Princeton Review Lists Gonzaga U. Schools of Law, Business in Its ‘Best’ 2011 Books

The Princeton Review has high praise for the Gonzaga University School of Business Administration and the Gonzaga University School of Law. Images courtesy Princeton Review.

SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga University Schools of Law and Business Administration are among the nation’s most outstanding law and business schools, respectively, according to The Princeton Review. The schools are included in the 2011 edition of The Princeton Review books: “The Best 172 Law Schools” and “The Best 300 Business Schools.”

The books went on sale Tuesday (Oct. 12). Robert Franek, an executive for the educational services company, said the two Gonzaga schools were selected for the books based on Princeton Review’s high opinion of their academic programs and offerings, and its review of institutional data from the schools. Princeton Review also considers the candid opinions of students attending the schools who rate and report on their campus experiences. The Gonzaga Schools of Law and Business Administration are recommended by Princeton Review as among the best institutions to earn a law degree or MBA, respectively.

Both books include two-page profiles of the schools with information about academics, student life and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity and career placement services. For Gonzaga Law School, Princeton Review notes the Jesuit influence is evident in the excellent tradition of public service, and noted the school offers great respect and support to students pursuing a career in public interest. All students must perform 30 documented public service hours to get a diploma. Another plus for the Gonzaga Law School is its strong externship program that provides real-world experience, and the on-site University Legal Assistance Clinic that provides students with real-life experience under the supervision of attorneys, Princeton Review noted.

The book quotes from Gonzaga Law School students, who said: “It really seems that the professors and administration want you to succeed.” The “very driven and dedicated” administration is “open and accessible.” “The administration has been very helpful and friendly to even my most idiotic of questions,” confides a first-year student. The “collegial, approachable, enthusiastic” professors maintain “an open-door policy” and “will find time to meet with you if their office hours don’t work.” Professors tend to have “unique backgrounds” and “relevant, real-world experience.” “While the majority of the faculty is relatively young in comparison to other institutions,” Gonzaga’s professors “all have very strong backgrounds in their respective subject areas,” which gives students “an opportunity to learn what the real practice of law is like.”

The profile of the Gonzaga School of Business Administration describes the school as: “ethics-based, family-oriented, and strives to produce people ready for the real world and its challenges, both professionally and socially.” The company notes the school appeals to MBA students due to a “great reputation in the business community,” especially for its “great accounting program,” and an “awesome flexible curriculum structure” that “is designed with working individuals in mind (with evening and online classes).” The review quotes students who liked the curriculum, saying it is “broad and covers many aspects of the modern business environment, with opportunities to specialize in finance, economics, accounting, etc.” Professors “integrate course material throughout the program” and “rarely present contradicting information” as “the material in the program is well-planned.”

The Princeton Review does not rank schools in either book on a single hierarchical list, nor does it name one law or business school best overall. Conducted during the 2009-10, 2008-09, and 2007-08 academic years, the student surveys were primarily completed online. The lists are posted online at www.PrincetonReview.com.

For more information about the Gonzaga School of Business, please contact Stacey Chatman at (509) 313-4622. For more information about the Gonzaga School of Law, please contact Susan Lee at (800) 793-1710. Questions regarding the rankings may be directed to Jeanne Krier, publicist for Princeton Review Books, at (212) 539-1350 or via e-mail.