South Dakota’s graduating class of 2022 earned an average ACT composite score of 21.5, which is above the national average of 19.8 and the highest among neighboring states. Selby Area's graduating class of 2022 outperformed the state average with an ACT composite score of 23. Considering the state’s public-school test-takers only, the average composite score was 21.6.
The ACT is used to gain admission into colleges and universities throughout the country and for scholarship consideration. Nationally, the composite score for public school students fell slightly from 20.3 in 2021 to 19.8 in 2022, while South Dakota’s public-school average of 21.6 stayed steady. When taking the ACT, students can choose which postsecondary institutions they want to receive their scores. South Dakota’s test-takers indicated they had aspirations of staying in state to pursue further education: the top 10 schools identified to receive scores were all South Dakota institutions. Read the full press release.