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The Top 25 Most Valuable Associate Degrees Online

Are you looking for schools that offer the most valuable associate degrees? It’s an unfortunate fact that we live in a world where many people live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by and never quite being able to climb out of that hole.

Trying to improve your life through further education shouldn’t cripple you financially. Thankfully, it is becoming easier and easier to find distance education programs online, flexible enough to work into your schedule, and affordable enough to not break the bank.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, someone with an associate’s degree earns an average of $537 more per month than someone who only has a high school diploma. That’s an extra $6,447 every year.

most valuable associate degree

METHODOLOGY

Let us help you find the most valuable Associate degree school program that fits your educational requirements for starting a new career, a job promotion, or simply meeting your personal goals. Our researchers at PremiumSchools.org utilize these indicators of excellent academic standards to locate exceptional Associate school programs designed just for you. 

To begin our search for the Most Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online we went to the NCES College Navigator tool to filter United States colleges awarding Associate’s distance learning degrees. There’s more to picking a valuable school than affordability; only schools with more than 10 online Associate degree programs became eligible for the list.

Each of those schools also had to be regionally accredited. With these factors in place, we then compared the schools based on their average annual full-time credit requirement multiplied by the per credit hour tuition rate. The schools below came out on top.

The following schools are listed in random order. As each and every school displays its own unique qualities and strengths, you should search our list based on your needs and career aspirations.

The following factors were also considered: 

  • Offers online classes for flexible or convenient attendance without compromising hands-on training,
  • Offers affordable tuition,
  • Exhibits rigorous, yet engaging and innovative training in undergraduate coursework that takes into account the readiness of students to take the next step in their budding careers,
  • Taught by outstanding faculty consisting of experts in associate degree level education,
  • Held in high esteem among academic agencies, industry organizations, and journalistic resources,
  • Displays stellar reviews and feedback from school alumni and students,
  • Offers a convenient application process,
  • Provides exceptional Student Career Centers, Resource Departments, and easy-to-use Learning Management Systems, where applicable, 
  • Permits a wide range of scholarships, grants, and other financial support programs for eligible students,
  • Ensures the proper Accreditation in accordance with academic standards.

Please note: Tuition costs quoted are subject to change; however, we used in-state, in-district, or out-of-state tuitions that were under $6,000 (with one exception). If attending in-state, tuition costs are generally lower than out-of-state; although some institutions quote the same for both applications.

If you would like to learn more about our selection process, feel free to see our Methodology page! 


The Top 20 Most Valuable Associate Degrees Online

Allen County Community College

most valuable associate degree

Founded in 1923 as Iola Junior College, Allen County Community College is a 2-year junior college with over 2,300 students between its two Kansas campuses. Allen Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a commission of the North Central Association and the Kansas Board of Regents.

Students can select from 33 online programs, including an Associate of Arts in Anthropology, an Associate of Applied Science in Business: Management Development, an Associate of Science in Information Technology, and an Associate of General Studies.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,500 In-State / $4,060 Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Allen County Community College.


Albany Technical College

most valuable associate degree

Originally founded in 1961, Albany Technical College, in Georgia, has gone through a whole host of name changes over the years, from Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School to Albany Area Vocational-Technical School, then Albany Technical Institute, and finally to Albany Technical College in 2000.

From its original class of 175, Albany Tech or ATC has steadily progressed to the point that it is home to over 3,285 students annually. Albany Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS/COC).

ATC offers 10 online Associate’s degree programs, including Associate of Applied Science in Business Administrative Technology, an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology, and an Associate of Applied Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,596 In-State

Learn more about Premium School’s Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Albany Technical College.


Washtenaw Community College

most valuable associate degree

Located in Ann Arbor Township, Michigan, Washtenaw Community College is home to more than 12,000 students. Founded in 1965, WCC has expanded to encompass extension centers in Brighton and Hartland, as well as the Washtenaw Technical Middle College.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), WCC offers 14 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Studies, an Associate of Science in General Studies in Math and Natural Sciences, and an Associate of Arts in Secondary Education.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,564 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Washtenaw Community College.


