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    SAT and ACT in Minnesota

    Minnesota graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1231 on the SAT (4% took it) and 20.6 on the ACT (68% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Minnesota's class of 2027 is 214. We cover 17 colleges in Minnesota. For fall 2027, 17 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1231
    National Merit cutoff
    214
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    0
    colleges covered
    17

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Minnesota

    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 it2,680Share of the class4%Average1231619 Reading and Writing, 611 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class68%Average20.6National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 2,680 Minnesota graduates (4% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1231 (619 in Reading and Writing, 611 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 4% of Minnesota'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, 68% of Minnesota graduates took the ACT and averaged 20.6, 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: Minnesota · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026

    Testing in Minnesota high schools

    Minnesota districts may offer the SAT or ACT in school; it's up to each district, and the state reimburses the cost only for some students.

    Source: Minnesota Statutes 120B.30 · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in Minnesota

    For the class of 2027, students in Minnesota needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 214 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 Minnesota

    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.

    University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolisTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate79%SAT, middle 50%1310 to 1460ACT, middle 50%26 to 32
    University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluthTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate89%SAT, middle 50%1180 to 1340ACT, middle 50%23 to 28
    University of St ThomasSaint PaulTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate85%SAT, middle 50%1260 to 1423ACT, middle 50%25 to 30
    Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint CloudTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate94%SAT, middle 50%1025 to 1260ACT, middle 50%17 to 23
    St Olaf CollegeNorthfieldTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate43%SAT, middle 50%1320 to 1440ACT, middle 50%28 to 32
    St Catherine UniversitySaint PaulTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate92%SAT, middle 50%850 to 1140ACT, middle 50%20 to 26
    Macalester CollegeSaint PaulTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate28%SAT, middle 50%1350 to 1480ACT, middle 50%30 to 33
    Carleton CollegeNorthfieldTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate22%SAT, middle 50%1460 to 1530ACT, middle 50%32 to 35
    Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint PeterTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate61%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%24 to 30
    Bethel UniversitySaint PaulTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate89%SAT, middle 50%1190 to 1300ACT, middle 50%22 to 28
    Hamline UniversitySaint PaulTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate88%SAT, middle 50%1133 to 1391ACT, middle 50%19 to 28
    University of Northwestern-St PaulSaint PaulTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate93%SAT, middle 50%868 to 1271ACT, middle 50%20 to 28
    Saint Johns UniversityCollegevilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate91%SAT, middle 50%941 to 1228ACT, middle 50%21 to 27
    College of Saint BenedictSaint JosephTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate92%SAT, middle 50%1048 to 1233ACT, middle 50%20 to 27
    Minneapolis College of Art and DesignMinneapolisTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate48%SAT, middle 50%1130 to 1340ACT, middle 50%21 to 29
    Bethany Lutheran CollegeMankatoTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate39%SAT, middle 50%1040 to 1180ACT, middle 50%21 to 26
    University of Minnesota-RochesterRochesterTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate71%SAT, middle 50%950 to 1380ACT, middle 50%21 to 29

    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 Minnesota colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Minnesota

    What is the average SAT score in Minnesota?
    In the class of 2026, 2,680 Minnesota graduates (4% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1231 (619 in Reading and Writing, 611 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 4% of Minnesota'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 Minnesota?
    In the class of 2026, 68% of Minnesota graduates took the ACT and averaged 20.6, against 19.2 nationally.
    Do Minnesota high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Minnesota districts may offer the SAT or ACT in school; it's up to each district, and the state reimburses the cost only for some students.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Minnesota?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 214 or higher made a student in Minnesota a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Minnesota require the SAT or ACT?
    None of the 17 colleges in Minnesota we cover require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027.
    Which colleges in Minnesota have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Minnesota we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Carleton College (1460 to 1530), Macalester College (1350 to 1480) and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (1310 to 1460).

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