U.S. HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026
Graduating Class Data
A trusted snapshot of college and career readiness among ACT-tested graduates, built for educators, policymakers, researchers, employers, and families.
2026 GRADUATE INSIGHTS
ACT Performance and Postsecondary Readiness
ACT test scores and benchmark attainment are consistent predictors of postsecondary outcomes, including persistence and graduation rates.
This year's graduating class data reflect the test scores and benchmark attainment rates for all 2026 U.S. graduates who took the ACT test at least once in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. The data represent the most recent test taken by each student.
What ACT's Annual Graduating Class Data Release Provides
Reliable data that postsecondary education leaders use to help first-time enrolled students succeed.
Key insights helping employers understand what jobs ACT-tested graduates are ready for if they choose a path directly into the workforce.
Key Findings From This Year’s Data
1.46M
1.46 million 2026 high school graduates took the ACT at least once between their sophomore and senior years.
55%
of students met at least one ACT College Readiness Benchmark
English was the most commonly met benchmark.
1 in 3
took the PreACT test
More than half a million students had an early practice opportunity to validate their strengths and identify areas of opportunity.
12.5%
year-over-year increase of PreACT testing
This represents the fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth for PreACT testing nationwide.
1 in 3
took the ACT more than once
Students can retest on an ACT National test date or through a state, district or school-funded program.
+1.1 pts
average ACT Composite score improvement for retesting
This increase can unlock college admissions offers and additional scholarship funding for students, and for some states, help schools and districts meet state accountability goals.
61%
students who took the three qualifying ACT WorkKeys tests for the NCRC earned a Silver or higher credential
Earning a Silver or higher demonstrates the foundational skills needed to be successful in almost two-thirds of jobs mapped in ACT's JobPro database.
23
states offered ACT school-day testing
State- or district-funded school-day testing opportunities remove barriers like cost and transportation so students can show what they know and can do.
66%
meeting all 3 ACT College Readiness Benchmarks graduated college on time
Higher ACT scores are associated with finishing a degree on time – a bachelor's degree in four years, or an associate's degree/undergraduate certification in two years.
RESULTS DASHBOARD
ACT College and Career Readiness
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Access Your Profile Report |
ACT provides school- and district-level profile reports at no cost to K-12 institutions whose 2026 graduates took the ACT.
If you're a school or district educator or administrator, you can now access a PDF copy of your 2026 graduating class profile report through ACT Online Reporting. Click the button below to get started.
results dashboard
ACT College and Career Readiness
Explore measures of college and career readiness for the 2026 ACT-tested high school graduating class.
Results are available for a pooled, multi-state sample as well as individual states and the District of Columbia. Use the tabs at the top of the dashboard to view results overall and across different groups of students.
Key Measures
- Mean scores
- Score distributions
- ACT College Readiness Benchmark attainment rates
- Predicted National Career Readiness Certificate levels
Interpreting Results
Differences in results across states should be interpreted in the context of how many students take the ACT and who those students are. For additional context, the dashboard provides:
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Note: Tableau Public will be offline on Wednesday, October 14 from 4-8 p.m. CT for maintenance which may impact the dashboards on this page. Please check again after 8 p.m. CT if you’re experiencing any issues. |
For information about accessing and navigating this tool using a keyboard, please see the dashboard help page.
results dashboard
College Enrollment and Degree Attainment
Explore how college readiness measures relate to postsecondary outcomes.
Results are available for a pooled, multi-state sample as well as individual states with ACT participation rates of 50% or higher. The analyses are based on prior ACT-tested graduating classes. Use the tabs at the top of the dashboard to navigate between enrollment and degree attainment outcomes.
Understanding the Outcomes
College enrollment reflects attendance at a postsecondary institution in the fall following high school graduation. Degree attainment is reported using two common measures of timeliness:
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Note: Tableau Public will be offline on Wednesday, October 14 from 4-8 p.m. CT for maintenance which may impact the dashboards on this page. Please check again after 8 p.m. CT if you’re experiencing any issues. |
DISCOVER MORE
Explore More ACT Data & Insights
Discover additional ACT data using interactive dashboards designed to inform student recruitment, enrollment, and success strategies.