North Dakota’s Class of 2026 posted a strong overall performance on the ACT and WorkKeys assessments, according to new results released this week. Students who graduated in 2026 and took the ACT earned an average composite score of 20.1, an increase of 0.7 points over 2025 (19.4).
North Dakota had 62% (5,315) of students that participated in the assessment for 2026, down about 20% from 2025 (7,100). The ACT is no longer a required assessment for all high school students or used in North Dakota’s school accountability system.
In a comparison with states that test a similar percentage of students (60% to 75%) North Dakota ranks second in average composite and second in the averages across the subjects. In comparison to the total US ACT Class of 2026 performance (1,463,293 students), North Dakota is 0.9 points higher when looking at the average composite. The US average composite dropped from 19.4 in 2025 to 19.2 in 2026.
North Dakota also continued its historically strong performance on the ACT WorkKeys assessment. The US WorkKeys Silver or higher percentage was at 58.5% while North Dakota came in at 94.4%. The breakdown consists of Silver (US 29.6%, ND 6.9%), Gold (US 18.4%, ND 66.6%) and Platinum (US 10.5%, ND 20.8%). A total of 1,205 North Dakota students completed the WorkKeys career‑readiness assessment, signaling foundational skills aligned with in‑demand jobs. Nationally, 307,202 WorkKeys assessments were completed.
“These results reflect the steady progress students make when given multiple opportunities to show what they know,” ACT reported in its annual release. “Readiness develops over time, and measures like ACT and WorkKeys provide insight into the full range of paths students can pursue after graduation.”
North Dakota’s data reinforces that picture. Statewide participation in advanced coursework, retesting opportunities and career-aligned assessments continues to grow. District dual-credit participation increased from 81.9% in 2025 to 84.8% in 2026, and AP Exams in 2026 showed a 6% increase in tests earning a score of 3 or higher compared to 2025.
North Dakota could increase the utilization of the ACT Fee Waiver Program. The US data shows about 12.1% of testers get a free testing opportunity based on income eligibility. In North Dakota, this program is only used by 3.1% of testers.
“These indicators help families, educators and policymakers understand where students are today and whether they are prepared for what comes next,” State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier said. “We want all students to graduate Choice Ready, ensuring every student is prepared to thrive in college, career or the military. Assessments like the ACT and WorkKeys help students know if they’re on track.”
The full 2026 Graduating Class results are available at act.org/gradclass2026.