- University of Florida
- Florida International University
- Thomas Edison State University
- University of Illinois at Springfield
- Trine Online
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Rutgers University-Camden
- The Baptist College of Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Eastern Washington University
Despite commonly held beliefs that undergraduate majors in the social sciences or humanities may suffer from a lack of entry-level career opportunities, deciding to pursue a psychology degree doesn't require you to attend graduate school in order to find work. In fact, the large majority of psychology majors do not work as licensed psychologists. The knowledge and skills gained in an undergraduate program — the ability to complete research, work with data, and understand human behavior — provide applicability to fields ranging from business to social work to allied health. The schools listed below provide some of the most affordable online psychology degrees in the nation, with the flexibility you need to start school for the first time, transfer in an associate degree, or complete an unfinished bachelor's. Many offer customizable degree plans to promote your personal and professional goals, whether you aspire toward graduate studies or immediate post-graduation employment.
Note: This article may contain sponsored links. These are designed to help you connect with programs easily.
The Best Online Psychology Programs Ranking Methodology
Selection Criteria
For this ranking, we looked for public and private (non-profit) colleges and universities that offer undergraduate psychology degrees online. Because the focus of this list is on affordability, we only considered programs with average* tuition rates of $20,000/year or less.
We also narrowed our search to include only schools that offer full, four-year bachelor's degrees in psychology online (no degree completion programs).
*For public schools, we calculated the average value of their in-state and out-of-state rates.
Ranking Factors
After compiling a list of all the colleges that offer online psychology bachelor's degrees and meet the above criteria, we then collected data in three categories:
- Program Popularity: Out of all undergraduates, how many choose specifically to major in psychology? In other words, how successful is the psychology program at attracting undergraduates to their degree, especially since psychology is typically one of the most popular programs at any college? To find out, we considered both the number of students who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in the most recent school year as well as what percentage those students comprised of the entire undergraduate senior class.
- Specialization Options: What sort of academic variety and customization opportunities does the program provide? This is a particularly important consideration for psychology majors who want to prepare for specific careers, as the field is notoriously broad. To test this metric, we looked at how many concentration/emphasis options each program offers (if any).
- Affordability: What is the average annual cost of attendance?
After collecting and sorting all the information, we ranked the candidates according to their performance in each area.
Read more about the best cheap online bachelor's degrees in psychology below!
Cheap Online Psychology Programs Ranking
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
The University of Florida (UF) offers an affordable online psychology degree that runs fully online in an asynchronous format. The 120-credit program includes coursework in behavior analysis, abnormal psychology, and comparative psychology. The capstone experience features five options, such as a senior thesis and an undergraduate research project.
UF's Career Connections Center (CCC) offers virtual recruiting events and job and graduate school search engines. Other valuable CCC services include resume critiques and graduate school preparation tips. UF degree-seekers can use a four-year career plan to set goals for each year of college.
Prospective learners submit either high school transcripts or GED scores. UF also requires standardized test scores. Transfer credit must reflect a minimum 2.75 GPA. In-state students save significantly on tuition compared to out-of-state learners. UF provides degree-seekers with a scholarship search engine that curates hundreds of institutional financial aid opportunities.
University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Florida International University
Miami, FL
Florida International University (FIU) offers one of the nation's most affordable online bachelor's degree programs in psychology for recent high school graduates and nontraditional students. The program features an entirely asynchronous curriculum and emphasizes human growth and development, personal adjustment, and research methods in psychology. Degree-seekers can customize their major by selecting three upper-division electives.
Essential student services include success coaches, free online tutors, and multiple professional development opportunities that can help learners enhance a resume. Application materials include ACT or SAT scores and academic transcripts. Transfer applicants with at least 60 transferable credits need not submit standardized test scores. Out-of-state and international students pay approximately 50% more on tuition. All students can apply for FIU institutional scholarships, which learners can review online.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers one of the country's most affordable online psychology degrees entirely online. Degree-seekers analyze social psychology, the history and systems of psychology, and physiological psychology. To personalize the educational experience, learners select two psychology electives from more than a dozen options. The program concludes with a liberal arts capstone experience.
TESU's counseling department maintains a blog that features essential resources for students and alumni, including tutoring software and library tools. Also, TESU posts multiple career resources, such as links to top job boards and networking sites.
