Is 20 a Good ACT Score?
Yes. A 20 is a good starting point.
The national average ACT score in 2024 was 19.4. A 20 puts you above that. You scored higher than 59 out of every 100 students who took the ACT.
But good enough for which college? That depends on your target school. Some colleges love a 20. Others want much higher. Read on and you will know exactly where you stand.
But good enough for which college? That depends on your target school. Some colleges love a 20. Others want much higher. Read on and you will know exactly where you stand.
CURRENT PERCENTILE
59th
NEXT TARGET
71st
Scored a 20 and want to go higher?
Find out exactly which questions are costing you points. Take a free practice test on ScoreSmart and get a full breakdown in under an hour.
What Does 59th Percentile Actually Mean?
It means you scored higher than 59 out of every 100 students who took the ACT. 41 students scored above you.
Here is something important: a 20 puts you above the national average. That is not nothing. But for most four-year colleges, you need to be higher than average to stand out.
Here is something important: a 20 puts you above the national average. That is not nothing. But for most four-year colleges, you need to be higher than average to stand out.
ACT Score Percentile Table
The national average ACT score is
19.4
A 20 is a good starting point.
ACT Score
Percentile
What It Means
36
99th+
Perfect score. Top 1%
30
93rd
Excellent. Very competitive.
24
74th
Strong. Good for most schools.
21
57th
Above average.
20
59th
Above average. (This page)
19.4
53rd
National average (2024)
19
42nd
Just below average.
17
26th
Below average.
What Colleges Can You Get Into With a 20 ACT Score?
A 20 gives you real options. More than a 19 did. Here is a simple way to think about it:
Schools Where 20 Makes You Competitive
School
Location
Average ACT
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX
18-23
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
20-25
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
18-24
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
18-23
California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA
17-22
Schools Where 20 is Below Their Range
Most selective state universities expect a 23 or higher. Highly selective schools expect 33 plus. At those schools, a 20 puts you well below the typical admitted student range. The gap between a 20 and a 24 is only 4 points. But those 4 points open up hundreds of more competitive schools. That is why many students with a 20 choose to retake.
Is 20 ACT Score Good Enough for Scholarships?
Some, but not many. Most merit scholarships at competitive colleges require a 24 or higher. A 20 puts you in range for need-based aid and some smaller institutional scholarships.
Scholarship Type
Score Needed
20 Qualifies?
Most college merit scholarships
24+
No
Some open-admission school grants
18+
Yes
Non-test scholarships (GPA, essays)
33+
Yes
Non-test scholarships (GPA, essays)
N/A
Yes
If scholarship money is a big goal, pushing to 24 or higher is worth the effort. It changes what you qualify for significantly.
Should You Retake the ACT With a 20 ACT Score?
For most students, yes. A 20 is above average but it is not a strong score at most four-year schools. Here is how to decide:
You probably do not need to retake if:
- Your target schools have average ACT scores of 22 or higher
- You want to qualify for merit-based scholarships
- Your practice tests show scores of 22 or above
-
You have at least 6 weeks before your next test date
You should consider retaking if:
- Your target schools have averages at or below 20
- You are applying test-optional and have a strong GPA and essays
- You are already past application deadlines
ScoreSmart shows you exactly where you are losing points.
Going from 20 to 23 is very realistic with the right prep. That 3 point jump moves you from the 59th to the 71st percentile and opens up many more schools.
How to Improve From a 20?
- Look at your section scores, not just your composite
- Drill the question types you keep getting wrong
- Work on pacing
- Take at least two full practice tests before your retake
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a 20 is above the national average of 19.4. It puts you in the 59th percentile. It is a solid starting point but limits your options at most competitive four-year colleges.
A 20 is the 59th percentile based on ACT 2024 national data. You scored higher than 59% of all students who took the ACT.
Many four-year schools with open or rolling admissions accept a 20. Most mid-size state universities expect 22 or higher. Highly selective schools typically want 30 or above.
For most students, yes. A jump to 23 or 24 opens up more colleges and scholarship options. With focused prep, that jump is very achievable in 6 to 8 weeks.
It is above the national average but not competitive at most four-year universities. For selective schools, you need 24 or higher. For very selective schools, 30 or above.
