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2023 South Dakota graduates outscore neighboring states on ACT

A classroom in the Bailey Rotunda at South Dakota State University in Brookings.
South Dakota State University
A classroom in the Bailey Rotunda at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

South Dakota’s 2023 graduates averaged a score of 21.1 on the ACT. That’s the highest composite score in the region, according to state officials.

The next highest average regionally is 20.8, from Minnesota and Iowa. Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana all averaged under 20.

The ACT tests 4 core competencies; English, math, reading and science. The scores in each core are calculated into a composite score out of a maximum of 36.

While South Dakota students outperformed neighboring states, this year's average marks the third straight decline since reaching 21.7 in 2020.

The national average for 2023 graduates was 19.5, the lowest national average in over 30 years. This graduating class represents students that started high school when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

ACT also reports a continued decrease in the number of students tested nationally. This could be attributed to more public universities dropping testing requirements for admission. All South Dakota public universities still require a minimum score of 18 for admission.

Ryan is the local host of "Morning Edition". Originally from Iowa, he first came to the Black Hills to study at SD Mines. After graduating in 2019, he was an educator in Arizona and North Dakota before returning to the Black Hills.