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Minnesota has been nicknamed the Land of 10,000 Lakes and is the 22ndmost populated state in America. Interestingly, nearly 60% of the total population in Minnesota live in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, known as the Twin Cities. In terms of higher education, there are over one hundred and fifty colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota. The public schools in that state include a number of nationally and regionally ranked institutions. Top ranked public universities in Minnesota include the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, Winona State University, Saint Cloud State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, and Bemidji State University.

2024 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is located in St. Paul/Minneapolis and is a public research facility.

History

Though the University of Minnesota was founded on February 25, 1851, no students were welcomed within its halls until 1867. Enrolment was detained because of the American Civil War, as well as financial challenges. However, in 1867, John Sergent Pillbury, a University regent, state governor and senator, loaned the school a sizeable sum and used his political position to allow it to become the recipient of a Morrill Land Grant. The first president, William Watts Folwell was inaugurated on December 22, 1869. The First Bachelor Degree was awarded in 1873. In 1888, Doctor of Philosophy degrees were awarded.

The original Minneapolis campus was located on the Mississippi River, overlooking St. Anthony Falls. It was upgraded to a college from a preparatory school in 1869.

Minneapolis Campus

Today, the University's Minneapolis campus is located on both banks for the Mississippi River; the East Bank being the main campus. East Bank is divided into five areas. They are:

  • The Athletic Area
  • The Gateway Area
  • The Health Area
  • The Knoll Area
  • The Mall Area

The West Bank first saw major development during the 1960s. West Bank Art Center consists of:

  • The Barbara Barker Center for Dance
  • Ferguson Hall
  • Regis Center for Art
  • Ted Mann Concert Hall
  • Rarig Center

St. Paul Campus

The St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is located in the Falcon Heights Suburb. Social Sciences and the College of Food are located here. The Washington Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi allows students easy access between the East and West Banks. Gopher way tunnels allow students access to some buildings during inclement weather. The University has its own law enforcement in and around campus for student safety.

Academics

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is compromised of sixteen colleges and schools. Examples include:

  • College of Biological Sciences
  • College of Design
  • College of Food, Agriculture and National Resource Sciences
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Dentistry
  • Law School
  • College of Education and Human Development

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities ranks as second largest for higher education in the Midwest and offers degrees in a large variety of fields.

Athletics

The intercollegiate teams at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities are called the Golden Gophers. Goldy Gopher is the campus mascot. Teams include:

  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Wrestling

Student Life

There are a wide variety of academic, cultural, entertainment and professional opportunities at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. There are over 600 co-curricular, cultural and educational organizations from which students can choose. Examples include:

  • ACLU Law Student Group
  • Adaptive Sports Club
  • Agricultural Education Club
  • AHC Multicultural Society
  • Animal Science Graduate Club
  • Biological Science Research Club
  • Black Motivated Women
  • Cardiovascular Disease Interest Group
  • Champions for Christ
  • Disabled Student Cultural Center
  • Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
  • Fisheries and Wildlife Club
  • Gophers Dairy Club

There are hundreds of others and also a wide variety of fraternities and sororities.

Local Community

There are a wide variety of art galleries and museums in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that offer free admission.  Meanwhile, other attractions in the Twin Cities metropolitan area offer free admission, as well.  Examples in the area include free attractions such as:

  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Minnesota State Capitol
  • TRACES Museum Center for History and Culture-donation requested
  • Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
  • Minnehaha Depot
  • Museum of Russian Art
  • Bell Museum of Natural History - free only on Sunday

Be sure to check out The Museum Adventure Pass, which is a free pass handed out by libraries in the Twin Cities area.

If you enjoy an adventure, be sure to visit Guthrie Theater. The building is beautiful, has glass floors and fascinating spaces. The Endless Bridge spans the spectacular Mississippi River.  From fly fishing to shopping, fun and nightlife hotspots, there is something for everyone in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Enrollment

50,734

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

UMD is a public school that has a fair number of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Duluth, MN, in a predominantly urban area. Enrollment at UMD exceeds twelve thousand per year.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Psychology
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Communications And Journalism

Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 1400 to 1780 for the SAT exam and between 22 to 26 on the ACT is typical among students admitted to UMD. University of Minnesota - Duluth accepts approximately 80% of applicants yearly. Of those applicants admitted, nearly 37% registered for enrollment. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

The tuition at this school varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay approximately $14,000 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $16,000 annually. UMD may offer financial aid for students who qualify as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The UMD Bulldogs participate in several athletic programs, within the NCAA organization. Available sports offered may include the following:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)

For a complete list of programs offered, enrollment information, student services, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.d.umn.edu/.

