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    SAT and ACT in Washington

    Washington graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1103 on the SAT (37% took it) and 24.2 on the ACT (4% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Washington's class of 2027 is 221. We cover 13 colleges in Washington. For fall 2027, 11 let you choose whether to send a score and 1 doesn't look at scores.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1103
    National Merit cutoff
    221
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    0
    colleges covered
    13

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Washington

    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 it30,576Share of the class37%Average1103562 Reading and Writing, 541 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class4%Average24.2National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 30,576 Washington graduates (37% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1103 (562 in Reading and Writing, 541 in Math), against 1045 nationally.

    In the class of 2026, 4% of Washington graduates took the ACT and averaged 24.2, against 19.2 nationally. Only 4% of Washington'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 1100 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

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

    Testing in Washington high schools

    Washington doesn't give the SAT, ACT or PSAT statewide, so students who want a score sign up for a national SAT or ACT date on their own.

    Source: Washington OSPI, state testing calendar · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in Washington

    For the class of 2027, students in Washington needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 221 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 Washington

    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 Washington-Seattle CampusSeattleTest policyVaries by applicantAcceptance rate42%SAT, middle 50%1320 to 1502ACT, middle 50%30 to 34
    Washington State UniversityPullmanTest policyTest blindAcceptance rate87%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%Not published
    Western Washington UniversityBellinghamTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate94%SAT, middle 50%1060 to 1310ACT, middle 50%23 to 31
    Gonzaga UniversitySpokaneTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate80%SAT, middle 50%1230 to 1383ACT, middle 50%29 to 32
    Seattle UniversitySeattleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate77%SAT, middle 50%1200 to 1430ACT, middle 50%23 to 30
    Pacific Lutheran UniversityTacomaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate78%SAT, middle 50%1040 to 1260ACT, middle 50%22 to 28
    The Evergreen State CollegeOlympiaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate97%SAT, middle 50%1035 to 1253ACT, middle 50%23 to 29
    Whitworth UniversitySpokaneTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate90%SAT, middle 50%1090 to 1330ACT, middle 50%21 to 29
    University of Puget SoundTacomaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate72%SAT, middle 50%1200 to 1370ACT, middle 50%27 to 32
    Whitman CollegeWalla WallaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate40%SAT, middle 50%1310 to 1480ACT, middle 50%29 to 33
    Saint Martin's UniversityLaceyTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate93%SAT, middle 50%1025 to 1230ACT, middle 50%16 to 20
    DigiPen Institute of TechnologyRedmondTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate64%SAT, middle 50%1150 to 1400ACT, middle 50%27 to 29
    Northwest UniversityKirklandTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate89%SAT, middle 50%1040 to 1350ACT, middle 50%Not published

    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 Washington colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Washington

    What is the average SAT score in Washington?
    In the class of 2026, 30,576 Washington graduates (37% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1103 (562 in Reading and Writing, 541 in Math), against 1045 nationally.
    What is the average ACT score in Washington?
    In the class of 2026, 4% of Washington graduates took the ACT and averaged 24.2, against 19.2 nationally. Only 4% of Washington'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 Washington high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Washington doesn't give the SAT, ACT or PSAT statewide, so students who want a score sign up for a national SAT or ACT date on their own.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Washington?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 221 or higher made a student in Washington a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Washington require the SAT or ACT?
    None of the 13 colleges in Washington we cover require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027.
    Which colleges in Washington have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Washington we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at University of Washington-Seattle Campus (1320 to 1502), Whitman College (1310 to 1480) and Seattle University (1200 to 1430).

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