SAT and ACT in North Dakota
North Dakota graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1211 on the SAT (1% took it) and 20.1 on the ACT (62% took it). North Dakota has 1 state merit scholarship that can count SAT or ACT scores: North Dakota Scholarship. The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for North Dakota's class of 2027 is 208. We cover 5 colleges in North Dakota. For fall 2027, 5 let you choose whether to send a score.
- average SAT, class of 2026
- 1211
- National Merit cutoff
- 208
- state scholarship using scores
- 1
- colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
- 0
Average SAT and ACT scores in North Dakota
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 it122 | Share of the class1% | Average1211618 Reading and Writing, 594 Math | National average1045 |
| ACTClass of 2026 | Share of the class62% | Average20.1 | National average19.2 |
In the class of 2026, 122 North Dakota graduates (1% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1211 (618 in Reading and Writing, 594 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 1% of North Dakota'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, 62% of North Dakota graduates took the ACT and averaged 20.1, against 19.2 nationally.
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: North Dakota · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026
North Dakota merit scholarships
State programs for North Dakota 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.
North Dakota Scholarship
State program · In-state students
$750/semester ($500/quarter, clock-hour or apprenticeship term); max $6,000 total
- 3.00+ GPA, 1180+ SAT or 24+ ACT, Post-Secondary Ready pathway (paired with Workforce Ready or Military Ready); Essential Skills; Post-Secondary Ready = test + 2 of: AP course C+, dual-credit English/math C+, Algebra II C+, 3 fine arts C+, AP exam 3+, IB exam 4+, 3.0 core GPA; plus complete a 2nd pathway (Workforce or Military)
- 3.00+ GPA, 1180+ SAT or 24+ ACT, Workforce Ready pathway test option (paired with Post-Secondary or Military Ready); Essential Skills; Workforce Ready = 4 CTE credits (2 in same plan of study) OR 3 credits same world/indigenous/sign language OR teaching pathway; test; + 2 of: Career Ready Practices course, dual-credit C+, industry credential, 40-hr workplace learning, 40-hr work-based learning, NDSA/NDA+ level 3+
National Merit in North Dakota
For the class of 2027, students in North Dakota 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 North Dakota
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 North DakotaGrand Forks | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate77% | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%Not published |
| North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate95% | SAT, middle 50%Not published | ACT, middle 50%19 to 25 |
| University of MaryBismarck | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate75% | SAT, middle 50%1110 to 1340 | ACT, middle 50%21 to 26 |
| Minot State UniversityMinot | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate65% | SAT, middle 50%930 to 1140 | ACT, middle 50%18 to 24 |
| Valley City State UniversityValley City | Test policyTest optional | Acceptance rate99% | SAT, middle 50%830 to 1070 | ACT, middle 50%17 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 North Dakota
What is the average SAT score in North Dakota?
What is the average ACT score in North Dakota?
What SAT or ACT score do you need for the North Dakota Scholarship?
The North Dakota Scholarship counts SAT or ACT scores in these 2 ways to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.
- 3.00+ GPA, 1180+ SAT or 24+ ACT, Post-Secondary Ready pathway (paired with Workforce Ready or Military Ready); Essential Skills; Post-Secondary Ready = test + 2 of: AP course C+, dual-credit English/math C+, Algebra II C+, 3 fine arts C+, AP exam 3+, IB exam 4+, 3.0 core GPA; plus complete a 2nd pathway (Workforce or Military)
- 3.00+ GPA, 1180+ SAT or 24+ ACT, Workforce Ready pathway test option (paired with Post-Secondary or Military Ready); Essential Skills; Workforce Ready = 4 CTE credits (2 in same plan of study) OR 3 credits same world/indigenous/sign language OR teaching pathway; test; + 2 of: Career Ready Practices course, dual-credit C+, industry credential, 40-hr workplace learning, 40-hr work-based learning, NDSA/NDA+ level 3+
What is the National Merit cutoff in North Dakota?
Which colleges in North Dakota require the SAT or ACT?
Which colleges in North Dakota have the highest SAT scores?
Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.