Enrollment

11,024

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

About
Winona State University, located in Winona, Minnesota, was founded in 1858 and is consistently ranked among the best 100 colleges in the United States in both quality and value. The school was originally founded as a normal school to train teachers for schools throughout the state, and was the first tax supported school west of the Mississippi River. The school began operation in 1860, but closed for three years during the Civil War, resuming operation 1864.The State Normal School became Winona Teachers College in 1921 and began conferring bachelor degrees. The school's curriculum evolved over the next two decades, though rapid growth was seen after World War II when the school experienced a boom in enrollment. The resulting changes, added courses, and new programs resulted in the school becoming Winona State University. Today the school operates five colleges across three campuses, all dedicated to providing excellent education at a reasonable cost.

Academics
Winona State University offers a variety of programs and degrees that allow students to pursue the career and education that best reflects their personal goals for their future. Such programs take approximately four years to complete and require the student to take a general education courses combined with lower and upper division courses as well electives that allow for study of ideas outside of one's major. Student's may also choose to take on a minor degree that requires the addition of a set number of courses that provide education in a secondary field. The school also offers 30 graduate programs that allow students to continue their education. Such programs require a bachelor's degree, high test scores and a solid academic transcript to be considered for admission.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals interested in enrolling at Winona State University must complete and submit the application for admission, provide pertinent transcripts and test scores, and have completed the general education requirements of a high school education. The submitted application will be reviewed by a committee. Once a final decision is rendered the student will be notified, and if admitted will be provided materials preparing him or her for their educational career at WSU. Admissions requirements will vary for transfer students and for students applying to graduate programs.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school's financial aid department to determine the extent of a student's financial need and their aid program eligibility when constructing a financial aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year and students may be asked to provide additional information at random prior to the disbursement of funds to verify the information provided on the FAFSA.

Enrollment

7,792

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Minnesota - Morris is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Morris, Minnesota, which is a predominantly rural area. Approximately 1,800 students are enrolled per year at University of Minnesota - Morris. Here is a list of some of the popular programs University of Minnesota - Morris offers:

  • Psychology
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Physical Sciences
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then studied by the admissions office. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1510 - 1930 on the SAT and between 23 - 28 on the ACT is typical among students admitted to University of Minnesota - Morris. This school has an acceptance rate of around 62% of which only 32% chose to enroll.  Additional information regarding admissions for prospective students can be found through the school site or simply by requesting for it here. The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $13,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. The price of on-campus housing is about $3,700 per year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans. The University of Minnesota - Morris "Cougars" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Available sports offered:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, admission forms, programs offered, and much more can be viewed on school's website at morris.umn.edu/.

Enrollment

1,552

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Minnesota State University - Moorhead provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Moorhead, MN and publically funded. Enrollment at MSU Moorhead exceeds 7,500 per year. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Communications And Journalism
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Education
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. A SAT or ACT exam is required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 1003 - 1120 on the SAT and between 20 - 24 on the ACT is typical among students admitted to Minnesota State University - Moorhead. This school has an acceptance rate of about 63% of which only 43% decided to attend.  Key admissions information can be gathered by completing the form on this page or calling the school. The cost of tuition is close to $8,100 annually. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's net price calculator to understand their cost of attendance. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for around a cost of $4,600 per year. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. The MSU Moorhead "Dragons" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs available:
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)

Enrollment

5,860

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Minnesota - Crookston, a public institution, offers an assortment of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Crookston, MN, the school offers a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately two thousand students are enrolled annually at University of Minnesota - Crookston. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Natural Resources And Conservation
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Agriculture Operations
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Recreation And Fitness Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then studied by admissions staff. Very common scores among students admitted to University of Minnesota - Crookston are in the range of 19 to 24 on the ACT, or 1300 to 1510 on the SAT exam. 74% of those who apply are accepted to University of Minnesota - Crookston, of which 42% choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at crk.umn.edu. The cost of tuition is nearly $12,000 for the year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and therefore students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to identify their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Housing may be available for students that want to live on-campus for around a cost of $3,500 each year. Some students at University of Minnesota - Crookston may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered as grants or student loans. This school offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)
Students who would like to view more about University of Minnesota - Crookston can check out their website at crk.umn.edu.

