Also some schools seem to raise tuition or room and board each year in excess of inflation, but mysteriously the financial aid awards don’t go on the same track.
Keep in mind they want you to graduate (makes their graduation rates look good)…so not giving you financial aid won’t help you stay there
My daughter was offered a small scholarship that was only for freshman year, but also a larger one that is over the full four years if she maintains her GPA.
I know DU has a housing subsidy for the first two years, when most live in the dorm. If you looked at stats for the amount received in the first two years, it would look like the school was ‘front loading’ but they are quite upfront about it - $$ is for housing for 2 years.
Maybe other money is available for jr/sr years.