SAT and ACT in Delaware
Delaware graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 929 on the SAT (98% took it) and 25.8 on the ACT (2% took it). Delaware has 3 state merit scholarships that can count SAT or ACT scores: Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship (formerly Diamond State Scholarship), B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship and Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Delaware's class of 2027 is 219. We cover 2 colleges in Delaware. For fall 2027, 2 let you choose whether to send a score.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 929
- National Merit cutoff
- 219
- state scholarships using scores
- 3
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 0
Average SAT and ACT scores in Delaware
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 it11,596 | Share of the class98% | Average929480 Reading and Writing, 449 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class2% | Average25.8 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 11,596 Delaware graduates (98% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 929 (480 in Reading and Writing, 449 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Nearly every Delaware student takes the SAT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.
In the class of 2026, 2% of Delaware graduates took the ACT and averaged 25.8, against 19.2 nationally. Only 2% of Delaware'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 950 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.
Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: Delaware · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
Testing in Delaware high schools
Delaware public school juniors take the SAT in school as the state's high school test, and 10th graders take the PSAT 10.
Source: Delaware Department of Education, 2025-26 testing calendar · Checked October 31, 2026
Delaware merit scholarships
State programs for Delaware 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.
Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship (formerly Diamond State Scholarship)
$1,250 a year
State program · In-state students
- 3.00+ GPA, 1290+ SAT, Single tier; Delaware HS senior; enroll full-time at a regionally accredited college; competitive (~35 awards/year), an application, essay or interview
B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship
State program · In-state students
Full tuition, required fees, room, board and books at University of Delaware
- 3.00+ GPA, 1290+ SAT, Single tier; Delaware HS senior; demonstrate financial need; 2027-28 FAFSA by Feb 26, 2027; one award per year
Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship
State program · In-state students
Full tuition, required fees, room, board and books at Delaware State University
- 3.00+ GPA, 1000+ SAT, Single tier; Delaware HS senior; demonstrate financial need; 2027-28 FAFSA; one award per year
National Merit in Delaware
For the class of 2027, students in Delaware needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 219 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 Delaware
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 DelawareNewark | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate69% | SAT, middle 50%1220 to 1370 | ACT, middle 50%28 to 32 |
| Delaware State UniversityDover | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate47% | SAT, middle 50%800 to 1020 | ACT, middle 50%18 to 23 |
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 Delaware
What is the average SAT score in Delaware?
What is the average ACT score in Delaware?
Do Delaware high schools give the SAT or ACT?
What SAT or ACT score do you need for the Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship (formerly Diamond State Scholarship)?
The Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship (formerly Diamond State Scholarship) counts SAT or ACT scores in this way to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.
- 3.00+ GPA, 1290+ SAT, Single tier; Delaware HS senior; enroll full-time at a regionally accredited college; competitive (~35 awards/year), an application, essay or interview
What SAT or ACT score do you need for the B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship?
The B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship counts SAT or ACT scores in this way to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.
- 3.00+ GPA, 1290+ SAT, Single tier; Delaware HS senior; demonstrate financial need; 2027-28 FAFSA by Feb 26, 2027; one award per year
What SAT or ACT score do you need for the Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship?
The Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship counts SAT or ACT scores in this way to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.
- 3.00+ GPA, 1000+ SAT, Single tier; Delaware HS senior; demonstrate financial need; 2027-28 FAFSA; one award per year
What is the National Merit cutoff in Delaware?
Which colleges in Delaware require the SAT or ACT?
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