SAT and ACT in Idaho
Idaho graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1010 on the SAT (67% took it) and 23.4 on the ACT (7% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Idaho's class of 2027 is 211. We cover 6 colleges in Idaho. For fall 2027, 2 require the SAT or ACT and 3 let you choose whether to send a score.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 1010
- National Merit cutoff
- 211
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 2
- colleges covered
- 6
Average SAT and ACT scores in Idaho
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 it16,124 | Share of the class67% | Average1010519 Reading and Writing, 491 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class7% | Average23.4 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 16,124 Idaho graduates (67% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1010 (519 in Reading and Writing, 491 in Math), against 1045 nationally.
In the class of 2026, 7% of Idaho graduates took the ACT and averaged 23.4, against 19.2 nationally. Only 7% of Idaho'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 1000 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.
Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: Idaho · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
National Merit in Idaho
For the class of 2027, students in Idaho needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 211 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 Idaho
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 IdahoMoscow | Test policyVaries by applicant | Acceptance rate76% | SAT, middle 50%990 to 1230 | ACT, middle 50%20 to 26 |
| Idaho State UniversityPocatello | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rateabout 100% | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%Not published |
| The College of IdahoCaldwell | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate49% | SAT, middle 50%1070 to 1280 | ACT, middle 50%23 to 31 |
| Northwest Nazarene UniversityNampa | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate65% | SAT, middle 50%1005 to 1240 | ACT, middle 50%22 to 27 |
| New Saint Andrews CollegeMoscow | Test policyTest required | Acceptance rate84% | SAT, middle 50%1155 to 1358 | ACT, middle 50%23 to 30 |
| Boise Bible CollegeBoise | Test policyTest required | Acceptance rate90% | SAT, middle 50%950 to 1200 | 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 Idaho
What is the average SAT score in Idaho?
What is the average ACT score in Idaho?
What is the National Merit cutoff in Idaho?
Which colleges in Idaho require the SAT or ACT?
Which colleges in Idaho have the highest SAT scores?
Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.