Colgate’s aid was really helpful! I can’t guarantee it’ll be the exact same for you as things seem to be different for everyone nowadays, but their grants were good to the point where not accepting the loans is a possible option. I think the loans they offered were under $2000 per year, with the majority of the package being grant money. I would run the Net Price Calculator (be very careful you plug in the right info), and, if it is tells you a price you are able to afford, definitely consider ED or at least RD.
They do not, however, offer merit scholarships, as with most other selective colleges. Colgate and these other colleges that don’t offer merit make up for it with their financial aid. I got merit scholarships + financial aid from three of my EA schools before I heard back from Colgate. All three, despite having gotten $20k a year in merit at each one, plus financial aid were more expensive than Colgate, especially considering more of their package was in loans. Colgate is not need blind (yet) but if accepted they generally do do a good job of giving the aid. Remember that this is specific to me, and may not exactly be the same for you. Just some perspective, I’m typically considered solidly middle class by most people, but feel closer to lower middle class due to living in an expensive coastal city with high rents. So yeah, run the NPC and see if the number is affordable.