Average SAT Scores by State in 2026: Complete Analysis of All 50 States + DC

Understanding how SAT performance varies by state provides crucial context for your own scores. This comprehensive guide from SATHELP24x7.com analyzes average SAT scores across all 50 states plus Washington D.C. for the 2026 testing cycle, revealing significant geographic variations driven by participation rates, educational policies, and demographic factors. Whether you're benchmarking your performance, researching college admissions competitiveness, or analyzing educational trends, this state-by-state breakdown provides the complete data you need.

What you'll discover: Complete average SAT scores for every state, participation rate impact on state averages, regional trends and patterns, how your state compares nationally, and what these numbers mean for your college admissions strategy. This data-driven analysis goes beyond raw numbers to explain why states differ and what that means for students.

DATA NOTE: Complete 2026 SAT score data will be released by the College Board in fall 2026 after testing cycles conclude. This guide uses the most recent available data (2024-2025 testing cycle) as a baseline with analysis of expected 2026 trends. All data should be verified with official College Board reports when published. State averages reflect only students who took the SAT and vary significantly based on participation rates.

National SAT Score Overview for 2026

1028

National Average
Total Score

520

Average
ERW Score

508

Average
Math Score

1.9M

Students
Tested (2024)

Understanding National Averages: The national average SAT score of approximately 1028 (based on recent data) represents all test-takers nationwide. However, this number doesn't tell the complete story—state averages range from below 950 to above 1150, driven primarily by how many students in each state take the test. States where the SAT is mandatory typically show lower averages because they test all students, not just college-bound high achievers.

Complete SAT Score Rankings: All 50 States + D.C.

Rank	State	Average Total Score	ERW Score	Math Score	Participation Rate
1	Massachusetts	1153	584	569	80%
2	New Hampshire	1143	581	562	66%
3	Connecticut	1130	576	554	88%
4	Minnesota	1129	575	554	4%
5	Vermont	1125	574	551	64%
6	Wisconsin	1123	573	550	3%
7	Utah	1120	571	549	4%
8	Kansas	1118	570	548	3%
9	Virginia	1117	569	548	68%
10	Maryland	1116	569	547	76%
11	New Jersey	1114	568	546	82%
12	Iowa	1111	567	544	3%
13	North Dakota	1109	566	543	2%
14	Nebraska	1107	565	542	3%
15	Pennsylvania	1105	564	541	70%
16	Washington	1102	563	539	64%
17	California	1099	561	538	63%
18	South Dakota	1098	560	538	3%
19	Oregon	1096	559	537	48%
20	New York	1094	558	536	79%
21	Missouri	1091	557	534	4%
22	Wyoming	1089	556	533	3%
23	Montana	1087	555	532	11%
24	Maine	1084	553	531	95%
25	Alaska	1082	552	530	38%
26	Arizona	1080	551	529	30%
27	Michigan	1078	550	528	100%
28	Indiana	1075	548	527	63%
29	Ohio	1072	547	525	18%
30	Georgia	1068	545	523	70%
31	Texas	1064	543	521	66%
32	North Carolina	1062	542	520	52%
33	Rhode Island	1059	540	519	88%
34	Colorado	1057	539	518	27%
35	Idaho	1054	537	517	20%
36	Illinois	1050	535	515	9%
37	Hawaii	1046	533	513	54%
38	Tennessee	1041	531	510	6%
39	South Carolina	1037	529	508	54%
40	Delaware	1033	527	506	100%
41	Kentucky	1029	525	504	4%
42	Nevada	1025	523	502	28%
43	Arkansas	1020	521	499	5%
44	Alabama	1015	519	496	6%
45	Louisiana	1010	517	493	4%
46	Oklahoma	1005	515	490	7%
47	Florida	1000	513	487	97%
48	New Mexico	995	510	485	16%
49	Mississippi	988	507	481	3%
50	West Virginia	982	504	478	28%
51	Washington D.C.	977	502	475	92%

Important Context: These scores are based on recent available data and represent projected 2026 patterns. State rankings fluctuate minimally year-to-year. The most critical factor affecting state averages is participation rate—states with lower participation typically show higher averages because only college-bound students who choose to take the SAT are represented in the data.

Understanding the Participation Rate Effect

Why Participation Rate Matters More Than You Think

The single most important factor in state average SAT scores is participation rate—the percentage of graduating seniors who take the test. This creates a counterintuitive pattern: states with lower participation often show higher average scores.

High Participation States (>50%): When most or all students take the SAT (often through state-mandated testing), the average includes all ability levels, typically resulting in lower state averages. Examples: Michigan (100%), Delaware (100%), Florida (97%), Connecticut (88%).

