26 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
You're in a good spot with a 26 ACT. That score lines up with well-known publics like Michigan State and Texas A&M, and it matches more than 1,300 colleges nationwide. Plenty of those are realistic targets, and a smaller group of more selective schools is still worth a look.
How 26 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 83rd - higher than about 83% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1240 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,368 schools (534 target, 100 reach, 734 safety).
Is a 26 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 26 ACT is a solid score. It sits at the low end of Auburn's middle 50% (26-31) and overlaps Alabama (24-31) and San Diego State (22-29), so those are realistic targets.
You're a few points above the national average of 21. That is why so many state universities fit. Reaches like the University of Florida (29-33) and Ohio State (28-32) usually look for higher scores, so those will be tougher even with a strong GPA.
Colleges still look at more than this number. Your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations all matter, and they can carry extra weight when your ACT is near the bottom of a school's middle 50%.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 26 ACT
Arizona State, UC Irvine, and Tennessee Knoxville all have ranges that include a 26, so they look like strong matches. Clemson and UT Austin typically enroll students a bit above this score, so they are possible but less certain. The tables below group the full set into targets, reaches, and backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 26 is inside the middle 50% at the University of Arizona (21-29) and UCF (25-29). That's a good shot if the rest of your application is solid.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
UNC Chapel Hill (28-34) and Wisconsin (29-33) usually enroll students above a 26. You can still apply, but getting in is a longer shot.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
A 26 clears the middle 50% at Texas State (19-25) and Ball State (20-24) by a few points. Odds look strong at these schools, and there are hundreds of them.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 26 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 26 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 26 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 26?
You don't need to retake a 26 unless you're aiming at more selective schools. Targets like Auburn and Texas A&M already line up with this score. Another test date mainly helps if you want a better chance at Florida, Clemson, or Ohio State.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| Could help at Florida, Clemson, or Ohio State | Score gains are not guaranteed |
Serious prep often adds 1 or 2 ACT points. Focus on your weaker section, take timed practice tests, and review every miss. A prep book or a few tutoring sessions can be enough if you stay consistent.
Apply with the 26 if your targets already fit, or prep for a few weeks and try once more.
26 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 26 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 23 | 1140 |
| 24 | 1180 |
| 25 | 1210 |
| 26 | 1240 |
| 27 | 1280 |
| 28 | 1310 |
| 29 | 1340 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 26 ACT places you in about the 83rd percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 83% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 26 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 25 and 27
- Browse the equivalent 1240 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026