Yes, I think it is true that you miss out on very generous Lottery Scholarship if you wait a year. Otherwise typical in-state student would only be paying about $1K to $2K T&F per year (living at home). But with 30 ACT you would still likely to be eligible for things like the Woodward (sp?) scholarship at UNM.
UNM is great option. But like any big school you have to navigate your way through. Have you thought about UNM Honors College, which has several good paths to choose from??