Nebraska high school students outscore peer states on ACT in 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska high school students earned the highest composite score on the ACT nationally compared with states that test all their students on the exam.

All Nebraska public school juniors are required to take the ACT as part of the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System.

Overall, Nebraska had 100% of public and private school graduates participate in the ACT.

Nebraska’s average 2025 ACT composite score is 19.2, up one-tenth of a point from 19.1 in 2024.

The average composite score of the states that also test 100% of its students is 18.2. The highest score you can get on the ACT is 36.

Nebraska also continues to stand out compared to states with more than 90% of graduates taking the ACT.

The average score of those 15 states is 18.4.

According to the Nebraska Department of Education, the average of all students who take the ACT nationwide remained the same as last year at 19.4.

Only 36% of students take the ACT nationally compared to 100% of Nebraska graduates.

Nebraska students scored an average of 18.2 in English, up from 18.1 in 2024. In reading, students in Nebraska averaged 19.6, up from 19.5 in 2024.

In Math, students scored an average of 18.9, up from 18.8 in 2024.

Nebraska students scored an average of 19.4 in science, the same as last year.

Next year, the department of education said there will be a change in the way the ACT is administered.

Nationally, the science portion of the exam will be optional, while Nebraska students will still be required to take it.

The writing portion will remain the same. Currently, it is optional nationally and required for the Nebraska state assessment.

The national and state ACT reports can be seen here.