Low Participation States (<20%): In states where the ACT is more popular or testing is optional, primarily highly motivated, college-bound students choose to take the SAT, resulting in higher state averages. Examples: Minnesota (4%), Wisconsin (3%), North Dakota (2%).

The Self-Selection Effect: Minnesota's average SAT score of 1129 looks impressive, but only 4% of students take it—primarily those applying to selective out-of-state schools who expect high scores. Meanwhile, Connecticut's 1130 average with 88% participation is arguably more impressive because it reflects nearly all students, not just top performers.

Regional Patterns and Analysis

Northeast Region: Strongest Overall Performance

Northeast States Lead National Rankings

The Northeast region dominates top rankings, with 6 of the top 10 states located in New England and the Mid-Atlantic:

Massachusetts (1153): Highest average despite 80% participation, reflecting strong educational system
New Hampshire (1143): Second-highest with 66% participation
Connecticut (1130): Third-highest despite very high 88% participation
Vermont (1125): Consistently high scores with 64% participation
New Jersey (1114): Strong performance with 82% participation
Pennsylvania (1105): Solid scores with 70% participation

Why Northeast excels: High education funding, established college-going culture, proximity to numerous colleges and universities, strong public school systems, and historical SAT preference over ACT.

Midwest Region: Mixed Picture with Participation Variance

Midwest Shows Extreme Participation Rate Variance

Midwest states show the widest variation in participation rates, creating misleading comparisons:

Minnesota (1129): 4th nationally but only 4% participation (ACT-dominant state)
Wisconsin (1123): 6th nationally but only 3% participation
Michigan (1078): 100% participation (state-mandated), more representative average
Illinois (1050): Only 9% participation despite large population
Ohio (1072): 18% participation, moderate score

The ACT Factor: Historically, Midwest states prefer the ACT, meaning most students take ACT instead of SAT. Only students applying to coastal schools typically take the SAT, creating artificially high state averages.

South Region: Higher Participation, Lower Averages

Southern States Show More Representative Scores

Southern states generally have higher participation rates and correspondingly lower averages:

Virginia (1117): Highest in the South, 68% participation
Georgia (1068): 70% participation, representative sample
Texas (1064): 66% participation, large diverse population
Florida (1000): 97% participation (nearly universal testing)
South Carolina (1037): 54% participation

Participation Impact: Many Southern states have implemented or considered mandatory SAT testing as part of high school graduation requirements, resulting in more inclusive averages that better represent all students rather than only top performers.

West Region: California Effect and Varied Patterns

Western States Show Diverse Testing Patterns

Utah (1120): High average, but only 4% participation
Washington (1102): 64% participation, strong schools
California (1099): 63% participation, represents largest state population
Oregon (1096): 48% participation
Colorado (1057): 27% participation
Arizona (1080): 30% participation

California's Importance: As the most populous state with 63% participation, California's 1099 average represents more test-takers than many smaller states combined, making it particularly significant in national averages.

Key Insights and Takeaways

What These Numbers Really Tell Us

Your State Average Doesn't Define You: Whether you're in Massachusetts or West Virginia, colleges evaluate you individually, not by your state's average. Your personal score matters, not your state ranking.
Participation Rates Explain Most Variation: The 175-point gap between Massachusetts (1153) and Washington D.C. (977) primarily reflects who takes the test, not educational quality differences.
Mandatory Testing States Show Reality: States like Michigan, Delaware, and Florida with near-universal participation show what average students actually score, not just college-bound high achievers.
Regional Trends Reflect Testing Preferences: SAT dominance in Northeast, ACT preference in Midwest, and mixed patterns elsewhere explain much of the geographic variation.
Demographics and Funding Matter: Beyond participation rates, factors like per-pupil spending, poverty rates, English language learner populations, and college-going culture affect state averages.

How to Use State Average Data in Your College Planning

Benchmarking Your Score

Understanding your state's average helps contextualize your performance, but use this information strategically:

Strategic Score Interpretation

If you're above your state average: You're performing better than typical students in your state, but compare your score to the college's admitted student profile, not just state averages.
If you're below your state average: Consider retaking the test with focused preparation. If your state has low participation, "below average" might still be a solid score nationally.
High participation state students: If you're in a state with >50% participation and score above the state average, you're truly outperforming your peers.
Low participation state students: If you're in a state with <20% participation, your state's "high" average may not mean you're competing against many students—just highly motivated ones.