Southeast Community College

most valuable associate degree

Originally founded as Fairbury Junior College in Fairbury, Nebraska, the school suspended its operations for the duration of World War II and only reopened in 1946. By 1975 the school had expanded and reorganized as Southeast Community College, with campuses in Milford, Lincoln, and Fairbury (which later merged into their current Beatrice campus). Today, SCC is home to over 10,000 students between its three campuses, with 9,000 of those at the Lincoln campus.

Southeast Community College offers 20 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science in Pre Health, and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire and Emergency Services Management.

Average Annual Tuition: $7,308 Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Southeast Community College.


Southeast Technical College

most valuable associate degree

Established in 1968, Southeast Area Vocational Technical School, in South Dakota, held its first classes in a wing of a local high school. Since then, Southeast Technical Institute has spent the last 49 years expanding into a regional center for workforce development, offering two-year technical degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Technical Institute has more than 2,380 students and a 15-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Students can choose from 14 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship, an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming.

Average Annual Tuition: $7,900 Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Southeast Technical College.


McHenry County College

most valuable associate degree

Originally founded in 1967 as part of the Illinois Community College System, McHenry County College is located along U.S. Route 14, on the northwest side of the charming city of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, McHenry County College is home to more than 6,500 undergraduate students and has an 18-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

McHenry currently offers 11 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Science – Area of Focus in Business, an Associate of General Education, and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,345 In-District

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at McHenry County College.


Northeast Community College

most valuable associate degree

Northeast Community College (NECC) was established by the state legislature in 1973 and is the only community college in Nebraska with liberal arts, 1-and 2-year vocational, and adult education programs all on one main campus. NECC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has over 5,000 students between its four locations.

Students can choose from any of Northeast Community College’s 18 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Business, an Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science, and an Associate of Arts in Education Paraprofessional.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,240 In State / $4,530 Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Northeast Community College.


Cochise College

most valuable associate degree

As of its opening in 1964, Cochise College was one of the first community colleges in Arizona. Today it has a student population of over 3,600. In February 2016, Cochise College received the full accreditation of 10 years from the Higher Learning Commission.

Cochise offers 10 online Associate’s degree programs at present, including an Associate of Arts in Psychology, an Associate of Arts in Economics, and an Associate of Applied Science in Intelligence Operations Studies.

Average Annual Tuition: $4,368 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Cochise College.


Georgia Perimeter College

most valuable associate degree

Founded as DeKalb College in 1958, the school eventually became part of the University System of Georgia in 1986. The college changed its name to Georgia Perimeter College in 1998. Today, the university has over 18,000 students, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19-1; more than one-third of those teachers have earned their Doctorate. Georgia Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).

At Georgia Perimeter College, students can choose from 27 online Associates degree programs, including Associate of Arts in Political Science, an Associate of Science in Kinesiology and Health – Personal Trainer, and an Associate of Arts in Journalism/Professional Writing Program.

Average Annual Tuition: $2,850 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Georgia Perimeter College.


Great Basin College

most valuable associate degree

Located in Elko, Nevada, Great Basin College originally opened its doors as Elko Community College in 1967. While its main campus is in Elko, Great Basin College has branch campuses in Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca. GBC is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Great Basin College has over 3,800 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-1.

At present, GBC offers 12 online Associate’s degrees for students to choose from, including an Associate of Arts in Computer Programming, an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Communication, and an Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,248 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Great Basin College.


Truckee Meadows Community College

most valuable associate degree

Truckee Meadows Community College is a 2-year, public community college located in Reno, Nevada, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. From the time of its founding in 1971 to 1979, Truckee Meadows served as a branch of Western Nevada Community College (WNCC). Between its five educational sites and more than 20 community locations, Truckee Meadows Community College annually serves over 11,316 students in credit and non-credit programs.

