The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula utilized in previous FAFSA years. Today, students and parents now must use the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculator to estimate their SAI for the designated school year.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
SAI is calculated uses 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. Below is Finaid’s SAI calculator which allows students, parents and educators to enter required components and view the estimated SAI a school or college financial aid officer would receive. The calculator shows an estimate, students and parents should check their Financial Aid Award Letter for specific results information.
Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculator
2027-28 FAFSA
The 2027-28 FAFSA is scheduled for release on October 1, 2026.
Understanding How the Student Aid Index (SAI) is Utilized
COA stands for Cost of Attendance, and SAI stands for Student Aid Index. The best way to determine your estimated financial aid package is COA – SAI = Financial Need. The cost of attendance can be found on any college website under the Financial Aid section. Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, determines the SAI. The above equation informs you of your Financial Need for college.
Once the FAFSA is processed, colleges and universities use the financial need figure to try and bridge the gap between what your family can contribute and the total cost of college. They may offer grants (which do not need to be repaid) and/or work-study programs.
Their financial aid package may also include student loans. Understanding the different types of financial aid is crucial.
The SAI calculator estimates your SAI before the FAFSA application is submitted to provide an understanding of financial aid eligibility. It’s a valuable tool for juniors and sophomore in high school for early college planning.
Financial aid offices then use the school’s estimated cost of attendance (COA) and student’s 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.
