SAT and ACT in Montana
Montana graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1213 on the SAT (5% took it) and 19.4 on the ACT (95% took it). Montana has 2 state merit scholarships that can count SAT or ACT scores: Montana University System (MUS) Honor Scholarship and National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship (MUS tuition waiver). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Montana's class of 2027 is 208. We cover 5 colleges in Montana. For fall 2027, 1 requires a score only below a GPA cutoff and 4 let you choose whether to send a score.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 1213
- National Merit cutoff
- 208
- state scholarships using scores
- 2
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 0
Average SAT and ACT scores in Montana
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 it530 | Share of the class5% | Average1213620 Reading and Writing, 594 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class95% | Average19.4 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 530 Montana graduates (5% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1213 (620 in Reading and Writing, 594 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 5% of Montana'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, 95% of Montana graduates took the ACT and averaged 19.4, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Montana 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: Montana · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
Testing in Montana high schools
Every Montana public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school as the state test.
Source: Montana Office of Public Instruction, ACT FAQ · Checked October 31, 2026
Montana merit scholarships
State programs for Montana 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.
Montana University System (MUS) Honor Scholarship
State program · In-state students
Tuition waiver at home campus (MUS states average value ~$5,000/yr at a 4-year campus; fees not covered)
- 3.40+ GPA, Single tier (competitive ranking); Montana accredited HS 3+ yrs incl. senior year; MUS rigorous core or IB diploma; U.S. citizen; accepted to eligible campus; take ACT/SAT by February of senior year; apply Dec 1-Mar 15, an application, essay or interview
National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship (MUS tuition waiver)
State program · In-state students
Tuition waiver
- National Merit Semifinalist; Selected as National Merit Semifinalist (PSAT/NMSQT-based); enter an MUS campus within 9 months of HS graduation
National Merit in Montana
For the class of 2027, students in Montana needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 208 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 Montana
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% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State UniversityBozeman | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate99% | SAT, middle 50%1070 to 1290 | ACT, middle 50%21 to 27 |
| The University of MontanaMissoula | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate96% | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%23 to 28 |
| Montana Technological UniversityButte | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate91% | SAT, middle 50%1040 to 1260 | ACT, middle 50%19 to 25 |
| Carroll CollegeHelena | Test policyTest optionalRequired below a 2.9 unweighted GPA | Acceptance rate71% | SAT, middle 50%1050 to 1300 | ACT, middle 50%21 to 27 |
| Rocky Mountain CollegeBillings | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate78% | SAT, middle 50%893 to 1133 | ACT, middle 50%18 to 24 |
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 Montana
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What is the average ACT score in Montana?
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What is the National Merit cutoff in Montana?
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