Following an extensive review in 2015, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) reaffirmed TMCC’s accreditation status. TMCC currently offers a whopping 42 online Associates degree programs, including an Associate of Arts in Logistics Management, an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting, and an Associate of Applied Science in Energy Technology.

Average Annual Tuition: $4,049 Out-Of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Truckee Meadows Community College.


College of Southern Nevada

most valuable associate degree

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a 2-year college in Clark County, Nevada. It is the largest public higher education institution in Nevada and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. While having over 33,900 students, CSN maintains one of the highest student-to-faculty ratios on this list: 21:1. Since 1975 the College of Southern Nevada has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Students can choose from one of CSN’s 18 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science – Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Emphasis, an Associate of Arts with History Emphasis, and an Associate of Arts with a Communication Emphasis.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,440 In-State / $11,340 Out-Of-State

Learn more about Premium Schols’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at the College of Southern Nevada.


Cowley County Community College

most valuable associate degree

Originally founded as Arkansas City Junior College (ACJC), its first class began on Sept. 11, 1922. Those first classes were actually held on the top floor of a local high school; however, they were later moved to the school’s basement, earning ACJC the unfortunate nickname “Basement University.”

Far removed from the basement, Cowley Community College now serves over 2,400 students and has a remarkable online presence. Cowley County Community College and Area Vocational-Technical School is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Cowley College offers 36 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Transcription, Associate of Arts in Law – Pre, and an Associate of General Studies in Equine Management.

Average Annual Tuition: $4,670 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Cowley County Community College.


Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College, located in Omaha, is Nebraska’s largest community college, and the second-largest post-secondary educational institution. Founded in 1974 by the Nebraska State Legislature, today MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students annually.

Metropolitan Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), but many of its individual programs are accredited by different groups. MCC offers 22 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – Server Administration, an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement, and an Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration and Information.

Average Annual Tuition: $5,120 Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Metropolitan Community College.


Navarro College

most valuable associate degree

Established in 1946, Navarro College is a 2-year accredited, State-of-Texas supported community college that serves over 8,000 students. Navarro College has campuses in Corsicana, Waxahachie, Midlothian, Mexia, and Fairfield. Navarro College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).

Navarro Currently offers 10 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, an Associate of Science in Psychology, an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, and an Associate of Arts in Speech.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,590 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Navarro College.


Hutchinson Community College

most valuable associate degree

Hutchinson Community College, of Kansas, was founded in 1928 when Hutchinson voters approved the foundation of a 2-year co-educational college known as the Hutchinson Junior College. Later that same year, Hutchinson’s first classes took place, with a total enrollment of 187 students – 172 freshmen and 15 sophomores. Today, Hutchinson Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and annually serves more than 5,500 students, and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-1.

Students can select from HCC’s 12 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management, an Associate of Arts with an Emphasis in Business, and an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal/Legal Assistant.

Average Annual Tuition: $5,952 Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Hutchinson Community College.


Northcentral Technical College

most valuable associate degree

Northcentral Technical College was founded in 1912, in Wisconsin, as the Wausau Industrial School. Over the course of the next 76 years, it would go through three separate name changes before finally settling on Northcentral Technical College in 1988. NTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and annually serves over 4,500 students.

Northcentral Technical College currently has 10 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Small Business Entrepreneurship, an Associate of Applied Science in Supervisory Management, and an Associate of Applied Science in Applied Engineering Technology – Industrial Concentration.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,384 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Northcentral Technical College.


College of DuPage

most valuable associate degree

Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the College of DuPage is a 2-year community college that also has facilities in Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville, and Westmont. College of DuPage (COD) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

It should be noted that the College of DuPage was placed on probation on December 9, 2015, by the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees Click here to read the Higher Learning Commission Public Disclosure Notice. While they are on probation, COD still maintains its accreditation.

The College of DuPage currently offers 11 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Assistant, an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology, and an Associate of Applied Science in Library and Information Technology.

