@lolaandgee Here is the simple rule of thumb. The more selective the school is less the merit aid. But these school are rich and have money for need based aid. So If you are poor and have good grades to get into these school you will get some money if you can prove the need.
As you go down on the ranking such as Denison Univ in OH. Which is ranked like 50 in LAC gives merit aid for most of the students + need based aid.
So you need to decide on your priority and apply accordingly.