People, I want you to help me make a decision between these universities. I have reached an impasse. The scholarships offered to me by both the universities are similar. In UNM, I will be living off-campus since I have a friend there, but in Miami, I will be living on-campus, and no Nepalese is there. Based on your insights on an academic reputation, a social atmosphere, and a platform the university presents, which one would be a better choice?
What are you planning to study?
Is this Miami in Ohio or Florida?
I will say, that UNM is very affordable and is embracing of most any culture. That said, and more important, what is your intended course of study??
singermom4: boolaHi: My major is still undecided. But, science is my focus; physics, and engineering.
TheAtlantic: This is the one in Ohio.
Both are strong in those departments. The biggest difference is probably cultural, UNM like the rest of the state has a very large minority population, mostly Hispanic and Native American, but also African American and Asian --about almost 44% of the undergrad population is of color. At Miami of Ohio, less than 10%–huge difference.
Thank you @boolaHI … I also have a different question regarding aid. Since the aid awarded to me by the university was managed according to the amount I presented in ISFAA, will I be able to receive more aid if I appeal to them? If so, how do I do it?
I would choose Miami Ohio, because you’ll be living on campus (choose the science LLCs or the 1st Year research LLc or Global Connections). It’ll help you make American friends, integrate into campus life better, get involved in activities with other freshmen. If you start your freshman year off campus with a friend from Nepal, it’ll be much harder to create your own circle, including Americans (which I assume you want, since you’re coming to America! :p)
Additionally, Miami OH is stronger academically than UNM.
UNew Mexico is way more diverse and has better weather but the downside of being isolated from the campus and its culture, right off the bat as a freshman, is a dowside that’s hard to forget.
Thank you @MYOS1634 …Also, could you please help me regarding the dilemma above? I will put it here for your convenience.
(Since the aid awarded to me by the university was managed according to the amount I presented in ISFAA, will I be able to receive more aid if I appeal to them? If so, how do I do it?)
You can try, but unless you have new and compelling evidence, it’s unlikely to change. If your aid is merit-based, they could reassess if you have higher test scores, but not all universities do this.
Because I assured to pay the amount in ISFAA, I am just feeling uncomfortable to ask more aid. What if they revoke an admission? 
These are basically institution specific questions, and I would refer them directly to each university. And while I agree that overall Miami of Ohio is a better school, that is not the case in regards to the engineering program, in which it is ranked higher. Further, there are two national labs in the state of NM, and that is a very compelling feature.
@boolaHI … Do you mean UNM is better than Miami in terms of engineering programs? Also, how do you rate these universities on the basis of research opportunity?
@boolaHI Also, I want to choose the university that will later put me in one of the best graduate schools, or to a good university if I decide to transfer. I am aware academically it is dependent on me, but I believe the atmosphere matters significantly. Which will be a better choice?
I suggest you do some of your own research, but here are some current rankings: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/eng-rankings/page+4
Also, because UNM has partnerships with both labs, they probably have more research opportunities. So, I would say Miami is a better overall school, but UNM has the better engineering program.
My understanding is Miami of Ohio’s specialty is business majors.
^hastalavista: that’s a very cursory understanding. 
Reductio ad absurdum.
Miami enjoys high status among well-to-do students who wish they were going to a private university. In the midwest/eastern region, the university has a reputation that’s on par or close to tOSU. THere’s also a distinctive party atmosphere, so that requesting a quiet dorm may be necessary. Now in my opinion it means it may have put more money into its beautiful campus than into other things, and it tends to be more privileged than UNM, but the students there seem happy.
UNM’s general university is weaker academically but it’s definitely more diverse (both ethnically and socio-economically). Its weather is dry and hot, probably better than Miami’s 4 seasons that include a lot of snow. I don’t know what their relative value is for engineering specifically - both have ABET accredited programs, which is what matters.
The rankings above are for graduate programs, not undergraduate.
“A lot of snow” might be an overstatement depending on where you are from. Oxford averages under 30" per year. That is usually spread out from Nov. through March. It can be gray and dreary during that time period though. It’s often prettiest in the winter after a bit of snow. Sept through Oct. And April and May are gorgeous. Allergies can be an issue if you’re not used to the local flora.