An Exceptional
Education Shouldn’t Be Out of Reach

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents who apply are automatically considered for a $25,000 Davis Merit Scholarship.

More Than a School, A Global Community

At UWC-USA students from around the world come together to challenge themselves academically, learn from different perspectives, contribute to their community, and develop the skills to make a meaningful difference.

Global Community

Learn and live alongside students with perspectives, experiences, and cultures from around the world.

Transformative Learning

Experience a rigorous education that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, independence, and personal growth.

Purpose in Action

Put learning into practice through service, leadership, collaboration, and community engagement.

Explore What’s Possible

At UWC-USA, financial circumstances should never stand in the way of an extraordinary education.

Every family is expected to contribute only what they can afford, and our robust financial aid program is designed to cover the rest.

Our financial aid process is designed to help families understand what support may be available and determine whether UWC-USA can be an option for their student.

Understand Your Options

Learn more about the financial aid process and how it may apply to your family.

Start the Conversation

Our admissions team can help answer questions about financial aid and the UWC-USA experience.

Focus on the Opportunity

Don’t rule out UWC-USA before learning more about the possibilities.

Imagine What Two Years Could Change

UWC-USA is an opportunity to step outside the traditional high school experience and become part of a community built around learning, connection, service, and purpose.

Meet the World

Build friendships and relationships with students from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Challenge Yourself

Push your thinking through a rigorous academic environment and experiences that encourage you to see problems from new perspectives.

Make an Impact

Take what you learn beyond the classroom through service, leadership, and participation in the wider community.

The People You Meet Can Change Your Perspective

For many students, one of the most meaningful parts of UWC-USA is the community they become part of.

Living and learning with students from different backgrounds creates opportunities for new friendships, new ideas, and a deeper understanding of the world around you.

“UWC-USA challenged me in the best ways. I’ve grown as a student, a leader, and a person—and I’ve made friends I know will be in my life forever.”

– Maya S., Class of 2026, India

Curious About UWC-USA?
Here’s What Happens Next

Tell Us About Yourself

Complete our inquiry form so our team understands what you’re interested in.

Get Your Questions Answered

We’ll help you learn more about UWC-USA, admissions, financial aid, and student life.

Explore Your Next Step

Once you understand the opportunity, you can decide whether UWC-USA is right for you.

Have Questions?

Who can apply to UWC-USA?

If you are a curious, open-minded high school student aged 16 to 19 who wants to make a real difference in the world, you belong here.

UWC-USA is a two-year residential school for the 11th and 12th grades where students earn the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We welcome students from all walks of life:

U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents: You can apply through our U.S. selection process, whether you live in the United States or abroad.
International Students: If you need financial support, you will apply through the UWC National Committee in your home country. If you are applying as a full fee-paying student, you can apply directly and choose UWC-USA as your first choice.

We don’t just look at grades. We look for thinkers, dreamers, and doers who are excited to step outside their comfort zones, live alongside peers from 90+ countries, and build a more peaceful and sustainable future

How does the admissions process work?

Think of our admissions process as a conversation, not a test. We evaluate candidates holistically, looking at your character, passions, and how you work with others, not just a transcript.

Your journey depends on where you live:

Applying from the U.S.: You’ll submit an online application with personal essays and teacher recommendations. We offer two deadlines: Early Application (November 1) and Regular Application (January 1). Semi-finalists take part in personal interviews, and finalists are invited to a dynamic Finalist Weekend in February filled with group activities and conversations.
Applying from outside the U.S.: If you need scholarship support, you will apply through your local country’s UWC National Committee (there are committees in more than 150 countries). If you are applying as a full fee-paying student, you can apply directly online.

How does financial aid work?

UWC-USA operates on the principle that “every family should pay what they can, but no family should pay what they cannot.” Approximately 85% of students receive financial assistance.

Merit-Based Davis Scholarships: All U.S. applicants applying through the U.S. National Committee are automatically evaluated for the Davis Scholarship, which provides $25,000 per year toward tuition (with 25 spots designated for UWC-USA and up to two at each of the other 17 campuses).
Need-Based Financial Aid: Families seeking additional assistance submit a financial profile via School and Student Services (SSS). Need-based aid is awarded to bridge the gap between a family’s calculated ability to pay and remaining tuition costs.
Additional Support: Students demonstrating significant financial need may also receive assistance covering travel costs, personal spending allowances, and miscellaneous expenses.
International Students: Financial aid packages are managed and awarded through the applicant’s home-country National Committee.

What is student life like at UWC-USA?

Student life at UWC-USA is a fully residential, culturally immersive experience located on a 200-acre historic campus in Montezuma, New Mexico:

Global Cohort: Students live with peers from over 90 countries, sharing dorms, meals, and cultural traditions.
Residential Life & Support: Residence halls are guided by live-in Residential Coordinators (RCs), Assistant RCs, and student Peer Residential Advisors (RAs) who support wellness, inclusion, and conflict transformation.
Experiential & Wilderness Learning: Experiential learning is central to student life, featuring backpacking and hiking trips into the Pecos Wilderness, five-day expeditions during Southwest Studies week (such as the Grand Canyon), rock climbing, and outdoor leadership.
Campus Service & Community: Every student contributes to campus operations through regular service, such as working on the campus farm, bike repair, tutoring, or leading tours. Local “Get-Away Families” in Northern New Mexico also host students for weekend meals and off-campus breaks.
Wellness & Recreation: Campus amenities include the Edith Lansing Field House (gym, rock-climbing wall, dance studio), student lounges in the historic Montezuma Castle (Davis International Center), and the Virginia Dwan Light Sanctuary.

Can I visit the campus?

Prospective Students & Families: Yes. While the campus is closed to the general public to maintain student safety and security, the Admissions Office conducts regular, scheduled Admissions Tours for prospective students and their families. Tours must be booked in advance via the campus tour calendar.
Visitor Check-In: All visitors must register at the campus Welcome Center (open 24/7 with campus security) upon arrival at State Route 65 in Montezuma, NM.
Public Access to Dwan Light Sanctuary: The public can visit the Dwan Light Sanctuary during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) by checking in at the Welcome Center for an access key.

What happens after I submit an inquiry?

Admissions Communications: Submitting the online inquiry form registers your contact details with the UWC-USA Admissions Office.
Guidance: You receive tailored information regarding the correct application pathway based on your citizenship (U.S. National Committee vs. International National Committees or Fee-Paying tracks).
Event & Deadline Notifications: You are added to the official mailing list to receive invitations to upcoming virtual information sessions, campus visit/tour availability, reminders for early and regular application deadlines, and financial aid application guidance.

Start Exploring What’s Possible

Whether you’re just beginning to explore UWC-USA or already considering the admissions process, we’re here to help you take the next step.

An ExceptionalEducation Shouldn’t Be Out of Reach