I'm not sure why he would say this, because, if it was true, it is totally in the school's control to not make any awards until after the CTE deadline in order to assure that its preferences were satisfied and nobody would allow finances to influence their decision. It would also guarantee that CTE students receive priority, since they'd be the only ones receiving anything.
TBH, it sounds like nothing more than not so subtle pressure to withdraw from WLs and commit early if you haven't yet received an award. Also, if they are not using money, especially merit money, to influence decisions, why bother making awards at all, as opposed to just lowering tuition for everyone???? Funny how easy it is for people not having to sign loan documents to think that finances shouldn't influence decisions!!!