Lincoln, Neb. — Nebraska students continue to score above average on the ACT compared to states that test all students.
The average ACT composite score for Nebraska’s 2026 graduating class is 18.8, down from 19.2 last year. However, that’s still higher than the 18.2 average among states that test 100 percent of their students. Only two of those states scored higher than Nebraska.
All Nebraska public school juniors are required to take the ACT. This year, 100 percent of Nebraska public and private school graduates took the exam, compared to just 36 percent of students nationwide.
The national average ACT score also fell this year, from 19.4 to 19.2.
Nebraska students averaged 17.8 in English, 19.2 in reading, 18.8 in math, and 19.2 in science. The highest possible composite score is 36.
Changes are coming to the ACT next year. While science will become optional nationally, Nebraska will continue to require the science section as part of its state assessment. The writing section will also remain required in Nebraska.
State education officials say ACT scores reflect Nebraska’s 2026 graduating class, many of whom took the test during their junior year. A more current look at student performance will be available when the Nebraska Department of Education releases statewide assessment results later this fall.
Preliminary data suggest those results could show progress across Nebraska schools.
More information and the full ACT reports are available at ACT.org/gradclass2026.
