Financial Aid Estimator
Estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI) and see how much financial aid you may qualify for based on your family's income and assets.
Non-retirement liquid assets (savings, checking, investments)
Estimates based on a dependent student at a public in-state university with a typical cost of attendance of $28,000/year.
Student Aid Index (SAI)
$5,861
Formerly called Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Pell Grant
$1,534
Demonstrated Need
$22,139
Est. Net Cost
$26,466 /yr
How Your Costs Break Down
Based on average public in-state cost of attendance ($28,000/year). The “Remaining Gap” is typically covered by federal loans, work-study, or out-of-pocket funds.
Student Information
Student Finances
From your tax return or estimates
Line 11 on Form 1040
Wages, salaries, tips
Parent/Family Information
Parent Income
Combined if married
Parent Assets
Do NOT include retirement accounts or primary home
College Information
Default: $28,000
Student Aid Index (SAI)
$7,782
Est. Pell Grant
Not eligible
Demonstrated Need
$20,218
Est. Net Cost
$28,000
Estimated Cost Coverage
Aid Eligibility Summary
Pell Grant
Federal grant (no repayment)
Not Eligible
Subsidized Loans
Gov't pays interest while in school
Eligible
Federal Work-Study
Part-time campus employment
May Qualify
Institutional Aid
Varies by school
Check with school
Understanding the 2024-25 FAFSA Changes
SAI Replaces EFC: The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA. SAI can now be negative (down to -$1,500), indicating maximum need.
Simplified Formula: The new FAFSA has fewer questions and uses IRS data transfer to reduce errors. Many families may see different aid amounts compared to prior years.
Family Size Changes: The number of family members in college no longer reduces the parent contribution. Each student is assessed independently.
Asset Treatment: Small business and family farm assets are now included in the calculation. The asset protection allowance has been essentially eliminated for most families.
About This Analysis
This calculator provides estimates based on the inputs you supply. It assumes standard amortization and does not account for taxes, insurance, PMI, prepayment penalties, or the opportunity cost of funds. Results are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
- ·This estimator uses a simplified version of the 2024-25 FAFSA formula and may not reflect all variables.
- ·Actual aid packages vary by institution and may include merit-based awards not estimated here.
- ·Always complete the official FAFSA and consult individual schools' net price calculators.
Related Resources
Related Calculators
Quick Reference
- Average Tuition by School TypePublic in-state, out-of-state, private, community college
- 529 Plan Limits by StateContribution limits and state tax deductions
- FAFSA Income ThresholdsEFC/SAI formula basics, asset protection allowances
- Income-Driven Repayment PlansIBR, PAYE, SAVE, ICR comparison table
- Loan Forgiveness ProgramsPSLF, teacher forgiveness, IDR forgiveness timelines
- Federal Student Loan RatesCurrent rates for undergrad, grad, PLUS loans
Insights
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