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    SAT and ACT in Arizona

    Arizona graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1186 on the SAT (10% took it) and 17.7 on the ACT (100% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Arizona's class of 2027 is 215. We cover 6 colleges in Arizona. For fall 2027, 5 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1186
    National Merit cutoff
    215
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    0
    colleges covered
    6

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Arizona

    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 it8,868Share of the class10%Average1186600 Reading and Writing, 586 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class100%Average17.7National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 8,868 Arizona graduates (10% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1186 (600 in Reading and Writing, 586 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 10% of Arizona'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 Arizona graduates took the ACT and averaged 17.7, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Arizona 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 1200 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

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

    Testing in Arizona high schools

    Every Arizona public school junior takes the ACT in school as the state's high school test.

    Source: Arizona Department of Education, ACT · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in Arizona

    For the class of 2027, students in Arizona needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 215 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 Arizona

    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.

    Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenixTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate79%SAT, middle 50%1006 to 1113ACT, middle 50%20 to 22
    Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempeTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate88%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%Not published
    University of ArizonaTucsonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate84%SAT, middle 50%1090 to 1320ACT, middle 50%20 to 28
    Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaffTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate90%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%Not published
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottPrescottTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate71%SAT, middle 50%1160 to 1370ACT, middle 50%24 to 30
    Ottawa University-SurpriseSurpriseTest policyVaries by applicantAcceptance rate78%SAT, middle 50%840 to 1160ACT, middle 50%16 to 21

    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 Arizona colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Arizona

    What is the average SAT score in Arizona?
    In the class of 2026, 8,868 Arizona graduates (10% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1186 (600 in Reading and Writing, 586 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 10% of Arizona'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 Arizona?
    In the class of 2026, 100% of Arizona graduates took the ACT and averaged 17.7, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Arizona student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.
    Do Arizona high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Every Arizona public school junior takes the ACT in school as the state's high school test.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Arizona?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 215 or higher made a student in Arizona a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Arizona require the SAT or ACT?
    None of the 6 colleges in Arizona we cover require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027.
    Which colleges in Arizona have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Arizona we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (1160 to 1370), University of Arizona (1090 to 1320) and Ottawa University-Surprise (840 to 1160).

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