Scholarship opportunities began to pour in after Derek Breid was named a National Merit scholar.

So why did the Minnesota native choose to attend Kansas University?

“Basically, it came down to KU offered me the most money,” he said.

Breid is one of 106 freshman National Merit scholars enrolled this year at KU. Though that number was down from last year, KU ranked 10th in the country among public universities for the third straight year.

National Merit scholar status is one of the most prestigious awards a high school senior can receive. The designation is based on test scores, academic record and other activities.

Of the 1.2 million students who compete for the award, fewer than 10,000 become scholars.

Universities use the number of scholars enrolled as a benchmark for academic success.

When Chancellor Robert Hemenway came to KU in 1995, the freshman class had 57 National Merit scholars. He set a goal of reaching 100 by the 2000-2001 school year. There were 116 that year.

Though this year’s numbers are down, Alan Cerveny, KU’s director of admissions and scholarships, said they’re still strong.

“We had a few less students than we did the previous year, but looking at that list, that happened to eight of the 10 schools,” he said. “It fluctuates year to year. … It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment. If we had the type of population base they have in California or Texas, we’d be best by far in the number of National Merit scholars.”

KU’s National Merit scholars are given a scholarship package worth almost $6,000 a year. The package covers room, board and 15 hours of tuition and fees. Scholarship money comes from the KU Endowment Association and a portion of vending sales on campus.

Cerveny said having scholars on campus increases the value of a KU education.

“Getting national attention for the quality of our students translates into more prestige for that diploma, and that’s going to help someone who’s interested in graduate schools or other positions,” he said. “I also think learning happens not only inside the classroom but outside the classroom as well. Students learn from their fellow students.”

Breid, a chemistry major, said KU’s aggressive recruiting  and knowing there were so many National Merit scholars on campus  helped bring him to Lawrence.

“They showed a lot of interest in me,” he said. “I really felt like they wanted me here. I got phone calls, letters and e-mails. I feel like I’m a little more among equals than I would’ve someplace else.”