@classicalsaxmom It was more a gesture than anything else. My son also was offered $2500 in National Merit. However, he also was offered significant loan free financial aid. But this was years ago now - they may have larger merit scholarships. At the time there was a question whether they gave any merit scholarships at all.
FYI, in case anyone in the future is looking into Bienen ED. My son was not even offered an audition. Clearly the decision was made as soon as he sent in his video, because he got his rejection on 11/2. His video for 12/1 was much better, and in hindsight he should have applied to Bienen for regular admissions.