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2026 Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Urban And Regional Planning master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 146 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Best-Value Urban And Regional Planning Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

Leading the list is California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, our #1 best-value Urban And Regional Planning school in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $18,167 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $18,167 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #2 on this year's best-value Urban And Regional Planning ranking in the United States. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $15,292 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Set against $15,292 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona

A rank of #3 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $22,386. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile

A rank of #4 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the best values in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $14,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

University Of California Los Angeles placed #6 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $24,673. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Prairie View A And M University placed #9 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,299, compared with $26,874 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,824 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,411 ten years out. Set against $29,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Prairie View A And M University

#10

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. See the full Auburn University profile

#11

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University placed #11 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,275 in student loans. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $14,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,000. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#13

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $21,792. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $17,736. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#15

New York University

New York, NY

New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,829. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus

The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #17 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $21,632. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. Set against $21,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #18 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#19

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #19 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $23,608. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #19 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $13,516. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile

University Of California Davis came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile

#21

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full Clemson University profile

University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report

#24

University Of Miami

Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami placed #24 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit school based in Coral Gables, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $17,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,328 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of Miami admits about 19% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Miami

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Urban And Regional Planning Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:

Iowa State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report

New Jersey Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,755 in student loans. New Jersey Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $84,276 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full New Jersey Institute Of Technology profile

#27

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $24,518. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ball State University profile

#29

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $30,309. Median earnings reach $50,698 ten years out. Set against $30,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Morgan State University

#30

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,483 median debt. The acceptance rate is 13%. Read more about Georgetown University

#31

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $18,627. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile

University Of California Irvine ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $16,539. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. See the full University Of California Irvine profile

#33

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $27,653 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #34 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,577. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#35

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida placed #35 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read more about University Of Florida

Kent State University At Kent landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $25,174. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kent State University At Kent

#37

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $26,259. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Temple University

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #38 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report

University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $20,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa

#41

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $20,488. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida State University

#42

Cuny City College

New York, NY

Cuny City College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $13,389. Cuny City College alumni report median earnings of $66,039 a decade after entry. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny City College

#42

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Harvard University report

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $23,258. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report

#45

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,324 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,034 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Oregon

#46

Pratt Institute Main

Brooklyn, NY

Pratt Institute Main placed #46 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,845 in tuition and fees. Pratt Institute Main Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $25,103 in debt. Pratt Institute Main alumni report median earnings of $54,295 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Pratt Institute Main

#47

Portland State University

Portland, OR

Portland State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. This public school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Portland State University Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $26,475 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Portland State University

University Of Southern California landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. University Of Southern California Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read more about University Of Southern California

Arizona State University placed #49 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $27,009 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $27,009 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile

#50

University Of Louisville

Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Students borrow a median of $21,910 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,899. Set against $21,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on University Of Louisville

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 146 ranked schools only.

References

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