Financial Aid Tool
FAFSA & Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculator
Estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI) and potential Pell Grant eligibility. This free calculator helps you understand your federal financial aid before completing the FAFSA.
Family Information
Combined parent income (before taxes)
Student's income from work/earnings
Total people in your household
Household members enrolled in college
Savings, investments (not including home equity)
Student's savings and investments
Simplified calculation
Estimated Results
Student Aid Index (SAI)
$0
Lower SAI = higher aid eligibility
Pell Grant Estimate
Not Eligible
SAI above Pell eligibility threshold
Other Aid You May Qualify For
- • Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
- • Federal Work-Study Program
- • State grants and scholarships
- • Institutional aid from your college
Next steps
- • Complete the official FAFSA at fafsa.gov
- • Submit FAFSA as early as possible (opens October 1)
- • Check state and college deadlines for aid applications
- • Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully
Understanding Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 award year. Your SAI determines your eligibility for need-based federal student aid.
What is SAI?
SAI is a number calculated by the federal government based on your family's financial information from the FAFSA. A lower SAI means you may be eligible for more need-based aid. Unlike EFC, SAI can be negative (as low as -$1,500), which expands Pell Grant eligibility.
Pell Grant Eligibility (2025-26)
- • Maximum Pell Grant: $7,395 per year
- • Eligibility: SAI between -$1,500 and ~$7,000
- • Award amount: Decreases as SAI increases
Important FAFSA Deadlines
The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year. Submit early — many states and colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's deadline and each college's priority filing date.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. For official financial aid determinations, complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov and consult your college's financial aid office. SAI calculations involve many factors not captured in this simplified tool.