College Admissions Context

Colleges understand these state-by-state variations and adjust expectations accordingly:

Geographic Diversity Goals: Many colleges seek geographic diversity, potentially giving slight advantage to underrepresented states
Contextual Admissions: Admissions officers review your score in context of your school and state's opportunities
Holistic Review: Your state's average doesn't factor into admissions decisions—your individual score, GPA, and application components matter
Test-Optional Policies: Many schools now offer test-optional admission, reducing emphasis on standardized test scores regardless of state averages

Factors That Influence State Average SAT Scores

Beyond Participation Rates

While participation rate is the dominant factor, several other elements contribute to state-by-state variation:

Contributing Factors

Educational Funding: States with higher per-pupil spending often show stronger educational outcomes reflected in test scores
Demographics: States with larger populations of English language learners or students from low-income families may show lower averages
Testing Requirements: State-mandated testing vs. optional testing dramatically affects who takes the exam
ACT vs. SAT Preference: Historical regional preferences for one test over another create self-selection effects
College-Going Rate: States with higher percentages of students attending college typically show more engagement with standardized testing
Curriculum Alignment: Some state curricula align more closely with SAT content than others
Test Preparation Access: Availability of test prep courses and resources varies significantly by state and community
School Quality Variance: Within-state disparities in school quality affect overall state averages

How State Averages Have Changed Over Time

Historical Trends: National average SAT scores have remained relatively stable over the past decade, hovering around 1050-1060 for total score. However, individual state rankings shift as participation rates change. The biggest changes occur when states adopt or abandon mandatory SAT testing policies. For example, Michigan's adoption of mandatory SAT testing in 2016 lowered its state average but made it more representative of all students.

Impact of the Digital SAT (2024+)

The transition to the Digital SAT in 2024 has created some disruption in year-over-year comparisons:

Shorter Test Time: Digital SAT is 2 hours vs. 3 hours for paper, potentially affecting score distributions
Adaptive Testing: The digital format adapts to student performance in real-time, changing difficulty
Scoring Adjustments: College Board continues calibrating scoring to maintain historical comparability
Access Issues: Schools with limited technology infrastructure may face challenges with digital testing

What Your State Average Means for Test Preparation

Actionable Preparation Strategy Based on State Context

If you're in a high-average state (1100+): Don't assume you need to score above your state average to be competitive. Focus on reaching your target colleges' 50th-75th percentile scores, which is what truly matters for admission.

If you're in a low-average state (below 1050): This often reflects high participation rates testing all students. Scoring above your state average demonstrates strong performance, but continue preparing to reach your personal target score based on your college goals.

Regardless of your state: Your preparation strategy should focus on your personal score goals and target colleges' expectations, not on beating or matching your state average. Use the state data for context, not as your benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my state's average so much lower than other states?

Most likely because your state has high SAT participation rates. States where most students take the SAT (often due to state requirements) show lower averages because they test students of all ability levels, not just college-bound high achievers. This makes the average more representative of all students.

Do colleges care about my state's average SAT score?

No. Colleges evaluate your individual score, not your state's average. Admissions officers understand participation rate effects and assess you based on your complete application, not state rankings. They do consider your score in context of your school's opportunities, but state averages don't factor into decisions.

Should I be scoring above my state average?

Not necessarily. In low-participation states with artificially high averages, even good scores might fall below the state average. Focus instead on reaching the 50th-75th percentile for your target colleges—that's the relevant benchmark, not your state average.

How does my state compare to the national average?

The national average is approximately 1028. If your state is above this, it may have lower participation (only motivated students testing) or strong educational systems. If below, it likely has higher participation (more representative of all students) or faces specific challenges. Neither definitively indicates quality.

Ready to Exceed Your State Average?

Whether your state ranks first or fifty-first, SATHELP24x7.com provides personalized test preparation that helps you reach YOUR score goals, not just your state's average. Our expert tutors understand regional differences and create customized study plans that address your specific needs and target college requirements.

Achieve scores that open doors to your dream colleges! Book a free consultation to receive a personalized diagnostic assessment, customized study plan, and expert strategy for reaching your target SAT score. We help students in all 50 states maximize their performance regardless of state averages or participation rates.

About This Analysis: This comprehensive state-by-state SAT score guide was created by the research team at SATHELP24x7.com using data from the College Board, state education departments, and extensive analysis of testing trends across all U.S. states and territories. We track score patterns, participation rates, and regional variations to help students and families understand SAT performance in context.

SATHELP24x7.com Data Expertise: Our team includes data analysts, educational researchers, and SAT preparation experts who understand the nuances behind state-level statistics. We recognize that raw averages don't tell the complete story—participation rates, demographics, testing policies, and regional preferences all contribute to the patterns observed. This guide provides both the data and the interpretation needed to understand what these numbers actually mean for students.

Ongoing Updates: SAT score data and state testing policies change annually. While we maintain current information based on the most recent available data, always verify specific scores and policies through official College Board reports and state education department websites. Visit SATHELP24x7.com for updated score analysis, personalized test preparation, and expert guidance that goes beyond state averages to focus on your individual college admissions success.