska's class of 2027 is 208. We cover 3 colleges in Alaska. For fall 2027, 1 lets you choose whether to send a score and 1 doesn't look at scores.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 1093
- National Merit cutoff
- 208
- state scholarship using scores
- 1
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 0
Average SAT and ACT scores in Alaska
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.
| Test | Graduates who took it | Share of the class | Average | National average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SATClass of 2026 | Graduates who took it2,416 | Share of the class27% | Average1093564 Reading and Writing, 529 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class6% | Average20.5 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 2,416 Alaska graduates (27% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1093 (564 in Reading and Writing, 529 in Math), against 1045 nationally.
In the class of 2026, 6% of Alaska graduates took the ACT and averaged 20.5, against 19.2 nationally. Only 6% of Alaska's class took the ACT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1100 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.
Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: Alaska · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
Testing in Alaska high schools
Alaska doesn't give the SAT, ACT or PSAT in school, so students who want a score sign up for a national SAT or ACT date on their own.
Source: Alaska DEED, guide to required statewide assessments · Checked October 31, 2026
Alaska merit scholarships
State programs for Alaska residents that count SAT or ACT scores. Each card shows the score and GPA minimums we track; the program's own page has every rule.
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
$3,500 to $7,000 a year
State program · In-state students
- 3.50+ GPA, 1210+ SAT or 25+ ACT, Level 1; Complete APS rigorous curriculum (Option A, B or C, letter-graded courses); Alaska HS diploma (no GED); FAFSA (or APS Alternative Application) by June 30; enroll at least half-time$7,000
- 3.00+ GPA, 1130+ SAT or 23+ ACT, Level 2; Complete APS rigorous curriculum (Option A, B or C, letter-graded courses); Alaska HS diploma (no GED); FAFSA (or APS Alternative Application) by June 30; enroll at least half-time$5,250
- 2.50+ GPA, 1060+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Level 3; Complete APS rigorous curriculum (Option A, B or C, letter-graded courses); Alaska HS diploma (no GED); FAFSA (or APS Alternative Application) by June 30; enroll at least half-time$3,500
National Merit in Alaska
For the class of 2027, students in Alaska needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 208 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 Alaska
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.
| College | Test policy | Acceptance rate | SAT, middle 50% | ACT, middle 50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage | Test policyTest blind | Acceptance rateabout 100% | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%Not published |
| University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rateabout 100% | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%Not published |
| Alaska Bible CollegePalmer | Test policyVaries by applicant | Acceptance rateNot published | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%Not published |
To decide whether to send your score, compare it with each college's range in the submit or retake tool.
Other states
Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Alaska
What is the average SAT score in Alaska?
What is the average ACT score in Alaska?
Do Alaska high schools give the SAT or ACT?
What SAT or ACT score do you need for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)?
The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) counts SAT or ACT scores in these 3 ways to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.
- 3.50+ GPA, 1210+ SAT or 25+ ACT, Level 1; Complete APS rigorous curriculum (Option A, B or C, letter-graded courses); Alaska HS diploma (no GED); FAFSA (or APS Alternative Application) by June 30; enroll at least half-time
- 3.00+ GPA, 1130+ SAT or 23+ ACT, Level 2; Complete APS rigorous curriculum (Option A, B or C, letter-graded courses); Alaska HS diploma (no GED); FAFSA (or APS Alternative Application) by June 30; enroll at least half-time
- 2.50+ GPA, 1060+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Level 3; Complete APS rigorous curriculum (Option A, B or C, letter-graded courses); Alaska HS diploma (no GED); FAFSA (or APS Alternative Application) by June 30; enroll at least half-time
What is the National Merit cutoff in Alaska?
Which colleges in Alaska require the SAT or ACT?
Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.