The United World College-USA was founded in 1982 in Montezuma, NM through the philanthropy of the late Dr. Armand Hammer and is part of an international movement that now includes eighteen two-year pre-university residential schools worldwide offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma curriculum. UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
We aspire to be a model international educational organization with significant impact on each of our learners to assume responsibility and demonstrate leadership for positive changes in the world.
We continually seek imaginative, meaningful innovations in our programs, in how students develop academically, socially, and in their orientation to serve others.
We share in the need to operate in a financially responsible manner, with all of us seeking ways to build a stronger institution so that the quality of our services is constantly improved and so that we continuously invest in better ways to deliver our mission.
We realize our ideals by interacting with one another with mutual respect and a constant awareness of the many cultures which make up our educational community.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NM School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 11-12
- Enrollment: 224 students
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Nov. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Armand Hammer United World College ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 11-12
Year Founded
1982
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Campus Size
200
Student Body
Total Students
224 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 49%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Nov. 1
% on Financial Aid
85%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Application URL
Endowment Size
$120 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
School Notes
- School Motto: Education is a force for peace and a sustainable future.
- Students and faculty conduct over 17,000 hours of community service every year - putting into practice the values fundamental to the UWC mission.
- 85% of students attend UWC-USA on full or significant scholarships.
- We build a strong community on campus so our students learn how to build strong, just, and positive communities wherever they end up. We believe our diversity is our strength.
- Many UWC-USA alumni attend prestigious universities after graduation and go on to careers serving others.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of The Armand Hammer United World College?
The acceptance rate of The Armand Hammer United World College is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
What sports does The Armand Hammer United World College offer?
The Armand Hammer United World College offers 3 interscholastic sports: Intramural Sports Only, Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing.
What is The Armand Hammer United World College's ranking?
The Armand Hammer United World College ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for: Largest student body and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for The Armand Hammer United World College?
The application deadline for The Armand Hammer United World College is Nov. 1.
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