I was sent a PM asking what I decided on so thought I would answer to the group. Even though I thought I would prefer to go outside of my home state I decided on Miami. I could not be happier. Very challenging course load but I am doing well. Great professors and very interesting student body. I think I would have been fine at any of them because my best friend, who is very similar to me, is also thriving at Purdue.
Thank you so much for updating your thread. It is so useful to student readers looking for information and it a always nice for adults who helped to hear that the students are thriving 
@seanalex1 fantastic decision in choosing UMiami over UAlabama. Purdue was a great contender, though!
Everyone needs to realize these academic scholarships are the first semester, maybe year. They may renew if your grades are stellar. I would not assume that a merit scholarship from a university = 4 years of free tuition. Keep that in mind when you do the math