US students in search of generous merit awards have to make the trips and interviews to get be in the running for them too. Take a read of one young woman’s quest for full rides at selective schools: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/magazine/30neurosis-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0. In order to get those awards, one has to make the financial investment.
In some cases, as I’ve mention and others, the admissions office will pay part or all of a candidate’s travel cost, so OP should ask. My son was awarded travel expenses to come to some college invitation events. Not something offered to everyone, just those they most wanted who balked at the expense. Others will if there is demonstrated need. There may be limited such funds, so better inquire now.
A friend of mine was not thrilled for her DD to have to show up at a school in order to get her merit award there. The amount was not even stated–she would find out at the ceremony when they announced them. It was not a top choice school for her DD, but something that was wanted as an option, and so she paid for her DD to go , she got a nice award–didn’t use it as she ended up not going there. Cost paid for that option.