FAFSA SAI / EFC Estimator
Simplified FAFSA Student Aid Index (formerly EFC) estimate.
Result
Estimated SAI
$15,483
Subtract from cost of attendance to estimate need-based aid eligibility.
- Parent income$80,000
- Income Protection Allowance$18,260
- Available parent income$55,740
- Parent assets$50,000
- Parent contribution$15,083
- Student income$5,000
- Student contribution$400
- Number in college1
- SAI per student$15,483
Step-by-step
- Approximate FAFSA Methodology: parent income above IPA × 22% + assets × 5.64% + student income above $9410 × 50% + student assets × 20%.
- Divided by number in college = SAI per student.
How to use this calculator
- Enter parent + student income/assets.
- Family size + number in college.
About this calculator
FAFSA Student Aid Index (formerly EFC) determines need-based aid. Lower SAI = more aid. Approximation only — actual FAFSA uses dozens of inputs (age, marital status, retirement contributions, dependents). Use IRS Data Retrieval Tool when filing actual FAFSA. SAI < $0 (negative): max Pell Grant ~$7400. SAI < $7395: partial Pell. Above: institutional aid only. Source: U.S. Department of Education FAFSA documentation.
Frequently asked
Same concept. FAFSA Simplification Act renamed in 2024. SAI can go negative; EFC was floored at 0.
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