Indiana State University Newsroom

"‘Small classes, great teachers, good assistantships' and an affordable tuition" helped Indiana State University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program land on the Princeton Review's list of the nation's top programs for a sixth straight year.

The academic test preparation and admissions counseling company listed the ISU program in "The Best 294 Business Schools" for 2012. The review analyzes data and surveys to determine the programs that make the final list, which does not rank the schools.

"We are very pleased that The Princeton Review has once again recognized the Scott College of Business for its value and excellence," said Nancy Merritt, dean of the college. "The recognition as a Best Business School is particularly gratifying because it is based upon students' perspectives of their education here at ISU."

The Princeton Review highlighted multiple positive aspects of the program, which factor in data from student surveys conducted through the last three academic years. The MBA program's size "is both a major asset and an occasional drawback," though the smaller class size means "great faculty accessibility," the Princeton Review says in the rankings.

The organization also highlights Terre Haute's location as an asset, as the city is "very close" to Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago, among other cities; has amazing parks and low cost of living so that students are able to enjoy other activities while attaining their education.

"While our faculty challenges the MBA students with a rigorous curriculum to prepare for them for careers, we also want them to appreciate the experiences outside of the classroom," Merritt said. "Indiana State University and Terre Haute provide learning and other enriching opportunities that are right here or within a few hours' drive."

ISU's MBA program attracts full-time and part-time students. More than half of the students in the program are international students, which the Princeton Review highlights as helping to make the campus culturally diverse.

"The MBA program here at Indiana State is a tremendous program and this perception is consistently corroborated by our faculty, students and alumni," said Jack Maynard, ISU provost and vice president for academic affairs. "We at Indiana State are pleased that the Princeton Review continues to recognize the education and development that we provide to our students and graduates."

The MBA program is expanding, as classes began this fall for the inaugural class of the professional MBA program in Plainfield, a western suburb of Indianapolis. The professors and courses are the same as the offerings on the Terre Haute campus, although the professional MBA courses and services are tailored for working professionals with at least five years of experience.

"The professional MBA program is a new way to provide both in-class and Internet-enabled learning forums to students who would not otherwise access an advanced business degree," Merritt said. "It brings together rising professionals who are on target to become leaders in their organizations and provides the knowledge and skills they need to thrive."

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/i-GGWxfsZ/0/S/i-GGWxfsZ-S.jpg
Princeton Review seal

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Publications/MBA-in-Plainfield/DSC2552COBMBA/1095958208_ZQ9qu-L.jpg
The site of the professional MBA program in Plainfield.

Contact: Nancy Merritt, dean, Scott College of Business, Indiana State University, 812-237-2000 or nancy.merritt@indstate.edu.

Writer: Austin Arceo, assistant director of media relations, Office of Communications and Marketing, Scott College of Business, 812-237-3790 or austin.arceo-negrich@indstate.edu.