Colleges Accepting a 26 ACT Score
These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 26. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.
A 26 ACT score is a strong, above-average result that can keep many college options on the table. Use this page to browse schools where students with a 26 have been admitted, then click any college to see your full chances of admission, typical score ranges, and financial fit.
The ACT is a standardized college admissions test scored from 1 to 36 across English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Colleges review ACT scores alongside your GPA, the rigor of your classes, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations to understand your overall readiness for college-level work.
Is a 26 ACT Score Good?
Yes. A 26 is generally considered a solid ACT score, and at many colleges, it falls within the range of admitted students' scores. Whether it’s “good” for your list depends on where you’re applying: the best way to interpret a 26 is to compare it to each college’s typical ACT range (often shown as a middle 50% range). If your 26 sits inside that range, you’re usually a competitive applicant. If it’s above, you may be in a stronger position; if it’s below, the school may still be possible, but your grades, course rigor, and activities matter even more.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 26?
With a 26 ACT score, you can be competitive at many public and private colleges and universities. The list below includes schools that have a record of admitting students with a 26. Keep in mind that no single test score guarantees admission, and different colleges weigh test scores differently, especially if they have test-optional policies.
How to Use This List Without Guessing
Start by clicking a school and checking whether your score is below, within, or above its typical ACT range. Then build a balanced list: include a few schools where your academic profile is clearly above the typical range (likely), several where you’re right in the middle (match), and a couple where you’ll need the rest of your application to shine (reach). Once you’ve got that, compare net cost and scholarships, because a great outcome is getting admitted and being able to afford it.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 26 Score?
Retaking can be worth it, but only if you have a clear reason. Consider retaking if your target colleges’ typical scores are higher than 26, if you’re close to a scholarship cutoff, or if one section score is pulling your composite down and you think you can raise it with targeted prep.
If you choose to retake, focus on what changes your score fastest: timing, question types that repeat, and the section where you lost the most points. If retesting would affect grades, course rigor, or application quality, your time is usually better spent on strengthening the rest of your profile.
26 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 26 ACT score is typically comparable to about 1220 to 1240 on the SAT. Concordance ranges are estimates, but they can help you understand how scores generally line up across tests. If you’re debating whether the SAT might suit you better, a timed practice test is the simplest way to find out.
Scholarships for a 26 ACT Score
A 26 ACT score can help with merit scholarships at some colleges and can strengthen outside scholarship applications as well. Your best strategy is to apply broadly: look for scholarships tied to academics, leadership, service, intended major, background, location, and extracurricular interests. Use our scholarship database to find opportunities you can realistically complete and track.
