2025 Average SAT® Scores by State

The SAT® continues to serve as a key indicator of college readiness and, in many states, a component of statewide assessment and accountability systems. For the Class of 2025, more than 2 million students nationwide took the SAT®, reflecting continued growth in participation and the first full cohort to complete testing primarily in a digital format.

This report provides a comprehensive look at 2025 SAT® results, including national performance, state participation trends, and how testing requirements influence average scores. It also explains how additional state-level score details are released, so educators can interpret results with clarity and confidence.

National SAT® Results for 2025

According to the College Board 2025 Total Group SAT® Suite of Assessments Annual Report, SAT® participation reached its highest level since 2020.

National Averages

• Total number of students tested: More than 2 million
• Average total SAT® score: 1028
• Average Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): 519
• Average Math score: 509
  

SAT® Benchmarks

SAT® college-readiness benchmarks did not change in 2025. Benchmarks continue to represent the score thresholds associated with a student’s likelihood of earning a C or higher in entry-level, credit-bearing college coursework. While benchmarks remain stable, attainment continues to vary based on access to instruction, preparation, and participation policies.

SAT® Participation and State Testing Requirements

SAT® participation differs significantly by state, largely due to policy decisions:

• Some states administer the SAT® statewide as part of accountability or graduation pathways, resulting in participation rates near 100%.
• Other states offer the SAT® on an optional basis, leading to lower participation and more self-selected test-taking populations.
  

These differences are critical when comparing average scores across states. Higher participation typically produces lower averages because results reflect a broader range of students—not just those planning to attend college.

2025 SAT® Scores by State

The table below shows state-level SAT® participation and average total scores for the Class of 2025, along with whether the SAT® is required as part of statewide testing.

* As of Spring 2026, Kentucky will be requiring the SAT® instead of the ACT® which it had previously required.

How to Interpret This Data

States with near-universal SAT® participation—such as Indiana, Michigan, and New Mexico—tend to report lower average scores because results reflect the full student population. States with very low participation rates often report higher averages, driven by a smaller, college-bound group of test takers.

About Additional State-Level Score Details

While national SAT® results for 2025 are final, College Board releases state-level score details in phases.

• The Total Group report provides national averages, participation context, and identifies which states administer the SAT® statewide.
• Individual state SAT® Suite of Assessments Annual Reports are released separately and include:
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) averages
  • Math averages
  • Exact numbers of students tested

Top- and Lower-Performing States

Highest Average Scores

States with the highest average SAT® scores in 2025 include:

• North Dakota
• Nebraska
• Wisconsin
• Utah
• Mississippi
  

These states all have low participation rates of 1–2%, which significantly influences averages, since the voluntary test takers tend to be those who expect to attend college.

Lower Average Scores

States with statewide SAT® administration and high participation—such as New Mexico, Delaware, West Virginia, Indiana, and Michigan—report lower averages but offer a more complete view of overall student readiness.

Notable Trends for 2025

• SAT® scores appear to be stabilizing following the transition to digital testing.
• Increased participation continues to place downward pressure on averages in required-testing states.
• Achievement gaps remain closely tied to instructional opportunity and access to targeted support.

What This Means for Schools and Districts

Meaningful improvement depends on how data is used to guide instruction—not just on the test itself. The 2025 SAT® data reinforces the importance of:

• Interpreting scores in the context of participation and policy
• Using assessment data to identify specific learning gaps
• Supporting students with targeted intervention, remediation, and progress monitoring in all subjects and grade levels, so they are prepared for an assessment like the SAT®.

How Progress Learning Supports SAT® Readiness

Progress Learning helps schools support SAT® readiness by focusing on the skills and standards that matter most. Our platform includes standards-aligned practice, custom and pre-built assessments, and targeted remediation designed to strengthen the foundational reading, writing, and math skills assessed on the SAT®.

With Progress Learning, schools can:

• Create custom SAT®-aligned practice or use pre-built assessments that mirror test rigor
• Identify specific skill gaps using detailed performance reports
• Assign targeted remediation and individualized study plans
• Monitor progress over time to ensure students are building mastery before test day

Built for schools and districts, Progress Learning supports consistent implementation across classrooms while giving educators clear, actionable next steps tied to assessment data. To explore implementing a full SAT® prep program at your school, contact us below.