WSU falls short with National Merit Scholars in comparison to other public colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest.

In a recent University of Idaho press release, studies show that WSU only has three National Merit Scholars enrolled, compared to UI and the University of Washington’s 17 and 14, respectively.

UI President M. Duane Nellis said the statistics say incredible things about the Idaho student body.

Nellis said the National Merit Scholars not only represent the top one percent nationally of their graduating class, but also exemplifies the type of students who choose UI.  He said the scholars choose to attend the university because of its ability to teach leadership and success to its students.

According to the National Merit Scholarship website, each year approximately 1.5 million high school students qualify for entry into the National Merit program; there are only approximately 15,000 of those students make it as a finalist into the program.

Timothy E. McGuire, president of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, said the scholars receive recognition for their academic achievement and potential for success through the National Merit program.

McGuire said all National Merit Students exhibit their own desire and drive to learn and succeed through hard work.

Other public universities that top the list include the University of Oregon, enrolling 13 National Merit Scholars, Montana State University enrolling ten scholars and Oregon State University enrolling nine scholars.