The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula utilized in previous FAFSA years. Today, students and parents will use this Student Aid Index (SAI) calculator to estimate their SAI for the designated school year.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
SAI is calculated using information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The SAI formula allows colleges and school financial aid offices to determine how much federal student aid the student would receive if they attended their particular school. The SAI calculator below allows students, parents and educators to enter required components and view the estimated SAI a school or college financial aid officer would receive.
Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculator
Understanding the SAI Calculator
Financial aid offices then use the school’s estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) and student SAI difference to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid.
A school’s COA generally includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, dependent care, and transportation costs. Institutions are federally required to share COA information on their website.
Parent Information Fields
Parents should use their prior-prior year tax returns to get an accurate SAI estimate. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA year use the 2023 tax return.
Parent information that is input into the SAI Calculator will help to determine student financial aid needs.
Income Additions
Adjusted Gross Income can be found on line 11 of the 2023 IRS Form 1040. Reported income includes wages, salaries, tips and business income.
Income Offsets
Income offsets include past-due federal taxes, other federal agency debts or any state debts in accordance with state laws.
Allowances Against Parent’s Income
Allowances include tax exemptions such as household size or number of dependents.
Contribution from Assets
Parent contribution from assets include but are not limited to cash, savings, child support, investments, parent-owned 529 accounts, vacation homes and real estate, and the net worth of any parent-owned businesses or farms.
Student Information
If applicable, students should use their prior-prior year tax returns to get an accurate SAI estimate. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA year this would be a student’s 2023 tax return.
Student information input into the SAI Calculator helps determine student financial aid needs.
Income Additions
Adjusted Gross Income can be found on line 11 of the 2023 IRS Form 1040. Reported income includes wages, salaries, tips and business income. Retirement contributions are not reported. According to the 2025-26 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide, if a student’s 2023 income is $11,400 or less no student-income contribution is expected.
Income Offsets
Income offsets include a student’s past-due federal taxes, other federal agency debts, or any outstanding state debts.
Allowances Against Student’s Income
This includes tax paying exemptions specific to students include but are not limited to Medicare hospital insurance, or old-age, survivors and disability insurance (OASDI).
Contribution from Assets
Assets are counted as net worth and include, but are not limited to cash, savings, investments, student-owned 529 accounts, trust funds, and the net worth of any student-owned businesses or farms.