Prospective learners with high school transcripts or GED scores may apply. Full-time students pay a flat tuition rate, saving them thousands of dollars compared to part-time learners. Also, TESU's tuition policy makes it one of the most affordable online universities for active-duty service members. TESU posts new scholarship opportunities each semester.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
4. University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IL
University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) offers an affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology that boasts undergraduate research opportunities, a boon for degree-seekers preparing for graduate school. The rigorous curriculum features coursework in the brain and emotion, sensation and perception, and lifespan developmental psychology. In the final semester, learners undertake one of five capstone projects.
At the UIS Career Center (CC), students can learn how to build a resume, plan for life after graduation, and analyze interviewing best practices. The CC also provides one-on-one counseling sessions and specialized resources -- job and internship search tools -- to online students.
After completing general education requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA, UIS students apply to the program. Prospective degree-seekers who earned an associate degree from another accredited school also qualify. Out-of-state students pay the in-state tuition rate, making this cheap online psychology degree accessible to budget-conscious students from all over the world. UIS also offers merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen that award up to full tuition.
University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5. Trine Online
Fort Wayne, IN
Trine Online's most affordable online psychology degree prepares students for both an entry-level career and a master's in psychology. Primary core courses include the principles of psychology and research methods. New courses start every eight weeks, and degree-seekers learn in an entirely asynchronous format.
Trine's academic success resources include a 24/7 tutoring service. As students near graduation, they can contact the school's career services (CS) professionals to learn how to turn academic achievements into an online brand and an effective resume. Other CS services include interview preparation tips and a graduate school application guide.
Trine accepts up to 90 transfer credits and also awards credit for challenge exams and professional portfolios. The university does not charge out-of-state tuition. Active-duty service members enjoy a nearly 40% tuition discount. Degree-seekers who struggle with how to afford college can sign up for a 4-6-month tuition payment plan.
Trine Online is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
6. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA
University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) created its most affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology with the latest cutting-edge research in mind. Learners finish general education requirements before starting the major in their junior year. Required courses include an introduction to research methods, advanced general psychology, and statistics. In their senior year, degree-seekers take 4-5 psychology electives.
At the ULM Career Center, students can access Handshake job search software, learn how to write a resume, and watch multiple how-to videos that cover what employers desire in job applicants. New learners can also join a career academy to learn how to prepare for a job hunt and a first career.
Freshman applicants submit standardized test scores. ULM uses a GPA cutoff for high school graduates.Transfer credit must reflect a minimum C grade. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate at this public university. ULM online degree-seekers may qualify for one or more federal grants or loans.
University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
7. Rutgers University
Camden, NJ
Prospective students who already possess an associate degree or significant transfer credit should consider the affordable online psychology degree at Rutgers University - Camden. The 40-credit major curriculum features coursework in introduction to psychology, statistics for social science, and method and theory in personality. Learners earn a minimum 2.5 GPA in each course to remain in good academic standing.
When preparing for a career, undergraduates can use the school's Handshake software to connect with potential employers. Other resources include networking guides and internship opportunities for off-campus students.
In addition to adequate transfer credit, application requirements include a resume and personal essay. The school may ask some applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. In-state students save over 50% on tuition compared to out-of-state learners. Degree-seekers may qualify for up to $5,000 per year in merit-based scholarships.
Rutgers University - Camden is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
8. The Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, FL
At The Baptist College of Florida (BCF), the online bachelor's degree program in psychology combines the latest research into the psychology field and Christian doctrine. Students complete four courses in biblical/theological foundations before moving on to the major curriculum. Psychology coursework includes marriage and family, abnormal psychology, and psychological tests and measurements. In their final year, degree-seekers complete a practicum and a directed research project.
Academic success tools include citation guides through the BCF Writing Center. In addition to critiquing academic papers, writing center professionals can give students feedback on a cover letter or resume draft. Learners can also reference multiple writing guides at the Ida J. McMillan Library.
Unique admission requirements include a pastoral recommendation form. Freshman applicants also submit ACT or SAT scores. A private college, BCF charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all students. BCF offers more than 100 institutional scholarships. Students can also apply for federal grants and loans.
The Baptist College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
9. University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
Students enrolled in the most affordable online psychology degree at University of Central Florida (UCF) can take the first step toward becoming a career counselor, human resources administrator, or psychiatric technician. The program boasts six academic tracks, including human factors psychology and neuroscience. Some learners can earn a degree in just two years.
