Harding University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Harding University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Searcy, ArkansasLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1924established year
5541enrollment
NCA
Private (Not for Profit)
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 8, 2026

Harding University, a private Christian institution founded in 1924 and located in Searcy, Arkansas, is ranked #301 in the US News Best National Universities 2026 edition. It sits on a 350-acre campus and enrols around 5,541 students across ten colleges, including Business, Engineering, Nursing and Pharmacy.

Harding University offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 40 graduate and professional programs, all taught in English. For Indian students, the university admits on a rolling basis with structured Fall and Spring intakes, and issues I-20 forms once the international deposit is paid. The campus houses roughly 90% of undergraduates and supports a small but active Indian student community across USA universities.

  • US News National Universities Rank: #301 (2026 edition)
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
  • Annual Cost of Attendance: USD 39,950 (INR 37.7 lakh)
  • Average Graduate Salary: USD 49,200 (INR 46.5 lakh)

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

Tuition is fixed per credit hour at USD 945, so total programme cost depends on credit load. Harding University also runs a Walton International Scholarship and merit awards that can meaningfully reduce sticker price for Indian applicants planning the F-1 visa pathway to USA universities.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.45 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The Harding University Spring 2027 application deadline is 01 October 2026, with all supporting documents due by 01 November 2026. Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 have until 01 June 2027 to apply, with documents due by 01 July 2027. The Fall 2027 cycle is already open on a rolling basis and closes on the June 2027 deadline.


Popular Courses and Fees at Harding University 2027

Harding University charges undergraduate tuition at USD 945 per credit hour, translating to roughly USD 28,350 per academic year for a full-time load. Graduate programme tuition varies by school and credit rate. Programme durations run 4 years for bachelors, 2 years for most masters, 3.5 years for the PharmD and 3-5 years for the Ed.D.

Top Postgraduate Programs at Harding University 2027

Popular PG programmes among Indian students cluster in business, information systems, health sciences and education. Total fees below reflect programme-length estimates against Harding’s per-credit tuition and CollegeData’s disclosed graduate range.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
Master of Business Administration (MBA)25,500 to 40,000 (estimated)24.1 to 37.8 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Information Systems25,500 to 40,000 (estimated)24.1 to 37.8 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)90,000 to 140,000 (estimated)85.0 to 132.2 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)
MS Communication Sciences and Disorders28,000 to 45,000 (estimated)26.4 to 42.5 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
Master of Education (Educational Leadership)18,000 to 28,000 (estimated)17.0 to 26.4 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling28,000 to 42,000 (estimated)26.4 to 39.7 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Marriage and Family Counseling25,000 to 38,000 (estimated)23.6 to 35.9 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MEd Special Education18,000 to 28,000 (estimated)17.0 to 26.4 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
Master of Science in Nursing (MEPN)60,000 to 90,000 (estimated)56.7 to 85.0 lakh (estimated)BSN or equivalent with 60% (recommended)
Ed.D. Educational Leadership35,000 to 55,000 (estimated)33.1 to 51.9 lakh (estimated)Master’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)

Top Undergraduate Programs at Harding University 2027

Undergraduate degrees at Harding University all follow the same USD 945 per credit hour tuition and typically take four years to complete. Class 12 marks and English proof drive Indian admissions.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
Bachelor of Business Administration113,400107.1 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 80% (recommended)
BS Computer Science113,400107.1 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
BS Engineering113,400107.1 lakhClass 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)113,400107.1 lakhClass 12 with 70% (recommended)
BS Biology113,400107.1 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 80% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants most often pick the MBA, MS Information Systems and PharmD tracks, since these three align with STEM OPT eligibility or licensure pathways that support the 3-year post-completion work window.

Read More: Harding University Courses and Fees


Harding University Admission 2027

Harding University admission for Indian applicants runs on a rolling basis across two intakes, with Spring 2027 closing next and Fall 2027 already accepting applications.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 application deadline01 October 2026Documents due by 01 November 2026
Fall 2027 application deadline01 June 2027Documents due by 01 July 2027
Credential verification (WES)Start 6 weeks before deadlineRequired for foreign transcripts
Spring 2027 programme startJanuary 2027Orientation held in first week
Fall 2027 programme startAugust 2027Orientation and I-20 pickup on arrival

Planning note: Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants because most graduate assistantships, roommate matches and F-1 visa slots at the Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi consulates open in April to July for August programme starts.

Read More: Harding University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Harding University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Indian applicants must clear an academic minimum, an English-language test and a credential evaluation before Harding University can issue an I-20.

  • Bachelor’s academic eligibility (PG): A four-year Indian bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); some professional programmes ask for 60%.
  • English test minimum: TOEFL 550 (paper) or 70 (iBT), or IELTS 6.0. PTE Academic is accepted (verify score at Harding International Admissions).
  • Credential verification: Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES member (WES is most common) before admission decisions.
  • Additional documents: Passport copy, confidential reference, USD 1,000 international deposit and financial-support proof for the I-20.

