We left National Merit full rides at Florida and other state schools for another T20. It all depends upon your financial ability and priorities. For us, financial sacrifice was worth it. Everybody has different circumstances and wants, it’s not possible for me to decide a good education’s worth for you.
As more than 90% applicants get rejected from T20 schools, there are less than 10% chances that you’ll have to make such decision. I wouldn’t recommend ED if you aren’t sure. They do have merit scholarships, if he got one, it can be affordable for you.