University of Nevada, Reno or University of New Mexico?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>After being accepted and having toured both schools I can't decide which to attend fall 2014. I am an intended International Relations/Affairs major and I will probably minor in Spanish. </p>

<p>I am OOS for both schools, but I've been awarded WUE plus a $1500/year scholarship at UNR and at UNM I have been awarded WUE Plus, which means I only pay in-state tuition (about $8k/yr). Therefore, since cost is so similar between schools that really isn't a factor.</p>

<p>I am really interested in study-abroad, and I intend to do that at either school but I am unsure of where I would have better opportunities. UNR has a wider selection of counties however I'm really only interested in Spain, Portugal, or S. America, which I'm sure UNM has as well.</p>

<p>Because of their strong study abroad program I know that UNR has a good international studies program but UNM has a large hispanic population and they have a strong Spanish program. </p>

<p>In terms of student life, I'm really attracted to how there are always activities and people on campus at UNR. There always seem to be things happening at the Joe or a student organization putting on an event. However, I've heard that it's dangerous to cross the bridge into downtown Reno because of the large homeless population and unless you gamble there isn't much attraction to downtown Reno. In Albuquerque, University Heights surrounding the school is exploding with activity. TONS of cute restaurants and coffee shops right off campus cheap enough for a college budget. Yet, when I toured campus, I barely saw any students at UNM. It was deserted, which I thought was really weird. Nothing going on, no events or even students walking around (but school WAS in session).</p>

<p>Online both UNR and UNM are listed as commuter schools but I am wondering which feels more like a college campus. I want to be able to attend sporting events and be involved.</p>

<p>My education is the most important factor and my number one concern is each school's program for International Relations/Affairs, Spanish, and study abroad. However, student life/school spirit are very important factors to me and they're definitely a huge part of my decision.</p>

<p>Which one should I attend?? </p>

2

<p>Albuquerque is better than Reno for a college student, in my opinion.
Other than that, both universities are equivalent academically.</p>

3

<p>Update:</p>

<p>I committed to University of Nevada, Reno!</p>

<p>After touring UNM, I visited UNR for the day and checked it out once more (on the same day of the week and same time I toured UNM). When I walked onto campus, I immediately saw many students. There were so many people walking around campus with backpacks, hanging out in the quad, and there were even 3 organizations in front of the Joe (student union center) advertising for events. No comparison to UNM. </p>

<p>Then, I decided to research both UNM and UNR’s international affairs programs more in-depth because even though they’re ranked around the same, I wanted to see for myself. Under UNR’s program, the course offerings just for my major alone were so broad and interesting (check it out yourself! <a href=“Program: International Affairs, B.A. - University of Nevada, Reno - Acalog ACMS™”>Program: International Affairs, B.A. - University of Nevada, Reno - Acalog ACMS™; ) and when I compared those to UNM there was no competition. There are more native american studies classes alone at UNR when UNM is in the hub of native american studies, to give you an idea.</p>

<p>The most challenging thing for me was after I committed to UNR, I was accepted off the waitlist for Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA (which was originally my dream school) and was awarded merit and financial aid scholarships. This made me once again question my decision, but because UNR is so much cheaper than Gonzaga, I will have more opportunities to study abroad. Also because UNR is a larger university that is research-based, I believe I’ll have the opportunity for more internships/research opportunities.</p>

4

<p>Congratulations and thanks for updating us!</p>