SAT and ACT in Nevada
Nevada graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1189 on the SAT (7% took it) and 17.3 on the ACT (100% took it). Nevada has 1 state merit scholarship that can count SAT or ACT scores: Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship. The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Nevada's class of 2027 is 211. We cover 2 colleges in Nevada. For fall 2027, 1 lets you choose whether to send a score and 1 doesn't look at scores.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 1189
- National Merit cutoff
- 211
- state scholarship using scores
- 1
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 0
Average SAT and ACT scores in Nevada
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 it2,423 | Share of the class7% | Average1189604 Reading and Writing, 585 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class100% | Average17.3 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 2,423 Nevada graduates (7% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1189 (604 in Reading and Writing, 585 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 7% of Nevada'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, 100% of Nevada graduates took the ACT and averaged 17.3, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Nevada 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: Nevada · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
Testing in Nevada high schools
Every Nevada public school junior takes the ACT in school as the state's college and career readiness test.
Source: Nevada Department of Education, ACT · Checked October 31, 2026
Nevada merit scholarships
State programs for Nevada 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.
Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship
State program · In-state students
$80/credit at universities and other eligible institutions; $60/credit Nevada State; $40/credit lower-division and $60/credit upper-division at NSHE community colleges; max 15 credits/semester
- 3.25+ GPA, 1070+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Non-high-school graduate (e.g., HSE); Would have graduated after May 1, 2000; GPA on courses completed in a Nevada high school
- 3.25+ GPA, 1070+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Out-of-state HS graduate whose parent/guardian is a Nevada resident; HS diploma (any state), class of 2017+; parent NV resident last 2 yrs of HS and student financially dependent
- 1070+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Test-score alternative to 3.25 GPA (Nevada HS graduate); Nevada HS diploma; core curriculum; class of 2016 or later
National Merit in Nevada
For the class of 2027, students in Nevada 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 Nevada
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 Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate84% | SAT, middle 50%1030 to 1240 | ACT, middle 50%18 to 24 |
| University of Nevada-RenoReno | Test policyTest blind | Acceptance rate83% | SAT, middle 50%1060 to 1280 | ACT, middle 50%18 to 25 |
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 Nevada
What is the average SAT score in Nevada?
What is the average ACT score in Nevada?
Do Nevada high schools give the SAT or ACT?
What SAT or ACT score do you need for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship?
The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship counts SAT or ACT scores in these 3 ways to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.
- 3.25+ GPA, 1070+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Non-high-school graduate (e.g., HSE); Would have graduated after May 1, 2000; GPA on courses completed in a Nevada high school
- 3.25+ GPA, 1070+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Out-of-state HS graduate whose parent/guardian is a Nevada resident; HS diploma (any state), class of 2017+; parent NV resident last 2 yrs of HS and student financially dependent
- 1070+ SAT or 21+ ACT, Test-score alternative to 3.25 GPA (Nevada HS graduate); Nevada HS diploma; core curriculum; class of 2016 or later
What is the National Merit cutoff in Nevada?
Which colleges in Nevada require the SAT or ACT?
Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.