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    SAT and ACT in Iowa

    Iowa graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1227 on the SAT (2% took it) and 21.0 on the ACT (39% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Iowa's class of 2027 is 210. We cover 16 colleges in Iowa. For fall 2027, 1 requires the SAT or ACT, 2 require a score only below a GPA cutoff and 13 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1227
    National Merit cutoff
    210
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    1
    colleges covered
    16

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Iowa

    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 it931Share of the class2%Average1227624 Reading and Writing, 603 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class39%Average21.0National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 931 Iowa graduates (2% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1227 (624 in Reading and Writing, 603 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 2% of Iowa'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, 39% of Iowa graduates took the ACT and averaged 21.0, against 19.2 nationally.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1250 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

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

    National Merit in Iowa

    For the class of 2027, students in Iowa 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 Iowa

    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.

    Iowa State UniversityAmesTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate88%SAT, middle 50%1153 to 1360ACT, middle 50%21 to 28
    University of IowaIowa CityTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate80%SAT, middle 50%1130 to 1320ACT, middle 50%21 to 28
    University of Northern IowaCedar FallsTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate93%SAT, middle 50%1020 to 1280ACT, middle 50%19 to 25
    Drake UniversityDes MoinesTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate64%SAT, middle 50%1110 to 1350ACT, middle 50%24 to 29
    Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenportTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate80%SAT, middle 50%900 to 1170ACT, middle 50%19 to 24
    Grinnell CollegeGrinnellTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate15%SAT, middle 50%1430 to 1520ACT, middle 50%31 to 34
    Dordt UniversitySioux CenterTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 3.2 GPAAcceptance rate68%SAT, middle 50%1070 to 1330ACT, middle 50%21 to 29
    Wartburg CollegeWaverlyTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate76%SAT, middle 50%930 to 1200ACT, middle 50%21 to 27
    University of DubuqueDubuqueTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate89%SAT, middle 50%980 to 1220ACT, middle 50%18 to 24
    Luther CollegeDecorahTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate73%SAT, middle 50%1078 to 1406ACT, middle 50%20 to 29
    William Penn UniversityOskaloosaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate52%SAT, middle 50%880 to 1110ACT, middle 50%16 to 22
    Coe CollegeCedar RapidsTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 3.0 GPAAcceptance rate64%SAT, middle 50%1070 to 1290ACT, middle 50%23 to 29
    Cornell CollegeMount VernonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate80%SAT, middle 50%1120 to 1285ACT, middle 50%23 to 30
    Central CollegePellaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate86%SAT, middle 50%1056 to 1120ACT, middle 50%20 to 27
    Clarke UniversityDubuqueTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate72%SAT, middle 50%900 to 1160ACT, middle 50%16 to 24
    Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological SeminaryAnkenyTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate68%SAT, middle 50%990 to 1190ACT, middle 50%19 to 26

    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 Iowa colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Iowa

    What is the average SAT score in Iowa?
    In the class of 2026, 931 Iowa graduates (2% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1227 (624 in Reading and Writing, 603 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 2% of Iowa'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 Iowa?
    In the class of 2026, 39% of Iowa graduates took the ACT and averaged 21.0, against 19.2 nationally.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Iowa?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 210 or higher made a student in Iowa a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Iowa require the SAT or ACT?
    Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027. 2 colleges require a score only from applicants below a GPA cutoff: Dordt University and Coe College.
    Which colleges in Iowa have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Iowa we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Grinnell College (1430 to 1520), Luther College (1078 to 1406) and Iowa State University (1153 to 1360).

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