UA Walton College Ranked in Princeton Review's Best Business Schools

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has been ranked in The Princeton's Review's "The Best 143 Business Schools," a review of the nation's top MBA programs.

The Walton College MBA program was ranked eighth in the nation in the "Most Competitive Student" category.

"We are thrilled to be included in these rankings for the first time," said Michele Halsell, director of the Walton College Graduate School of Business. "Our students are competitive and are able to carry a tough workload, which we feel prepares them to move to the next level in their careers."

The Princeton Review cited location as one of the top advantages of the Walton College MBA program. Northwest Arkansas is a global hub for retailing with its proximity to Wal-Mart, and this provides students with access to major corporations. Walton College students surveyed agreed with this assessment. They also said that the small size of the program has fostered a supportive and team-oriented approach to their business education. They told the Princeton Review that they liked the local reputation and contacts, which especially benefit students who want to pursue careers in the retail/vendor industry.

The Princeton Review surveyed more than 11,000 students at 143 business schools and took their opinions, along with school statistics reported by administrators, to create 11 rankings, including Toughest to Get Into, Best Overall Academic Experience, Best Career Prospects, Best Professors, Most Family Friendly, Best Campus Environment, Best Campus Facilities, Best Administered, Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students, and Greatest Opportunity for Women. The ranking does not rank overall quality but focuses on helping students find schools with qualities important to them.

The Walton College MBA program is accredited by the AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.