Average Annual Tuition: $3,240 In-District

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at the College of DuPage.


Dakota College at Bottineau

most valuable associate degree

Founded in 1906, Dakota College at Bottineau’s 35-acre campus is located on the northern edge of the city of Bottineau in north-central North Dakota near the Turtle Mountains. DCB is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The library of Dakota College at Bottineau houses over 36,000 volumes and is a member of ODIN, the Online Dakota Information Network.

Dakota College at Bottineau has 11 online Associate’s degree programs to choose from, including an Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Assistant, an Associate of Applied Science in Advertising and Marketing, and an Associate of Applied Science in Urban Forest Management.

Average Annual Tuition: $5,347 In-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Dakota College at Bottineau.


Atlantic Cape Community College

most valuable associate degree

Established in 1966, Atlantic Cape Community College is a 2-year, public, community college located in both Atlantic County and Cape May County, New Jersey. Atlantic Cape was the first community college in New Jersey to offer a full degree program at a distance. This came about, in part, due to the casino industry, where rotating shifts make attending a traditional college class incredibly difficult. Atlantic Cape is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and serves more than 6,300 students.

At Atlantic Cape, Community College students can choose from 13 online Associate’s degree programs, including an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems Support, an Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts – Sociology.

Average Annual Tuition: $4,383 In-District


Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is nonprofit, private, and duly accredited higher learning institution that started out as a school of accounting and secretarial science. Eventually, it has transformed into a bigger university with more than 200 programs on offer, from the fields of business, STEM, and education to liberal arts and social sciences.

Every year, the university caters to more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 135,000 online students. Their online programs are designed with the working professionals in mind, helping them achieve their educational goals while attending to their personal responsibilities. 

The U.S. News & World Report once recognized SNHU as one of the best regional universities in the country. Students have at least 10 associate degree options, with business administration, criminal justice, data analytics, fashion merchandising, information technologies, and marketing, as the most popular. 

Average Annual Tuition: $15,450 In-State/Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Southern New Hampshire University. 


Liberty University

Liberty-University-Online

Home to 15 colleges and schools, Liberty University is an accredited evangelical liberal arts institution that offer more than 450 academic degrees and certificates to students around the globe through their online programs. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges along with other industry-specific accreditations such as NCATE for the School of Education and ACBSP for the School of Business.  

The online associate’s degree programs at Liberty University encompasses a wide range of fields, including psychology, business, history, paralegal studies, and education. Some of the associate’s degree programs on offer include Accounting, Creative Writing, Early Childhood Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Physics, Religion, and many more. 

Average Annual Tuition: $23,800 In-State/Out-of-State

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate’s Degree Programs Online at Liberty University.


University of Arkansas Grantham (University of Arkansas System eVersity)

University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham is part of the greater University of Arkansas System. Based in the City of Little Rock, it is the University of Arkansas institution that is exclusively dedicated to public online education, with a special focus on non-traditional adult learners.

Originally founded in 1951 in Los Angeles as the Grantham Radio License School, it became part of the University of Arkansas system in late 2021. There is currently a choice of 10 Associate Degrees to choose from.

There are 4 Associate of Arts (AA) degrees:

  1. Business Administration and Management,
  2. Criminal Justice,
  3. Paralegal Studies,
  4. Multidisciplinary Studies.

Meanwhile there are 3 Associate in Science (AS) degrees:

  1. Engineering Management Technology,
  2. Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology,
  3. Computer Science

There are also 3 Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees:

  1. Medical Administrative Assistant,
  2. Healthcare Administration
  3. Medical Coding and Billing   

Their well-researched course content is taught by experienced and highly capable professors. Most of these programs contain 60-65 credit hours, and can accommodate students’ current obligations by offering flexible scheduling options.