For undergraduate applicants, the standard route is a Class 12 (CBSE, ISC or state board) result with an aggregate of 60% or higher, plus the same TOEFL or IELTS minimums. GRE and GMAT are not universally required for Harding University graduate admission and are typically waived where the bachelor’s GPA is strong.

Note: Indian applicants who studied their entire bachelor’s in English-medium can request an IELTS/TOEFL waiver by submitting a medium-of-instruction letter from their prior institution; the waiver is discretionary and reviewed case by case.


Harding University Acceptance Rate 2027

Harding University reports an acceptance rate of 68%, placing it in the moderately selective band among US private universities. This is an official figure carried on the US News Best Colleges profile and the university’s own Common Data Set filings.

YearAcceptance RateTrend
2024-202570.5%Slight easing
2023-202468%Stable
2018 (Fall)75%Baseline reference

Selectivity has held in a narrow 68% to 71% band over the past four cycles, so Indian applicants meeting the published academic and English thresholds have a strong statistical chance. Yield does tighten slightly for professional programmes such as PharmD and MEPN, where cohort caps drive lower admit rates.

Reality check: A 68% acceptance rate is not a rubber stamp for Indian applicants. Weak transcripts or a TOEFL below the published minimum lead to conditional admits or deferrals, so front-load your test prep and WES evaluation.

Read More: Harding University Acceptance Rate and Admission Trends


Harding University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Indian students at Harding University should plan for a total annual outlay of USD 37,484 to USD 39,950 (INR 35.4 to 37.7 lakh), covering tuition, fees, on-campus housing and meals.

Harding University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Tuition at Harding University is billed per credit hour, with fixed technology and enrolment fees applied each semester.

Fee ComponentAmount (USD)Amount (INR lakh)
UG tuition (annual, 30 credit hours)28,35026.77 lakh
PG tuition range (annual)12,750 to 19,950 (estimated)12.04 to 18.84 lakh (estimated)
Technology fee (annual)1,2001.13 lakh
International student deposit1,0000.94 lakh
Application fee (one-time)500.05 lakh

[Source: Harding University Cost of Attendance 2026-2027]

Harding University Monthly Cost of Living in Searcy for Indian Students

Searcy is a small college town in central Arkansas, and living costs sit well below coastal US averages. On-campus housing and meals are billed through Harding directly.

ExpenseMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR)
Accommodation (on-campus, single share)500INR 47,225
Food (meal plan or self-cook)450 (estimated)INR 42,500 (estimated)
Transportation (local bus, occasional ride)100 (estimated)INR 9,445 (estimated)
Books and academic supplies90 (estimated)INR 8,500 (estimated)
Personal expenses200 (estimated)INR 18,890 (estimated)
Total monthly1,340 (estimated)INR 1.27 lakh (estimated)
Total annual16,080 (estimated)INR 15.19 lakh (estimated)

[Source: Harding University published housing charge; other lines are Searcy market estimates]

Insider note: Off-campus apartments in Searcy start at USD 300 per month for shared units and rarely cross USD 700, so Indian students who move off campus after year one typically save USD 2,000 to USD 3,000 annually.

Read More: Cost of Study at Universities in USA for Indian Students


Harding University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Harding University occupies a 350-acre suburban campus in Searcy, Arkansas, roughly a 90-minute drive from Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport.

  • Location and transport: Searcy is a walkable small town; most students use campus shuttles and personal cars, with the nearest major airport 80 miles away.
  • Housing: Around 90% of undergraduates live in campus residence halls, and on-campus housing is guaranteed for international first-years.
  • Notable facilities: The Brackett Library, McInteer Bible and World Missions Center, Ganus Athletic Center and dedicated Pharmacy and Nursing simulation labs anchor academic infrastructure.
  • Indian student community: Small but active, supported by the Office of International Education, which runs orientation, cultural nights and Diwali celebrations.
  • Faith context: As a Christian institution linked to Churches of Christ, daily chapel attendance is required and behaviour is guided by an honour code covering dress, alcohol and campus conduct.

What Indian students say: The campus feels safe and community-oriented, faculty are accessible outside class, and the Christian code takes adjustment for those from secular backgrounds. Grocery options for Indian cooking are limited in Searcy, so most students drive to Little Rock every few weeks.


