NIU’s Director of Admissions says the decline in number of high school seniors who are applying to college “doesn’t seem to be affecting Northern.”

Daniel Oborn said he believes NIU has maintained its number of applicants because of the quality of education the university offers, reflected the second highest standards of Illinois state universities.

NIU has maintained high standards for incoming students. Applicants must have an ACT score of 21 and be in the top third of their class or the equivalent to be considered for enrollment.

In addition, Oborn believes that NIU’s location attracts students because the majority of Illinois residents attending college live near NIU.

Director of Institutional Research, Nick Noe said the number of high school seniors who will enroll in college this fall has dropped “a little less than 8 percent.”

Noe said as of June 28 NIU had admitted 12,645 freshmen for this fall, which is “just a little less” than the 12,706 new students admitted last year.

Oborn said that new student applications were “cut off in April”, when it looked like there was going to be too many applicants.

Though other higher education institutions in Illinois, including Eastern Illinois University, might suffer a shortage of freshmen. Oborn said across Illinois there are generally more spaces available for students in college than there are students to fill the vacancies.

The University of Illinois’ Registrar, William Fierke said it was “a bit of a surprise” last year when the university received fewer new student applications than in the past. Presently, U of I is only accepting applications for dance majors.

Fierke pointed to the advantages in the smaller “yield rate” (number of applicants). Fierke said it allows U of I to consider applicants on a more personal level by looking at the statements of interest on applications.