Is a 24 Good on the ACT? What That Score Really Means
A 24 on the ACT is a good score. It’s above the national average and places you roughly in the top third of all test takers, so it will satisfy admission requirements at many colleges. Whether “good” is good enough depends entirely on the schools you’re targeting. A 24 is competitive at community colleges, most public state universities, and less selective private schools, but it typically falls short at highly selective institutions where the middle 50% of admitted students score 30 or higher.
What a 24 on the ACT Actually Means
The ACT is scored on a 1–36 scale, with 36 being a perfect score. A 24 falls four points above the composite midpoint and well above the national average composite, which has hovered around 19–20 in recent years according to ACT national reporting.
In percentile terms, a 24 lands you near the 70th–75th percentile nationally. That means you scored as well as or better than roughly seven out of every ten students who tested. It’s a solidly above-average result — not elite, but comfortably stronger than the average test taker.
Your composite is the average of four section scores: English, Math, Reading, and Science. A 24 composite might hide a split like 28 English, 20 Math, 25 Reading, 23 Science. That pattern matters, because it shows where you’re strong and where a retake could move the needle fastest. Colleges see section scores too, and a lopsided profile can affect placement into first-year courses even after admission.
Is a 24 Good for College?
How competitive a 24 is depends on the tier of school you’re applying to. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Community colleges: Almost always sufficient, and many don’t require ACT scores at all.
- Regional and non-flagship state universities: A 24 typically meets or exceeds admission standards, and at many schools it also qualifies you for merit-based scholarships.
- Flagship public universities: A 24 may be below the median for the most competitive state schools, especially for out-of-state applicants. In-state applicants sometimes fare better.
- Selective private colleges and universities: Often a stretch, since many report middle 50% ranges starting around 28–30.
- Highly selective institutions: A 24 is generally not competitive. These schools typically see admitted-student ranges in the low 30s.
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard lets you look up the actual admitted-student score ranges for specific schools, which is far more useful than any general rule.
And a 24 is not the only number colleges weigh. GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars all factor in. At many schools, especially those that are test-optional, a 24 is simply one data point among many.
24 vs. Average and Target Scores
Comparing a 24 to the national average and to specific college targets puts it in clearer perspective.
| Benchmark | Typical ACT Composite | How a 24 Compares |
|---|---|---|
| National average | ~19–20 | Four to five points above |
| Regional state university | ~21–23 | At or above |
| Flagship state university | ~26–29 | Often below |
| Highly selective university | ~32–35 | Well below |
Scholarships, honors programs, and course placement
A 24 can unlock real money at some schools and nothing at others. Many regional public universities offer automatic merit awards starting around a 24 composite, sometimes combined with a GPA threshold. State-funded scholarship programs vary widely — some set the bar at 24, others higher. Competitive honors colleges frequently expect a 30 or above, though some less selective programs admit students in the mid-20s. Check each program’s specific requirements rather than assuming a 24 is enough.
Admission is only half the story. Once you enroll, ACT section scores often determine which first-year courses you can take without a placement exam. A Math score around 22–24 frequently places students into college algebra or statistics rather than calculus, while an English score in the mid-20s typically satisfies freshman composition placement. Lower section scores may require developmental courses, which cost tuition but earn no degree credit. If your composite is 24 but your Math subscore is 19, you may still land in a remedial math sequence at a four-year school, adding time and cost to your degree. That’s a practical reason to care about sections, not just the composite.
Should You Retake the ACT?
Retaking is worth it if your target schools sit above your current score range, or if you see clear room to improve. Most students who retake gain one to three composite points, though gains can be larger with focused prep — particularly if one section dragged your average down.
Retaking makes sense when your target schools report middle 50% ranges above 24, when one section score is far below the others and dragging your composite down, or when you’re close to a scholarship or honors cutoff. It may not be worth it if your target schools admit students with a 24 and your GPA and essays are strong, or if you’ve already taken the test two or three times with little movement.
Many colleges use superscoring, which means they combine your highest section scores across multiple test dates to calculate a new composite. College Board offers superscoring for the SAT, and many colleges apply the same practice to the ACT. If your sections are uneven, a second sitting can raise your superscore even if your single-day composite doesn’t budge. Check each school’s policy, since not all superscore.
A short example: if you score 24 with a 20 in Math, then retake and score 23 overall but a 26 in Math, a superscoring school may combine your best sections into a 25 composite.
Key Takeaways
- A 24 on the ACT is above the national average and sits near the 70th–75th percentile.
- It’s competitive at community colleges, most state schools, and many regional universities.
- It’s usually below the range for flagship state schools and highly selective universities.
- A 24 can qualify for merit scholarships at some schools, but cutoffs vary by school and state.
- Section scores matter for course placement, not just admission.
- Retake if your target schools expect higher scores or if one section is holding you back.
- Superscoring can raise your effective composite across multiple test dates, so confirm each college’s policy.
Before making decisions about applications or financial aid, consult your school counselor or a college admissions professional who knows your specific goals.