Harding University Scholarships 2027

Harding University distributes roughly USD 60 million in aid each year, and international students are eligible for a smaller but meaningful slice through merit, departmental and named awards.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Walton International ScholarshipFull-ride meritFull tuition, room, board (USD 40,000+ per year)Central American and Mexican nationals (India not currently eligible)Varies; verify at Harding Scholars Programs
International Scholars ProgramMeritUp to USD 10,000 per year (estimated)International freshmen with strong academicsApplied at admission
Departmental Merit AwardsMeritUSD 2,000 to USD 8,000 per year (estimated)Programme-specific; nominated by departmentPost-admission
Graduate Assistantship (CSD)AssistantshipUSD 25,000 total over five semestersAdmitted MS Communication Sciences and Disorders students; 10 hours/weekPost-admission
Ed.D. Staff FellowshipTuition remission100% tuition on coursework, 75% on dissertationFull-time Harding staff pursuing Ed.D.Rolling

Federal financial aid is not available to Indian applicants, but the Walton Scholarship, International Scholars Program and departmental awards do apply, and private US education loans are available with a co-signer.

Planning note: Most merit awards are auto-considered at admission, so a stronger TOEFL and higher WES-evaluated GPA directly translate into a larger scholarship offer letter, without any separate scholarship application.

Read More: Harding University Scholarships Guide


Harding University Rankings 2027

Harding University’s strongest external validation is its US News National Universities ranking, holding at #301 in the 2026 edition and slowly climbing tier over the past three years.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World University Rankings2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World University Rankings2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked
US News National Universities2026: #3012025: #2992024: #249
ARWU (Shanghai)2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked

[Source: QS, Times Higher Education, US News, ARWU]

Harding University is not ranked in the QS World, THE World or ARWU global tables because it does not meet the research-output thresholds those bodies require. US News classifies it as a National University and also lists it at #157 for undergraduate engineering programs and #51 among US Christian colleges (as per US News 2024).

Key insight: For F-1 visa purposes and Indian employer recognition, the US News National Universities ranking carries weight, since Harding is a fully accredited SEVP-approved institution and its degrees are recognised by the Association of Indian Universities for higher study and employment back home.

Read More: Harding University Rankings Analysis


Harding University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Harding University graduates report an average early-career salary of USD 49,200 (INR 46.5 lakh), driven by strong placement into regional employers across Arkansas, Texas and the wider south-central USA.

  • Median starting salary: USD 49,200 (INR 46.5 lakh) as per Payscale market data
  • Representative employers: Dell, Walmart, Ford Motor Company, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt and regional healthcare systems
  • PharmD outcomes: Median post-graduation salary of USD 120,000 to USD 130,000 (INR 113 to 123 lakh), labeled as US pharmacist market median
  • MBA outcomes: Median post-MBA salary of USD 65,000 to USD 75,000 (INR 61 to 71 lakh), labeled as US regional business market median
  • Careers support: The Center for Student Success runs employer meetups, resume review and on-campus recruiting events each semester; F-1 students access OPT (12 months) and STEM OPT (24-month extension) for eligible majors including CS, engineering and information systems

Insider note: Indian graduates from Harding University’s MS Information Systems and Computer Science tracks report the strongest US-employer outcomes because these degrees qualify for the 3-year STEM OPT window, which many small-town employers now consider standard.

Harding University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below places Harding University alongside three US private universities that Indian applicants commonly weigh, plus one Arkansas public benchmark, for tuition and outcome comparison.

UniversityUS News National Rank 2026Acceptance RateAvg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR)Differentiator
Harding University#30168%15,000 / 14.17 lakh (estimated)Low-cost private with Christian identity
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville#17081%25,000 / 23.61 lakh (estimated)Large public research university
Oklahoma Christian University#331 (Regional West)62%18,000 / 17.00 lakh (estimated)Similar faith-based mission
Abilene Christian University#25470%22,000 / 20.78 lakh (estimated)Strong PharmD and business focus
Lipscomb University#25476%24,000 / 22.67 lakh (estimated)Nashville metro access

Harding University stands out among Christian US private universities on total cost efficiency: its per-credit tuition of USD 945 is among the lowest in its peer set, and the on-campus room and board bundle of USD 9,940 keeps sticker cost 10% to 30% below Lipscomb and Abilene Christian. For Indian applicants whose priority is a low-cost, safe, community-oriented US degree with STEM OPT eligibility, Harding delivers most of the peer-set value at a lower price point.

Harding University fits Indian applicants who want a low-cost, faith-friendly American degree with strong practical programmes such as PharmD, MS Information Systems and MBA. Total investment of roughly INR 37 lakh per year against a median starting salary of INR 46 lakh gives a workable ROI, and STEM OPT keeps the US work-visa door open for 36 months post-graduation.

It is not the right fit for applicants who prioritise global brand-name recognition, urban campus life or a secular environment; the daily chapel requirement and small-town setting can feel restrictive. Candidates chasing those attributes should compare with MS universities in USA in larger metros, such as Arizona State University or the University of Texas at Arlington.

Harding University FAQs

Ques. What English-medium waiver documents does Harding University accept from Indian applicants?

