The grants are related to your income, so they reevaluate every year (should you lose your job or get a big promotion…) Hence the wording “1st year grant”. If your income doesn’t change, your grants shouldn’t.
As for the 3 colleges: TrinityCT is preppier with a more central Greek life; Lafayette is probably the strongest academically for psychology, less Greek, a bit nerdier; Holy Cross offers a Jesuit education which guarantees a strong general culture. All 3 are excellent preparation for grad school but have solid career centers for internships.