Technically yes, but when the other acceptances come in either earlier or the same day as ED (as in this instance), AND the Family mistakenly determined affordability based on belief that ED school would award merit, then the other acceptances aren’t off the table…yet. In this family’s case, at the time they had both acceptances in hand, no merit from ED school, then family could have contacted the ED school, explained that it’s not affordable because merit was (mistakenly) expected. The family could mention the merit from the other school, which made that school affordable. The ED school could then decide to say “no,” or offer some merit to protect yield. But that ship has sailed.
The RC website has conflicting info on their website in two different places. In one place, it suggests that those with a 1250 SAT would be considered, and then in another different place, it indicates 1270. If the family only saw that 1250 mention, then it would be more understandable that they would anticipate some merit offer (even if not guaranteed.)
If this school is NOT affordable w/o merit, then contact the other school that was declined, ask if the acceptance and merit offer could be reinstated…if so…then decline the ED school and go there.