Ans. Harding University may waive TOEFL or IELTS for Indian applicants whose entire bachelor’s degree was taught in English. Applicants must submit a medium-of-instruction letter from their prior institution on official letterhead, confirming English as the language of instruction and examination. The waiver is discretionary; borderline transcripts still trigger a test request from the International Admissions Office.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on campus at Harding University?

Ans. Yes. F-1 visa holders at Harding University can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and full-time in breaks, without a separate work permit. Typical roles include library assistants, IT helpdesk staff and residence hall roles, paying roughly USD 10 to USD 14 per hour. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorisation through the international office.

Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Harding University?

Ans. Harding University is on the approved list of most Indian public and private education-loan providers, including HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, SBI Global Ed-Vantage, ICICI Bank and Avanse. Loan amounts up to INR 40 lakh are typically sanctioned without collateral, and larger amounts require immovable property as security. Sanction letters are accepted as financial-proof documents for the I-20.

Ques. Does Harding University require GRE or GMAT for MBA and MS admissions?

Ans. Harding University does not universally require GRE or GMAT for graduate admissions. The MBA and MS Information Systems programmes typically waive standardised tests for applicants with a bachelor’s GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or CGPA above 6.5 on 10. PharmD, PhD and certain science programmes may still ask for GRE; verify with the specific graduate department before applying.

Ques. How does Harding University handle F-2 dependent visas for spouses?

Ans. Harding University issues DS-2019 or supplementary I-20 documentation for spouses and children of admitted F-1 students, enabling the F-2 dependent visa. Applicants must show additional financial proof of USD 6,000 for a spouse and USD 4,000 per child. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but may enrol part-time in academic programmes at Harding.

Ques. What is the application fee at Harding University and can it be waived?

Ans. Harding University charges a non-refundable USD 50 application fee for all international applicants. Fee waivers are rare and generally reserved for participants in official Harding recruitment events, on-campus visit days or specific missionary-family programmes. Indian applicants should budget for the fee and pay via international debit card or wire transfer during application submission.

Ques. How does WES credential evaluation work for Harding University applications?

Ans. Harding University requires all Indian applicants to submit a course-by-course WES evaluation of their Class 12 marksheet for undergraduate admission, or full bachelor’s transcript for graduate admission. The WES process takes six to eight weeks and costs roughly USD 220, so Indian applicants should start the evaluation before finalising the Harding application to avoid missing deadlines.

Ques. What is the refund policy if an Indian student withdraws after paying the deposit?

Ans. The USD 1,000 international deposit at Harding University is applied to first-semester tuition, and is refundable only if the applicant is denied an F-1 visa and submits official DS-160 rejection proof within 30 days. Tuition refunds after enrolment follow a sliding scale: 100% before classes begin, and reducing to zero by the fifth week of the semester.

Top Recommended Courses


2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: GMAT500|GRE300|IELTS6.5|TOEFL79|PTE54|Duolingo110
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-110
INR 19.1 L/YrUSD 19,950 /Yr

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL70|Duolingo110
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-110
INR 12.2 L/YrUSD 12,750 /Yr

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2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL70|Duolingo110
INR 14.9 L/YrUSD 15,600 /Yr
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL70|Duolingo110
INR 11.7 L/YrUSD 12,200 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL70
INR 23.2 L/YrUSD 24,240 /Yr

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Harding University comparison

University NameHarding UniversityGrand Valley State University
Overall Ranking
  • #304 US News 2024
  • #643 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #1501 Times Higher Education 2026
  • #1501 Times Higher Education 2025
Programs
  • UG Programs- 66
  • PG Programs - 16
  • UG Programs- 69
  • PG Programs - 27
Acceptance Rate45.0 %94.7 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 1912555.8 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 1347678 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 1548587.16 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 3756294 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 1354750.92 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 1582422.48 Per Year
-Read Full Comparison

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Harding University Ranking

2024

US News logo

Overall 304 out of 435 in Global Ranking

#67 out of 413 in USA 2024

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Harding University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
BeArt Presets-Academic ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Jagdish Bhagwati FellowshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Comindware ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 3.8 L/Yr$4,000Level Of StudyApprenticeshipTypeMerit-Based

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Harding University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Harding University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-70--
IELTS-6--
Undergraduate
SAT11651050128028
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing590530650-
Mathematics575520630-
ACT25222890
Check Detailed Score
English272231-
Mathematics242127-

Attendance Cost

₹2,381,089

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
₹2,381,089 / Year
Post Graduate Program
₹1,272,170 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
₹114,696 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
₹658,929 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
₹238,568 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
₹658,929 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
₹238,568 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
₹230,730 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
₹238,568 / Year

Harding University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Programs
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Pharmacy Programs
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
Physiotherapy Programs
American Physical Therapy Association
Theology Programs
Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
Programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
8801716416371

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