Facts & Stats

Kansas at the National Debate Tournament

The NDT is the longest running national debate championship tournament that began at West Point in 1947. It is an annual championship tournament that individual teams must qualify to attend. A history of the National Debate Tournament can be found at: http://groups.wfu.edu/NDT

• Ku has qualified teams to the NDT in 61 of a possible 66 years
• KU has qualified teams to the NDT for 46 consecutive years
• KU has won the NDT 5 times (2009, 1983, 1976, 1970, 1954)
• KU has reached the final four at the NDT 14 times (2009, 1999, 1994, 1983, 1979, 1977, 1976, 1973, 1971, 1970, 1960, 1954, 1948)

Since 1996 KU has also competed at the Cross Examination Debate Association National Championship Tournament. KU has qualified multiple teams to elimination rounds every season and reached the final four in 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 1999 and 1998, including a second place finish in 2008.

NDT varsity Debate Rankings

Each year the National Debate Tournament ranks debate programs based on points accumulated by teams competing for squads throughout the season. KU has consistently finished among the top ranked programs in the country.