Average Annual Tuition: $8,850

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate Degree Programs at the University of Arkansas Grantham


DeVry University

DeVry University

DeVry University is a private for-profit university based in Naperville, Illinois, and was founded back in 1931. Currently there are 10 Associate Degrees on offer delivered online (with some having additional on-campus options as well). 6 of these degrees are specializations. 

Students can choose from an Associate Degree in Business, Information Health Technology, Engineering Technology, Information Technology and Networking, and Cybersecurity and Networking. 

The Engineering Technology Associate degree has the following specializations:

  • Machine Learning and Design Techniques,
  • Medical Technology and Healthcare Systems, 
  • Renewable Energy and Sustainable Power

Meanwhile, the Information Technology and Networking Associate degree also has a choice of the following 3 specializations: Network Systems Administration, Automation and Electronic Systems, and Information Systems and Programming.

DeVry University offers its degrees with 24/7 student support as well as personalized career services and dedicated student support advisors. DeVry also holds several accreditations, including one from the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Annual Tuition: $15,420

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate Degree Programs at DeVry University


Penn Foster College

Penn Foster Career College 

A leading private instituton, Penn Foster College offers distance education. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, it gained its current name in 2005 after some institutional reorganization, but it traces its earliest roots to 1890, after being founded by a newspaper editor, then being called International Correspondence Schools. Aside from traditional degree programs, Penn Foster also offers Diploma and Certificate degrees, and also offer training and education solutions to organizations and employers.

Currently, Penn Foster offers a total of 17 Associate Degree programs across a range of fields from Business, Design, Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Computers, Child Care & Education, Veterinary Tech, and Skilled/Industrial Trades. 

Students can choose to enroll in a number of degrees that include Accounting, Graphic Design, Paralegal Studies, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, and Veterinary Technician, among others. 

Penn Foster College’s Associate Degrees are delivered online, and can be taken in a self-paced manner. Likewise, their degree programs feature affordable per-semester rates, and their various fields of study all hold their own respective accreditations.

Average Annual Tuition: $6,100

Learn more about Premium Schools’ Valuable Associate Degree Programs at Penn Foster College


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a decent job with an Associate’s degree?

Yes, particularly in the fields of electronics, healthcare, or within a trade focus, an associate degree will serve you well. Jobs are plentiful in these areas and a lucrative living can be made with only an associate degree.

What makes an Associate degree valuable?

Typically, earning your associate degree will take you about two years. If you are on a budget, locating an affordable degree option will allow you to gain the education you need without leaving you with a mound of debt upon graduation. In addition, depending on your area of focus, the return of your investment is something to consider as well.

Is an Associate degree respected by employers?

Yes, post-secondary education is better than none at all. Earning your associate degree will allow you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to do a good job. Employers look favorably on those who have put in the time to gain an associated degree… and, who knows, perhaps you will want to earn your bachelor’s degree next!

Are there different types of associate degrees? 

Yes, associate degree programs come in four different types. This includes the Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science. They often differ from each other because they pull coursework from specific fields. 

For example, the Associate of Arts degree encompasses the diverse fields of art, humanities, business, and social science. On the other hand, Associate of Science emphasizes math and science coursework – a good choice for anyone who wants to pursue an advanced STEM education. The Associate of Applied Science covers topics that involve computer science, nursing, and accounting. Lastly, the Associate of General studies has a more flexible and broader curriculum, making it an ideal choice for those who are not yet quite sure about their academic interests. 

Are there different types of associate degrees? 

Yes, associate degree programs come in four different types. This includes the Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science. They often differ from each other because they pull coursework from specific fields. 

For example, the Associate of Arts degree encompasses the diverse fields of art, humanities, business, and social science. On the other hand, Associate of Science emphasizes math and science coursework – a good choice for anyone who wants to pursue an advanced STEM education. The Associate of Applied Science covers topics that involve computer science, nursing, and accounting. Lastly, the Associate of General studies has a more flexible and broader curriculum, making it an ideal choice for those who are not yet quite sure about their academic interests.


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Malcolm Peralty
Chief Editor