The Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie is among the "Best 290 Business Schools," as ranked by The Princeton Review. The New York-based education services company features the Black School of Business in its 2008 edition (Random House/Princeton Review, $22.95), released Tuesday, Oct. 9.

"For the fourth year, Penn State Behrend has been publicly recognized as one of the best MBA programs in the United States," Peg Thoms, professor of management and MBA program director, said. "Our students are taught by top professors in a new state-of- the-art facility -- creating an even greater demand for our MBA education."

The Princeton Review is known for its college rankings based on how students rate their schools. "Best 290 Business Schools" has two-page profiles of the included schools with descriptions of their academics, admissions, career placement services and student life. Those students who were surveyed were in most agreement about the Black School of Business' cutting-edge classes as well as its solid preparation in the areas of general management, teamwork, and communication and interpersonal skills.

Students also cite Penn State Erie's Research and Economic Development Center as "a great asset to the MBA program."

The Princeton Review does not rank the schools on a single hierarchical list from one to 290, or name one business school best overall. "We compile our ranking lists in multiple categories based on what students report to us about their schools to help applicants decide which of these academically outstanding schools is best for them," said Robert Franek, vice president and publisher at The Princeton Review.

Visit http://www.behrend.psu.edu for more information.