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    SAT and ACT in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 946 on the SAT (100% took it) and 24.8 on the ACT (2% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Rhode Island's class of 2027 is 213. We cover 9 colleges in Rhode Island. For fall 2027, 1 requires the SAT or ACT and 8 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    946
    National Merit cutoff
    213
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    1
    colleges covered
    9

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Rhode Island

    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 it11,393Share of the class100%Average946486 Reading and Writing, 460 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class2%Average24.8National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 11,393 Rhode Island graduates (100% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 946 (486 in Reading and Writing, 460 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Nearly every Rhode Island student takes the SAT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.

    In the class of 2026, 2% of Rhode Island graduates took the ACT and averaged 24.8, against 19.2 nationally. Only 2% of Rhode Island's class took the ACT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 950 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

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

    Testing in Rhode Island high schools

    Every Rhode Island public school junior takes the SAT in school as the state test, and 10th graders take the PSAT 10.

    Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, assessment schedules · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in Rhode Island

    For the class of 2027, students in Rhode Island needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 213 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 Rhode Island

    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 Rhode IslandKingstonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate75%SAT, middle 50%1090 to 1310ACT, middle 50%25 to 31
    Brown UniversityProvidenceTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate6.3%SAT, middle 50%1470 to 1550ACT, middle 50%33 to 35
    Rhode Island CollegeProvidenceTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate86%SAT, middle 50%870 to 1120ACT, middle 50%Not published
    Providence CollegeProvidenceTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate51%SAT, middle 50%1250 to 1390ACT, middle 50%29 to 32
    Roger Williams UniversityBristolTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate88%SAT, middle 50%1140 to 1310ACT, middle 50%24 to 29
    Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidenceTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate88%SAT, middle 50%890 to 1160ACT, middle 50%22 to 27
    Bryant UniversitySmithfieldTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate65%SAT, middle 50%1190 to 1330ACT, middle 50%27 to 28
    Salve Regina UniversityNewportTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate68%SAT, middle 50%1160 to 1330ACT, middle 50%26 to 29
    Rhode Island School of DesignProvidenceTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate19%SAT, middle 50%1396 to 1530ACT, middle 50%31 to 34

    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 Rhode Island colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Rhode Island

    What is the average SAT score in Rhode Island?
    In the class of 2026, 11,393 Rhode Island graduates (100% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 946 (486 in Reading and Writing, 460 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Nearly every Rhode Island student takes the SAT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.
    What is the average ACT score in Rhode Island?
    In the class of 2026, 2% of Rhode Island graduates took the ACT and averaged 24.8, against 19.2 nationally. Only 2% of Rhode Island's class took the ACT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
    Do Rhode Island high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Every Rhode Island public school junior takes the SAT in school as the state test, and 10th graders take the PSAT 10.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Rhode Island?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 213 or higher made a student in Rhode Island a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Rhode Island require the SAT or ACT?
    Brown University requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027.
    Which colleges in Rhode Island have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Rhode Island we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Brown University (1470 to 1550), Rhode Island School of Design (1396 to 1530) and Providence College (1250 to 1390).

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