Brandon Semel | Northern Star

NIU’s enrollment has fallen from 21,138 in fall 2013 to 20,611 this semester, though freshman retention has risen. Justine Ellis (left), freshman medical laboratory sciences major, and Caitlin Fritz (right), junior physical therapy major, said they enjoy attending NIU because they are able to be close to home. “I think the economy probably has something to do with” NIU’s retention rate, Fritz said.