Universities in Chicago, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Chicago, USA

Latest ranking updates related to universities in Chicago
  • 06 Mar, 2024: Publication of Scimago Institutions Rankings. University of Chicago with highest ranking among universities in Chicago ranked #38.
  • 25 Jan, 2024: Publication of THE World’s Most International Universities. University of Chicago ranked #76.
  • 19 Dec, 2023: URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance updated with University of Chicago ranked highest among 6 listed universities in Chicago.
  • 15 Dec, 2023: Publication of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science). University of Illinois at Chicago with highest ranking among universities in Chicago ranked #51.

Chicago is home to several world class universities so it is teeming with students, lots of possible new acquaintances for an international student to connect with. It is a city made up of many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own particular charms and attractions that draw in different kinds of people. All of these neighbourhoods are connected by Chicago’s considerable topside railway and bus services, which university students are entitled to ride for free.

Chicago is a huge metropolis with so much to offer a visiting student. From the wonderful museums to the numerous libraries where you can get lost amid centuries worth of books and art. Chicago, the windy city (and it will live up to that name) is famed the world over for its jazz and classical music scenes but soul, rock and hip hop are more Chicago's style in the last 40 years.

Being such a large city means that Chicago also has all kinds of food on the go. So whether you want to discover some of the local cuisine, or if you're missing a taste of home, you're very likely to find just what you are hoping for.


Rankings of universities in Chicago, USA 2024

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (4241 reviews)
  • #8 
  • #13 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #14 
  • #14 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #5 
  • #11 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 31 more rankings of University of Chicago and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects

  • #60 
  • #201 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #91 
  • #91 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #60 
  • #323 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 29 more rankings of University of Illinois at Chicago and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects

  • #82 
  • #351 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #107 
  • #107 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #79 
  • #469 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
Show 18 more rankings of Illinois Institute of Technology and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects


Student satisfaction: 4.0 / 5.0 (53 reviews)
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  • #108 
  • #501 
THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023]
  • #130 
  • #594 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #122 
  • #486 
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 October, 2022]
Show 9 more rankings of Rush University and subject specific rankings for 3 subjects

  • #176 
  • #177 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #134 
  • #901 
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023]
  • #180 
  • #916 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
Show 17 more rankings of Loyola University Chicago and subject specific rankings for 6 subjects

Student satisfaction: 3.0 / 5.0 (165 reviews)
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  • #231 
  • #231 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #369 
  • #2790 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #248 
  • #1526 
US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 October, 2022]
Show 11 more rankings of DePaul University and subject specific rankings for 6 subjects

  • #693 
  • #718 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #409 
  • #395 
US News Best National Universities
[Published 17 September, 2023]
  • #18 
  • #18 
Washington Monthly - National Universities
[Published 28 August, 2022]
Show 3 more rankings of Illinois, National-Louis University and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (349 reviews)
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  • #434 
  • #3378 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #1277 
  • #1338 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1226 
  • #1284 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 1 more rankings of Chicago State University and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects

#9
USA

University of Illinois - System

  • #19 
  • #25 
Reuters Most Innovative Universities
[Published 23 October, 2019]
  • #810 
  • #5635 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#10
USA

Illinois College of Optometry

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (62 reviews)
  • #1010 
  • #6670 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#11
USA

Moody Bible Institute

Student satisfaction: 4.7 / 5.0 (1510 reviews)
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  • #1343 
  • #1410 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1320 
  • #1389 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #1220 
  • #7713 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#12
USA

East-West University

  • #185 
  • #186 
US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
[Published 27 October, 2023]

#13
USA

Catholic Theological Union

Student satisfaction: 4.3 / 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • #952 
  • #6308 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

#14
USA

DeVry University

  • #221 
  • #309 
StuDocu World University Ranking - US & Canada
[Published 06 September, 2021]
  • #955 
  • #6318 
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023]

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (139 reviews)
  • #369 
  • #372 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #876 
  • #912 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #963 
  • #1005 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 3 more rankings of School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Student satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0 (368 reviews)
  • #405 
  • #401 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #524 
  • #4409 
Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024]
  • #919 
  • #955 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 2 more rankings of Northeastern Illinois University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

  • #403 
  • #401 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #974 
  • #1011 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #902 
  • #941 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 1 more rankings of North Park University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

  • #570 
  • #501 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #518 
  • #534 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #601 
  • #623 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 2 more rankings of Saint Xavier University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (75 reviews)
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  • #561 
  • #501 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #655 
  • #677 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #385 
  • #390 
US News Best National Universities
[Published 17 September, 2023]
Show 3 more rankings of Roosevelt University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects

Student satisfaction: 4.0 / 5.0 (219 reviews)
  • #711 
  • #600 
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021]
  • #818 
  • #847 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
  • #925 
  • #964 
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021]
Show 1 more rankings of Columbia College Chicago and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects

#21
USA

Shimer College

Student satisfaction: 5.0 / 5.0 (4 reviews)
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#22
USA

Kendall College

Student satisfaction: 4.9 / 5.0 (104 reviews)

#23
USA

Adler University

Student satisfaction: 3.8 / 5.0 (46 reviews)
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#24
USA

The John Marshall Law School


#25
USA

Saint Augustine College


#26
USA

Resurrection University


#27
USA

Harrington College of Design


#28
USA

VanderCook College of Music

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#29
USA

Chicago School of Professional Psychology


Highest subject rankings of universities in Chicago

Economics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#1 
University of Chicago
Finance GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#1 
University of Chicago
Law US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#3 
University of Chicago
Physics GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#11 
University of Chicago
Mathematics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#21 
University of Chicago
Linguistics QS World University Rankings By Subject
#25 
University of Chicago
Chemical Engineering NTU Rankings by Subject
#30 
University of Chicago
Medicine QS World University Rankings By Subject
#34 
University of Chicago
Computer Science THE World University Rankings by Subject
#37 
University of Chicago
Education US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#41 
University of Illinois at Chicago

Student Opinions About Studying in Chicago

“Chicago is a very ‘you love it or you hate it’ kind of city. The winters are very challenging, and there’s more people packed into the city than a lot of other comparable places in the USA. For me personally, Chicago is worth it for the people, the cuisine, and the passionate sports fans.”