Nearly half of UCF undergraduates attain a job offer before graduation. At UCF's Career Center, learners can take advantage of resume and cover letter guides, review best practices, and learn more about Handshake software. Other resources help degree-seekers develop a three-semester plan for graduate school admissions.
Prospective students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. Applicants should possess an associate degree, preferably from a Florida community college. UCF is one of the most affordable online colleges for in-state students. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay considerably more.
University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
10. Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
At Eastern Washington University (EWU), the most affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology prepares students to become substance abuse disorder professionals in Washington state. The curriculum features unique coursework in HIV/AIDS and addiction treatment, community prevention methods, and addiction treatment with families. In the final semester, degree-seekers complete a rigorous capstone project.
Professionals at the EWU Career Center (CC) work one on one with students to explore careers, develop interviewing skills, and network with alumni online. On the CC website, students can research the latest career and internship opportunities and explore some of the best external career resources.
Freshman applicants submit standardized test scores, high school transcripts or GED scores, and FAFSA results. The affordable per-credit tuition rate makes EWU one of the most affordable colleges for in-state students. Out-of-state students can apply for one of the university's merit-based scholarships. Typical scholarships award up to $3,000 per year.
Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
11. Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
Bellevue University's affordable online psychology degree offers three programs that feature a 127-credit curriculum. Degree-seekers complete foundational coursework in foundations for professional success, human development across the lifespan, and abnormal psychology. All students complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, three courses that instill American values such as personal responsibility.
Although the school offers cheap online degrees, students enjoy the same career services as more expensive schools. They can take advantage of career advisors, networking sites, and mock interviews. Highly trained advisors work one on one with veterans to turn military training into a marketable asset.
Before applying to the program, students earn 60 general education credits at Bellevue or transfer an associate degree from another school. Prospective freshmen can submit GED scores. The school does not require standardized test scores. Bellevue awards scholarships to incoming freshmen who possess an excellent high school GPA.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
12. Indiana University-East
Richmond, IN
Transfer students can explore one of the nation's most affordable online bachelor's degree programs in psychology at Indiana University East (IUE). The 60-credit curriculum includes coursework in social psychology, the psychology of personality, and the psychology of learning. After taking two psychology electives, students select from one of two capstone options: a senior seminar or a course in readings and research in psychology.
IUE's online learners can access essential career resources through Canvas. Other services include a job shadowing program, resume critiques, and a private job board. IUE also offers exclusive internship opportunities to students who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and receive a faculty recommendation.
In addition to possessing an associate degree, prospective students must meet the school's course prerequisites requirement. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay approximately 45% more on tuition than in-state learners. Students submit FAFSA results to apply for all institutional financial aid, including merit-based scholarships.
Indiana University East is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
13. Missouri State University
Springfield, MO
Aspiring case managers, personnel recruiters, and social service specialists can explore the most affordable online psychology degree at Missouri State University (MSU). Students can earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree and customize the program by completing a minor. Courses in both tracks include psychological statistical methods, experimental psychology, and biological processes.
Student support services for online learners include Handshake software, a job search toolkit, and links to the best networking sites. The school's career center offers free professional development courses that cover how to explore careers effectively.
For guaranteed admission, applicants must meet MSU's high school GPA or GED score cutoff. Other application materials for prospective freshmen include ACT or SAT scores. Although an affordable college for in-state students, out-of-state degree-seekers pay more than double the in-state tuition rate. MSU awards automatic financial aid to incoming freshmen with a minimum 24 ACT or 1160 SAT score.
Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
14. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) offers an affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology that includes a 120-credit curriculum; coursework includes the psychology of learning, theories of personality, and ethics in psychology. The program boasts two concentrations: substance abuse counselor and prevention specialist. The degree qualifies students to apply for the Louisiana Counselor-In-Training License.
At the school's career center, students and alumni can access the NSU Career Guide, hone interviewing skills, and meet with a career counselor. Resources for veterans include an in-depth guide on how to write an effective resume and links to multiple job boards.
