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2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Natural Resources Conservation master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1206 schools 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.

To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Explore the best-value schools below:

American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,709. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $16,709 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System

#2

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

You'll get strong value at Webster University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,939. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Webster University

#3

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

A rank of #3 makes Youngstown State University one of the best values in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bemidji State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $23,900. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #5 place in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $21,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong

North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report

South Dakota State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $24,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $24,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on South Dakota State University

California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. California State University Fullerton Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full California State University Fullerton profile

University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. University Of Houston Clear Lake Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $21,100 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. That is a strong return on a $21,100 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report

#10

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD

Goucher College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Goucher College profile

Stephen F Austin State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,826. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,634 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,826 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #13 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report

#14

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about San Jose State University

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Graduates carry a median of $23,202 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,528. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $26,330 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#17

Unity College

New Gloucester, ME

Unity College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Unity College is a private not-for-profit school based in New Gloucester, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,640. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Unity College alumni report median earnings of $37,852 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Unity College profile

#18

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $25,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $25,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware

University Of Illinois At Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. University Of Illinois At Springfield Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,925 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,103. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Springfield

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $22,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $22,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile

University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #21 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#22

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Clemson University profile

Texas State University San Marcos landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,515 in student loans. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $24,515 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos

#22

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,646 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $22,646 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#22

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #22 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $24,125. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Natural Resources Conservation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

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

University Of California Berkeley placed #27 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $12,988 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,988 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#28

University Of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco placed #28 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,812 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of San Francisco

Michigan Technological University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Michigan Technological University

#30

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University placed #30 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,742 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Duquesne University

The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $21,632 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington

Loyola University Chicago came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $24,042 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $24,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola University Chicago

University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,533. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara

Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Syracuse, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,303, compared with $22,263 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $20,846. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #36 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $24,099 in debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,099 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#37

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $23,430. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $23,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full Northeastern University report

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. This public school is set in Galloway, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,281 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

#40

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $18,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile

Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median Natural Resources Conservation program debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Washington State University profile

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Texas A And M University Corpus Christi came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $27,523 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,865 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi profile

University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#45

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $32,597 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. More on Oregon State University

Arizona State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $22,479. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $22,479 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Natural Resources Conservation students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $14,421 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Set against $14,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #48 among the best-value Natural Resources Conservation schools in the United States. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $18,676 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 31%. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

#50

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Natural Resources Conservation student debt is $16,500. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on Cornell University

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,352 to complete their Natural Resources Conservation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 1206 ranked schools only.

References

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