Enrollment

2,810

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Minnesota State University - Mankato provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Mankato, MN and publically funded. Minnesota State University - Mankato has a yearly student enrollment of approximately 15,000.

Areas of study offered at msu include but are not limited to:

  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Security And Protective Services
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit school transcripts, which are then studied by admissions staff. Most students accepted to msu score in-between 20 to 24 on the ACT. 89% of those students that apply are accepted to msu, of which 45% choose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

The cost of tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state residents pay around $7,900 and out-of-state residents pay $16,000 for the year. Some students at Minnesota State University - Mankato may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Minnesota State University - Mankato "Mavericks" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)

Students who wish to see more about this school may take a look at their website at http://www.mnsu.edu.

Enrollment

14,374

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

SMSU, a public institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Marshall, Minnesota, it offers a rural setting for students to study in. Nearly six thousand students enroll at SMSU per year. Here is a list of some of the popular programs SMSU offers:

  • Education
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Recreation And Fitness Studies
  • Psychology
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, transcripts, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Most students at SMSU scored within the range of 19 - 24 on the ACT. SMSU accepts approximately 80% of applicants annually. Of those applicants accepted, nearly 35% enrolled. More information on admissions can be found at smsu.edu. The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $8,500 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's tuition calculator to identify their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Housing may be available for students that would like to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $4,600 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans. Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)
Students who would like to see more about Southwest Minnesota State University can visit their website at www.smsu.edu.

Enrollment

7,167

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

SCSU, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, it offers an urban setting for students to study in. Nearly nineteen thousand students enroll at SCSU yearly.

Areas of study available at SCSU include but are not limited to:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Communications And Journalism
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Interdisciplinary Studies

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school transcripts, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. Students may take either the SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admissions to SCSU. A score in a range of 926 to 1203 on the SAT, or 19 to 24 for the ACT is common among accepted students. This school has an acceptance rate of about 90% of which only 40% decided to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at stcloudstate.edu.

The cost of tuition varies for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state residents pay close to $7,800, while nonresidents pay $16,000 for the year. Housing may be available for those that would like to live on-campus for a cost of $4,600 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements.

SCSU offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)

Students may take a look at the school's http://www.stcloudstate.edu to view additional information.

Enrollment

13,928

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

About
Bemidji State University, located in Bemidji, Minnesota, was founded in 1919 as the Bemidji Normal School, an institution dedicated to education and training of teachers and was approved due to the states need for educators.The school opened to an enrollment of 38 and by 1921 became a four year institution named Bemidji State Teachers College.  By 1957 the schools focus and enrollment resulted in a change of focus to a more comprehensive four year institution, resulting in a name change to Bemidji State College. The continued growth of the school led to a final name change and reassertion of services and offerings, becoming Bemidji State University in 1975. The school  currently serves over 5000 students a year, and offers undergraduate and graduate study programs, some of which are unique to the school within the state. The school is one of 32 that comprise the Minnesota State College and University System.

Academics
Bemidji State University offers a variety of programs that allow students to choose the major that best reflects and assist in reaching one's desired career goals and future. Bachelor degree programs typically take four years to complete and require the students to take general education courses, lower and upper division courses as part of their major's core curriculum, and electives to explore courses and ideas generally outside of one's field of study. Students may also choose to pursue an additional minor degree, which requires an additional set of courses in a second area of study, though not quite as intensive as one's major. Bachelor degree holders may choose to apply to a graduate program offered at the school, which has its own admissions requirements typically including GRE scores, a strong academic record, and a previously earned degree.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Bemidji State University requires all interested students to submit the application for admission online. The process may be started through the school's website which provides the application form and instructions regarding enrollment dates and how to apply. Students will create an account with the school and may periodically check their account to see the status of their submitted application. Students are admitted based on the strength of their application, the scores earned on the ACT or SAT exam, and their previous transcripts. A committee will review each application and make a determination regarding admission, notifying the student once completed.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided in which will be used to determine the student's financial needs and aid program eligibility. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be chosen at random to supply additional information to verify the FAFSA's accuracy due to recent changes in federal regulations regarding financial aid.

