FAFSA/SAI College Aid Calculator
Estimate your Student Aid Index and see what financial aid you may qualify for.
Student Information
Parent Information
Student Aid Index (SAI)
$17,163
Not eligible for Pell Grant
Estimated Financial Aid
Cost by School Type
| School Type | Cost | Est. Aid | Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College (In-State) | $14,000 | $0 | $14,000 |
| Public University (In-State) | $28,000 | $7,126 | $20,874 |
| Public University (Out-of-State) | $46,000 | $9,826 | $36,174 |
| Private University (Average) | $58,000 | $11,626 | $46,374 |
What-If Scenarios
Tips
- File FAFSA as early as possible — some aid is first-come, first-served.
- Having multiple children in college simultaneously reduces per-student parent contribution (though this is changing).
- Compare the CSS Profile for private schools — they may use different methodology.
This is an estimate. Actual SAI and aid packages are determined by FAFSA and individual schools. File at studentaid.gov.
What Is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The SAI replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA. It's a number calculated from your family's income, assets, and household size that colleges use to determine your financial aid package. Unlike the old EFC, the SAI can go as low as -1,500, meaning the neediest students may receive additional aid beyond tuition coverage.
2026-27 Federal Aid Limits
| Aid Type | Annual Maximum | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Pell Grant | $7,595 | SAI below ~$7,595 (doesn't need repayment) |
| Subsidized Loan (Freshman) | $3,500 | Demonstrated financial need |
| Unsubsidized Loan (Freshman) | $2,000 | All students (dependent) |
| Work-Study | Varies | Demonstrated need; limited funding |
| PLUS Loan (Parent) | Up to cost of attendance | No adverse credit history |
What Counts (and Doesn't Count) as Assets
| Counted on FAFSA | NOT Counted on FAFSA |
|---|---|
| Savings and checking accounts | Retirement accounts (401k, IRA) |
| Non-retirement investments | Primary home equity |
| 529 plans (as parent asset) | Life insurance cash value |
| Real estate investments | Personal property (cars, furniture) |
| Business assets (if 100+ employees) | Small business assets (<100 employees) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I file the FAFSA?
As early as possible after it opens (October 1). Some state and institutional aid is first-come, first-served. The FAFSA uses income data from two years prior ("prior-prior year"), so for the 2026-27 year, it uses 2024 tax data.
Does saving for college hurt my financial aid?
Parent assets are assessed at a maximum of 5.64%, meaning $10,000 in savings reduces aid by at most $564. Student assets are assessed at 20% — much higher. Keeping savings in parent names, 529 plans (counted as parent assets), or retirement accounts minimizes impact.
See also: Student Loan Calculator and 529 Plan Calculator.