“The best thing you can do in Chicago is just embrace the public transport systems, because insuring a car is very expensive here, and drivers are extremely competitive when it comes to getting a parking space. For me it’s not worth it and I prefer to just go to my classes using the train since it’s so well connected.”

“Beaches aren’t really what most people associate with Chicago, but there are actually four spread out around the city. For me they’re a great way to disconnect from the busy metropolitan noise of the city.”

Chicago Key Facts for International Students

PROS

  • Chicago is home to a total of 28 universities, the majority of which are well-ranked by university ranking organizations, and some are even among the highest rated in the world.

  • Residents prefer to make use of the city’s very developed public transport system, because it’s cheaper and less stressful than trying to take a car through Chicago’s congested streets. Students use trains and buses mainly, but also the bike rental system.

  • The prices vary dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood, but one can expect to find a comfortable apartment for around $900-$1300 around a half an hour’s commute away from the Downtown area.

CONS

  • According to statistics, the cost of living in Chicago is around 20% higher than the average for the rest of the country. This figure is calculated with the daily essentials like food, transport, and so on.

  • The job market is known for being slow in Chicago, but many recommend networking with as many people as possible to increase your chances of getting a part-time job you can do while studying.

  • Many agree that your general quality of life suffers during the winter in Chicago, as you get much less daylight, activity, and socialising opportunities compared to the summer.


20 out of 29 Universities in Chicago Ranked in at least one ranking

40 Different Rankings list Universities in Chicago (29 institution and 11 subject rankings)

32 Global Rankings rank Universities in Chicago Among TOP 200

Population: 2747000

Elevation: 179 m. above sea level

Time: GMT -6

District/province: Illinois, Cook County

Living costs for students in Chicago:

* 100 = prices in London

  • Living costs without accommodation 99* (1% cheaper than London)
  • All costs including accommodation 96* (4% cheaper than London)
  • Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 103* (3% more expensive than London)
  • Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
  • Plug Type A
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Plug Type B
    • Residential voltage: 120 V
    • Frequency: 60 Hz

Map with location of universities in Chicago

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FAQ

University of Chicago ranks #1 in Chicago in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.

Among all universities in Chicago University of Chicago is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 44 rankings where University of Chicago is listed.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Social Studies & Humanities (Economics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Business (Finance). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Natural Sciences (Physics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Engineering (Chemical Engineering). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Medicine & Health (Medicine). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of Illinois at Chicago.

University of Chicago is ranked best in Chicago for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of Chicago.

Ranking publishers

4icu

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British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK

Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:

Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%

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Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:

Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%

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CWUR Center for World University Rankings

Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:

Research Performance: 40%

  • Research Output: 10%
  • High-Quality Publications: 10%
  • Influence: 10%
  • Citations: 10%

Quality of Education: 25%

Alumni Employment: 25%

Quality of Faculty: 10%

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Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands

Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:

Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity

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Forbes

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Kiplinger

Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:

Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%

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MONEY

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Public Colleges:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges You Can Actually Get Into:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Colleges That Add the Most Value:

Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%

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NTU ranking

Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:

Research Productivity: 25%

  • # Articles last 11 years: 10%
  • # Articles current year: 15%

Research Impact: 35%

  • # Citations last 11 years: 15%
  • # Citations last 2 years: 10%
  • Average # citations last 11 years: 10%

Research Excellence: 40%

  • H-index last 2 years: 10%
  • # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
  • # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%

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Nature Index

Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:

Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)

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Payscale

Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):

Ranking is based on ROI

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RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)

Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:

Teaching: 40%

  • Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
  • World Teaching Reputation: 8%

Research: 40%

  • Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
  • Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
  • Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
  • World Research Reputation: 8%

International Diversity: 10%

  • International Faculty: 2%
  • International Students: 2%
  • International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
  • Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
  • International Level: 2%

Financial Sustainability: 10%

  • Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
  • Institutional Income per Student: 2%
  • Papers per Research Income: 2%
  • Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
  • Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:

Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%

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Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:

Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%

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Scimago Institutions

Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:

Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%

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ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:

Quality of Education 10%

  • Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%

Quality of Faculty 40%

  • Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
  • Highly Cited Researchers 20%

Research Output 40%

  • Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
  • Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%

Per Capita Performance 10%

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StuDocu

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THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:

30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)

  • Reputation survey: 15%
  • Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
  • Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
  • Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
  • Institutional income: 2.25%

30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)

  • Reputation survey: 18%
  • Research income: 6%
  • Research productivity: 6%

30% Citations (Research Influence)

7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)

  • Proportion of international students: 2.5%
  • Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
  • International collaboration: 2.5%

2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"

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Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:

Employability (survey) 100%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:

Research Reputation 66,6% Teaching Reputation 33,3%

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Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:

Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%

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The Princeton Review

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Thomson Reuters

Criteria used in ranking -Reuters Most Innovative Universities:

Patent Volume 33% Patent Citations 34% Industry Article Citation Impact 11% Percent of Industry Collaborative Articles 11% Total Web of Science Core Collection Papers 11%

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Urap

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Us News

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Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK

Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:

Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)

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Washington Monthly

Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:

Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%

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Webometrics

Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:

Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%

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