Nebraska students’ average ACT score higher than most at 18.8

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) announced that Nebraska students are among the highest scoring on the ACT exam.

According to NDE, Nebraska’s average 2026 composite score is 18.8. In 2025, the average composite score was 19.2.

Nebraska had 100% participation through public and private schools. Among the other states that had 100% of students participate, only two states scored higher than Nebraska.

Nebraska students scored an average 17.8 in English, 19.2 in reading, 18.8 in math and 19.2 in science.