Enrollment

5,111

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

About
Alcorn State University, located in Alcorn State, Mississippi, was founded in 1871 on the former site of the Oakland College. Oakland College was closed at the start of the civil war, and its failure to reopen after the war resulted in its sale to the state. The school was named after James A. Alcorn, and is one of the schools designated as a historically black college. The school has gone through several name changes since its founding, including Alcorn University, Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, and most recently Alcorn State University. The school itself has grown in scope a prospects, where initial graduates had limited prospects, modern graduates have greater prospects, many going on to become physicians, lawyers, educators and other professionals.

Academics
Alcorn State University offers a variety of programs and degrees that allow students to choose the path that best reflects their personal goals and interests. Individuals studying in an undergraduate program will choose a major, followed by enrollment into lower and upper division courses, electives, and required general education courses that comprise the necessary studies for a bachelor's degree. In addition, individuals may choose to take on a minor degree for additional study and limited expertise in a second field. Minor degree will add additional courses to one;'s studies, though not quite as many as a major.

Graduate degree programs are also available, requiring the appropriate bachelor or master's degree in order to be considered for admission. Graduate programs have per program enrollment, which is limited, and applicants must have strong GRE or equivalent graduate level exam scores and strong academic background in order to be considered for admission. Enrollment may be highly competitive based on the program offered.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals interested in enrollment at Alcorn State University must supply a completed application, including essay, recommendations, transcripts and test scores, which will be reviewed by the school when considering admission of a given student. Once received, the application will be looked over by committee, resulting in a decision and followed by an answer. Students will be notified as soon as possible, and if admitted, provided the information necessary to prepare for enrollment.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be used to determine financial need, program eligibility, and monetary awards. Students may be required to provide additional financial documentation prior to the disbursement of funds to ensure the accuracy of the FAFSA. Financial aid should be applied for prior to posted deadlines, and must be reapplied for every academic year.

Athletics
The Alcorn State University Braves participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC). Intercollegiate athletics are part of the collegiate experience, offering a forum for healthy competition allowing students to experience camaraderie through the successes and failures that come with pursuing a unified goal. Such programs provide growth academically, personally, athletically and socially, as well as enhance the college experience for the student body and community. Students interested in participating in an intercollegiate athletic program should contact the athletic department to obtain tryout dates.

Athletic programs at Harry S. Truman:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field

Enrollment

3,658

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Metropolitan State University provides a variety of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and publically funded. Metropolitan State University has a yearly student enrollment of over seven thousand. Areas of study available at Metropolitan State University include but are not limited to:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Psychology
  • Security And Protective Services
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then studied by admissions staff. More information from the admissions office can be found at metrostate.edu. Tuition & fees at Metropolitan State University are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs approximately $7,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition costing $14,000 for the year. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can take a look at the school's primary portal metrostate.edu to see additional information about the school or request information here to learn more about admissions, degree programs, and more.

Enrollment

7,861

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Minnesota State University Degree Programs

The degree offerings at public universities in Minnesota are as diverse as the geography found in the state. Students can find a degree program for virtually any interest from traditional to less known programs. For college-bound students unsure what degree to pursue, start with our list of thetop 200 degreesto give you some insight into popular programs at other universities. You can go further by diving into our automatedmatchingportal and applying a series of specific information to help you quickly get matched to the perfect college program for you. Request information from colleges that fit your goals and aspirations, then narrow down your top colleges after carefully reviewing their admissions information. Keep your goals in sight and keep working hard to make your dreams a reality.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

The 4 schools listed below are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.

Institution Name Number Students Information Virtual Tour
Bethany Lutheran College in Bemidji, MN1,000 to 4,999info Virtual Tour
Mayo Medical School in Mankato, MN10,000 to 19,999info
North Hennepin Community College in Moorhead, MN5,000 to 9,999info
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in Saint Paul, MN5,000 to 9,999info

University of Minnesota

The 3 schools listed below are part of the University of Minnesota system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.

Institution Name Number Students Information Virtual Tour
Minneapolis Business College in Crookston, MN1,000 to 4,999info
University of Minnesota - Crookston in Minneapolis, MNMore Than 20,000info
University of Minnesota - Morris in Duluth, MN10,000 to 19,999info

Other Public 4-Year State Universities & Colleges

Below is a list of other 4-year state universities and colleges in Minnesota.

Institution Name Number Students Information Virtual Tour
Saint Johns University in Saint Cloud, MN21info

Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Minnesota in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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