Is it uncommon for schools to give more aid/merit to a student they really want?

My son’s FA package at need based only school was considerably more than our EFC suggested (approx $15K/yr more.) His package every year has also included the Stafford loan - but not work study. He is a URM at this school and it’s my opinion that he was given such a good FA package because of that. His stats, etc., were typical of admitted students.