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2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Chemical Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 214 institutions 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.

So you can compare your options, Grad Degree 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 Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

Leading the list is University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, our #1 best-value Chemical Engineering school in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $7,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $13,980 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $13,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo

A rank of #3 makes University Of Akron Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $23,168. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus

Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #4 spot. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#5

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

A rank of #5 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University

University Of Delaware placed #6 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,058. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $26,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Delaware

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $18,135. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $18,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report

#8

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston placed #8 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston

#9

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Lamar University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,019. Median earnings reach $49,652 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Lamar University report

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,947 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,947 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

Michigan Technological University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $24,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $27,816. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#13

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $14,361 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $14,361 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile

#15

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,500. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#16

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 26%. See the full Lehigh University profile

#17

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,450. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $21,450 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Clemson University profile

#18

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $26,950 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $26,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,244. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $22,244 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Iowa State University placed #20 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,188 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,188 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $25,350 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $22,850 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $22,850 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#23

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Kansas State University

Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#25

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,733 in student loans. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $17,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report

#27

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,050 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,050 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #29 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,257. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #30 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $25,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

University Of California Berkeley ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $18,155 in student loans. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $18,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley

#32

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,104. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $23,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on Auburn University

#33

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming placed #33 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,825 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia

University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $18,205. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $18,205 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,333. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,333 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile

University Of California Santa Barbara placed #38 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,937 in student loans. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $14,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara

#38

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Northeastern University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Northeastern University

#40

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $13,178. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Rice University

#41

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $15,209. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. Set against $15,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

Arizona State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University report

#44

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah placed #44 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Utah

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public school based in Rolla, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#48

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #48 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University

University Of California Davis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Set against $16,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Davis report

#50

University Of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK

University Of Tulsa offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,546 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,638 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,408 ten years after entry. Set against $23,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Tulsa

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (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 214 ranked schools only.

References

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