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2026 Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Schools

2026 Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Schools

Looking for the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1273 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Philosophy And Religious Studies Schools in the United States

Explore the best-value schools below:

For return on investment, no school beat Arizona State University Skysong this year in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $21,684 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,684 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile

#2

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Out of the 1273 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Biola University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. Students from in state pay about $48,984 in tuition and fees. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $25,308. Biola University alumni report median earnings of $56,778 a decade after entry. Set against $25,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Biola University profile

#3

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Liberty University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $32,873 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report

You'll get strong value at Trinity International University Illinois, which ranked #4 this year. Trinity International University Illinois is a private not-for-profit school based in Deerfield, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,320. Students borrow a median of $26,892 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity International University Illinois has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on Trinity International University Illinois

Out of the 1273 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #5 spot. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,697 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,697 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $23,380 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $23,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report

Jewish Theological Seminary Of America placed #7 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,910. Graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,751. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Jewish Theological Seminary Of America report

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #8 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies 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, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#9

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based 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 Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $25,359. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,359 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full Florida State University profile

#10

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $18,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University

Franciscan University Of Steubenville ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Based in Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,100. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,030. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants. More on Franciscan University Of Steubenville

Florida International University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. This public school is set in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Florida International University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $13,134 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Florida International University

California State University Northridge placed #13 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $13,483 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $13,483 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Northridge

#14

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Median earnings reach $97,800 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duke University

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $13,122 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#16

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #16 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

Arizona State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,684 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University report

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #18 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $24,216 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,216 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#19

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read the full report on Boston College

Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $26,500. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Grand Valley State University profile

#21

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,650 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile

Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Langhorne, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $33,659. Students borrow a median of $30,750 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,172. Set against $30,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne report

California State University Fullerton landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $15,525. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on California State University Fullerton

California State University Los Angeles came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $14,430. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. California State University Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #25 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $18,676 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,676 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Schools in the United States

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

#26

Gordon College

Wenham, MA

Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. Gordon College Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $26,372 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. Gordon College admits about 69% of applicants. See the full Gordon College profile

Catholic University Of America offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,378. Graduates carry a median of $23,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,250 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,843 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Catholic University Of America report

University Of North Texas placed #28 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Texas profile

#29

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,217 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida

Utah Valley University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,636 in student loans. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt. Read more about Utah Valley University

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #31 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#32

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $16,438. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,137. That is a strong return on a $16,438 median debt. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about Emory University

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $13,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile

#36

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Depaul University Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Depaul University

Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Students borrow a median of $18,894 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins

University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #38 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $19,240 in debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $73,739 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,240 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota

#39

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Georgia State University

#40

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Philosophy And Religious Studies students take on a median of $17,715 in debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $26,247 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $26,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus

#42

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. The median Philosophy And Religious Studies program debt is $21,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona

#43

Depauw University

Greencastle, IN

Depauw University placed #43 among the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools in the United States. Set in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,070. Students borrow a median of $26,174 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depauw University admits about 57% of applicants. More on Depauw University

University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Philosophy And Religious Studies schools. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $25,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst

#45

American University

Washington, DC

American University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $24,139. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full American University profile

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $19,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#47

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $25,800. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report

#47

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $13,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Vanderbilt University report

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their Philosophy And Religious Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Philosophy And Religious Studies student debt is $15,698. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $15,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. More on University Of California Santa Barbara

Best Value Philosophy And Religious Studies Schools by Degree Level

See the best values at each degree level:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 1273 ranked schools only.

References

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