Average SAT Scores by State 2026: Complete Rankings for All 50 States + DC

Comprehensive analysis of average SAT scores for all 50 states plus Washington D.C. in 2026. Includes state rankings, participation rates, regional patterns, and expert interpretation of what these numbers mean for your college planning from SATHELP24x7.com.

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📊 Data Analysis Guide

Average SAT Scores by State 2026: Complete Rankings for All 50 States + DC

Comprehensive Analysis of SAT Performance Across All US States, Regional Patterns, Participation Rates, and Strategic College Admissions Insights

⏱️ Last Updated: November 7, 2025 | Data Source: Most recent available 2024-2025 testing cycle with 2026 projections

Understanding how SAT performance varies by state provides crucial context for benchmarking your own scores and strategizing your college applications. This comprehensive guide from SATHELP24×7 analyzes average SAT scores across all 50 states and Washington D.C. for 2026, revealing significant geographic variations driven by participation rates, educational policies, and demographic factors.

What you'll discover: Complete average SAT scores for every state, how participation rates affect state averages, regional trends and patterns, where your state ranks nationally, and what these numbers mean strategically for your college admissions approach. This data-driven analysis goes far beyond raw numbers to explain why states differ significantly and what that means for your test preparation and applications.

⏰ Data Availability 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 reliable baseline with analysis of expected 2026 trends. All data should be verified with official College Board reports when they are published. State averages reflect only students who took the SAT and vary significantly based on participation rates. Always verify current data on the College Board's official website.

National SAT Score Overview for 2026

Before examining state-by-state variations, understanding the national context provides important perspective:

📈 National Baseline (2024-2025 Cycle)

  • National Average Total Score: ~1028 (ERW: 529, Math: 499)
  • National Median Score: Similar to mean, indicating relatively symmetric distribution
  • Score Range: State averages span from below 950 to above 1150—a 200+ point spread
  • Participation Nationwide: Approximately 2.1 million students took the SAT in 2024
  • Score Distribution: Relatively stable year-over-year, though Digital SAT (2024+) may affect comparisons

Why State Averages Vary So Dramatically

The national average SAT score of approximately 1028 represents all test-takers nationwide. However, this headline number obscures a critical reality: state averages range from below 950 to above 1150, representing a massive 200+ point variance. Understanding why requires examining the single most important factor affecting state averages: participation rate—the percentage of high school graduates who take the SAT.

🔍 The Participation Rate Effect Explained

  • Self-Selection Bias: In states where the SAT is optional, primarily college-bound, motivated students choose to take it—particularly those planning to attend selective colleges. This creates artificially high state averages
  • Mandatory Testing Reality: In states with high or mandatory SAT participation, all students take the test regardless of college intentions or academic ability. This produces more representative averages reflecting true student population ability
  • Counterintuitive Pattern: States with lower participation rates often show HIGHER state averages despite potentially having weaker overall education systems. The difference: only top students opt to take the SAT
  • The 100% Participation States: Michigan (100%) and Delaware (100%) mandate SAT testing for all students, revealing true average ability. Their averages are lower than "high-performing" states like Minnesota (1129, only 4% participation)

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

Below is the comprehensive ranking of average SAT scores across all 51 jurisdictions (50 states plus Washington D.C.), including total scores, Evidence & Reading Writing (ERW) scores, Math scores, and participation rates for 2026. This complete reference allows you to locate your state and understand where it ranks nationally:

Rank State Total Score ERW Score Math Score Participation %
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%
📌 Key Context: These scores represent 2024-2025 testing data with 2026 projections. State rankings fluctuate minimally year-to-year, typically staying within ±3-5 positions. The most critical factor affecting state averages is participation rate. States with lower participation show higher averages because only college-bound students typically test. States with mandatory or near-universal testing show lower averages representing all students.

Regional Patterns and Analysis

Northeast Region: Strongest Overall Performance

The Northeast region dominates national rankings, with six of the top ten states located in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Massachusetts leads nationally (1153), followed by New Hampshire (1143) and Connecticut (1130). Notable is that these top performers maintain relatively high participation rates (66-88%), making their averages particularly impressive—they're not just reflecting elite students but broader populations:

🥇 Massachusetts (1153)

Rank
#1 National
Participation Rate
80%
ERW / Math
584 / 569

Why It Leads: Strong educational funding, excellent public schools, high college-going culture, and proximity to elite universities drives SAT performance despite high participation rate.

🥈 New Hampshire (1143)

Rank
#2 National
Participation Rate
66%
ERW / Math
581 / 562

Why It Ranks High: Strong education system, affluent population, established college-going culture with selective college emphasis.

🥉 Connecticut (1130)

Rank
#3 National
Participation Rate
88%
ERW / Math
576 / 554

Most Impressive: With 88% participation, Connecticut's high average is particularly impressive—near-universal testing means scores reflect broad student population, not just elite test-takers.

Midwest Region: The ACT Effect

Midwest states display extreme participation variance, creating misleading comparisons. Minnesota (1129, 4th nationally) and Wisconsin (1123, 6th nationally) show impressive scores but with only 4% and 3% participation respectively. These states are historically ACT-dominant, meaning only students applying to coastal/selective schools take the SAT. Michigan's 1078 average with 100% participation is arguably more representative of true regional ability. Illinois, despite massive population, shows only 9% participation with 1050 average.

Southern Region: Representative Averages

Southern states show higher participation rates and correspondingly lower averages—but these averages are more representative of true student population ability. Virginia (1117, 68% participation), Georgia (1068, 70% participation), and Texas (1064, 66% participation) reflect diverse student populations. Florida (1000, 97% participation) and states implementing mandatory SAT testing provide the most accurate pictures of average student performance.

Western Region: Diverse Patterns

Western states show varied patterns. Utah (1120, 4%) and Washington (1102, 64%) rank high, while California (1099, 63%) as the most populous state represents millions of test-takers. Regional variation reflects both academic quality and SAT vs. ACT preferences.

How to Interpret State Average Data Strategically

Benchmarking Your Personal Score

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

✅ Smart Score Interpretation Guide

  • If Above Your State Average: You're performing better than typical test-takers in your state. However, don't use this as your benchmark for college admissions. Instead, compare your score to your target colleges' admitted student profiles, which is what truly matters for admission decisions
  • If Below Your State Average: Consider whether retaking the test with focused preparation makes sense for your goals. If your state has low participation, "below average" might still be a solid score nationally. Focus on your target schools' requirements
  • High Participation State Students: If you're in a state with >50% participation and score above the state average, you're genuinely outperforming your peer group. This demonstrates strong academic skills
  • Low Participation State Students: Your state's "high" average may not indicate you're competing against many students—just highly motivated, college-focused ones. Don't over-interpret state rankings

College Admissions Context

Colleges understand state-by-state variations and adjust expectations accordingly. Admissions officers evaluate your score considering your state's opportunities and educational context, but state average rankings don't factor into admissions decisions. Your individual score, GPA, school quality, and application components matter far more than your state's average placement.

🚀 Ready to Exceed Your State Average?

Whether your state ranks first or fifty-first, SATHELP24×7 provides comprehensive SAT preparation helping you reach YOUR specific score goals—not just beat your state average.

Achieve scores that strengthen your college applications and open doors to your dream schools! Start your SAT preparation today with SATHELP24×7's expert guides, practice problems, strategic tools, and personalized study resources.

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