Aid depends on what the college has in the coffers, in the first place. Same student could get generous aid at one school and none at others. That’s why you run each college’s net price calculator, assuming your family has no self employment, divorce, etc.
Likewise, merit depends on each college’s criteria.
You need to bone up on what’s what. If your family in not high income and/or assets, check for errors.
Some colleges will also require the CSS Profile, a form that looks more deeply.