NSU accepts GED scores. Prospective freshmen submit ACT or SAT scores. Applicants without standardized test scores take the ACCUPLACER exam. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency. Active-duty service members and dependents receive a significant tuition discount. In-state students may apply for up to five scholarship opportunities.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
15. Concordia University
Saint Paul, MN
Another excellent option for transfer students, Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) offers an affordable online psychology degree that features a 44-credit curriculum and seven-week courses. Degree-seekers analyze social psychology, research methods with statistical applications, and lifespan developmental psychology. Learners complete a semester-long internship their senior year.
CSP's Office of Career Development boasts multiple resources, including an internship program and a comprehensive graduate school research guide. These and other services help over 90% of CSP psychology alumni find a job within one year of graduation. Also, nearly half of graduates earn more than the national average for recent college graduates.
CSP accepts the common application and requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for credit to transfer. Prospective students need not submit standardized test scores or recommendation letters. All degree-seekers pay the same per-credit tuition rate. Active-duty service members enjoy a significant tuition discount.
Concordia University, St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
16. University of Houston
Houston, TX
The University of Houston Downtown (UHD) offers an affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology that includes coursework in psychology and law, the psychology of prejudice, and behavioral statistics. The program also boasts dozens of psychology electives, allowing degree-seekers to customize their concentration. UHD suggests that psychology students minor in ethnic studies, biology, or criminal justice.
Psychology students can bolster a resume by signing up for an optional internship or directed study project. Degree-seekers can turn to the Career Development Center's career assessments, interviewing tips, and graduate school application guides. UHD runs a private job board for students and alumni.
UHD does not use a high school GPA or GED score cutoff for freshman applicants. Prospective transfer students need at least 15 undergraduate credits. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay a higher tuition rate than in-state learners at this public university. The UHD Merit Scholarship awards $3,000 per year to eligible learners.
University of Houston Downtown is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
17. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC
At Fayetteville State University (FSU), the online psychology degree allows degree-completion students to earn a bachelor's in just two years. Degree-seekers use Canvas to take asynchronous courses in behavioral, education, forensic, and social psychology. Curriculum emphasizes analytical and interpersonal skills. Other learning outcomes include the ability to apply different psychological theories to real-life situations.
In addition to Handshake software and a private job board, FSU Career Services boasts numerous resources, including one-on-one appointments with a career coach. Students can also receive a resume critique, learn how to dress appropriately for a job interview, and create a four-year career plan.
Transfer applicants need adequate transfer credits and a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Prospective students ages 20 and younger also submit high school transcripts or GED scores.
Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
18. National University
La Jolla, CA
National University (NU) offers an affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology with three degree tracks: integrative psychology, sport psychology, and psychology. Unique courses in the sport psychology track include the social psychology of sport, exercise physiology, and counseling techniques. Each program uses four-week courses, making this cheap online degree an excellent choice for prospective students who want to start a degree as soon as possible.
On the Career Services website, students and alumni can access resume tips and samples, networking guides, and salary negotiation best practices. Degree-seekers can also take advantage of career interest assessments.
NU accepts GED scores. Incoming students without prior college experience take the ACCUPLACER exam to determine initial English and mathematics course placements. In addition to possessing transfer credit, incoming learners can earn credit through challenge exams and professional portfolios. The school's Transfer to Success scholarship awards $5,000 to transfer degree-seekers with an excellent undergraduate GPA.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
19. University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers an affordable online psychology degree with a 120-credit entirely online curriculum. Coursework gives degree-seekers an overview of social, cognitive, developmental, and abnormal psychology. Learners personalize the major by selecting five psychology electives. The program prepares degree-seekers for both a graduate program and an entry-level career.
Online learners can consult with enrollment navigators for help with financial aid, course registration, and career preparation. Other resources include a virtual writing center, 24/7 access to library services, and a technology guide that assists learners with IT troubleshooting.
Prospective freshmen submit standardized test scores in addition to high school transcripts or GED scores. An enrollment navigator may request additional materials under certain circumstances. Out-of-state students pay approximately 66% more on tuition at this public university. The school offers multiple merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
20. Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
Students enrolled in the most affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) take coursework in four subfields: abnormal/social, biopsychology, cognitive/learning, and developmental psychology. After completing core curriculum, degree-seekers select two electives from more than 20 options. In their final year, students choose between a study-abroad capstone experience or a senior seminar.
More than 90% of EIU students find a job or enter graduate school within six months of graduation. Learners can access Career Services' professional development courses, attend career fairs, and take workshops.
