Kansas University has moved up to 12th among American public universities for number of freshman National Merit Scholars enrolled in 2005, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. KU ranks 29th among all universities and last year was rated 16th among public universities.

KU enrolled 71 freshman Merit Scholars in 2005, up from 57 students in 2004. The university sponsored 55 of the 71 in 2005.

The National Merit scholarship is regarded as the most prestigious national award bestowed upon high school seniors. Recipients are chosen based on their academic abilities and records and extracurricular activities.