MSU sets record for new Merit, Achievement students

A record number of National Merit and National Achievement scholars are among Mississippi State's fall freshman class.

Of the 62 students, nearly 50 are Merit Scholarship finalists. Three National Achievement Scholar finalists are enrolled.

They represent the largest number of Merit Scholars the university ever has enrolled at one time, as well as the largest single number beginning their freshman year at a Mississippi college or university.

The 1996 number represents a nearly 40 percent increase in Mississippi State Merit Scholars over last year.

The National Merit Achievement Program was initiated in 1964 to increase educational opportunities for academically promising African-American high school students. This year, approximately 270 graduates received collegiate Achievement Scholarships.