EIU uses a 26 ACT score cutoff for freshman applicants. The school prefers prospective students who already possess an associate degree. Out-of-state learners pay a slightly higher per-credit tuition rate than in-state degree-seekers. EIU's Transfer Academic Excellence Scholarship awards up to $2,500 per year to qualifying students.
Eastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
21. Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS
Students earning the affordable online psychology degree at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) can select between a bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) track. In the BA, students enjoy greater freedom to choose electives, while the BS requires 20 credits of mathematics and science courses. Both degrees include coursework in abnormal psychology, applied statistics, and cognitive psychology. Additionally, electives feature unique topics such as the psychology of aging and human sexuality.
FHSU boasts a 95% alumni success rate, which is the percentage of graduates who started a job or entered another academic program within 12 months of earning a bachelor's. The university facilitates students' career success by offering career interest assessments and interview preparation guides.
FHSU uses high school GPA, standardized test scores, and GED score cutoffs. All transfer credit must reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA. The university charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all students, making it one of the most affordable online colleges for out-of-state learners.
Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
22. University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona's most affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology emphasizes coursework in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and health psychology. The flexible curriculum allows students to complete a minor or take additional psychology electives. Academically motivated degree-seekers can apply to the university's honors program.
Academic and career success starts with the Buddies Program, an optional program that pairs online students. Buddies offer each other encouragement, advice, and help with assignments. Traditional career services include internship opportunities and career guides. Degree-seekers approaching graduation can also sign up for the university's alumni mentorship program.
The school does not require standardized test scores or recommendation letters. All online learners pay the same tuition rate. Active-duty service members receive an automatic tuition discount. The university offers two scholarships exclusive to psychology degree-seekers. Some students may qualify for a tuition payment plan.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
23. University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
The University of Memphis Global (UofM Global) offers an affordable online psychology degree that appeals to both recent high school graduates and learners who already possess an associate degree. The curriculum features three content areas: cognitive and neuroscientific bases of behavior, social and developmental bases of behavior, and applications of behavior. Degree-seekers can concentrate in one of three areas, including behavioral neuroscience.
Students gain access to several resources, including SmartStart, which helps nontraditional degree-seekers prepare for online learning by completing readiness assessments and taking one or more noncredit courses. Learners can also sign up for FOCUS 2, a software suite that helps them identify potential career paths.
Both freshman and transfer applicants use the same online application. All prospective students submit FAFSA results. Learners use the Tiger Scholarship Manager to research and apply for institutional and departmental scholarships. Tennessee residents may qualify for additional financial aid opportunities.
The University of Memphis Global is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
24. Washington State University
Pullman, WA
Degree-seekers enrolled in the most affordable online bachelor's degree program in psychology at Washington State University (WSU) can choose from three focus areas: neuroscience/cognition, social/motivational, and clinical/counseling. Each focus area offers five courses from which degree-seekers select two. Before starting a focus, students complete a four-course core curriculum that features elementary statistics and experimental methods in psychology.
WSU's Academic Success and Career Center offers many online resources, including one-on-one appointments, cover letter and resume critiques, and Handshake software. Students can also research internship opportunities and professional development courses.
Prospective students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. WSU accepts GED scores. Applicants ages 24 and younger submit ACT or SAT scores. The university does not use an automatic GPA cutoff for transfer credit. Online learners can apply for the $1,000 per-semester ASWSU Global Scholarship, as well as other institutional and private financial aid opportunities.
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
25. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
Three optional certificates -- forensic psychology, behavioral health, and cyberpsychology -- make the online psychology degree at University of North Dakota (UND) an attractive option to prospective students with diverse academic and career goals. The entirely online bachelor's track includes coursework in research methods and professional ethics. In the capstone, degree-seekers perform original research into psychology's history and systems.
Nearly 80% of UND graduates find a job within one year of graduation. Career Services (CS) professionals guide students and alumni's career preparation by offering Handshake, Focus 2 Career, and InterviewStream software. Other CS resources include a five-step career guide and the annual on-campus Career Expo.
Admission requirements include the common application and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants ages 24 and younger also submit standardized test scores. Both in-state and out-of-state degree-seekers pay the same per-credit tuition rate. Incoming learners can apply for more than 800 institutional scholarships by submitting only one application.
University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Thanks for reading our ranking of the 25 top cheap psychology degrees online!
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
IPEDS Data
Center
College
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