FAFSA SAI / EFC Estimator

Simplified FAFSA Student Aid Index (formerly EFC) estimate.

Inputs

Result

Loading calculator…
—

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

EFC vs. SAI?+
Same concept. FAFSA Simplification Act renamed in 2024. SAI can go negative; EFC was floored at 0.
Pell Grant eligibility?+
SAI ≤ $0 → max Pell ($7395 in 2024-25). Phases out as SAI increases up to ~$7395.
Asset protection allowance?+
Mostly eliminated in FAFSA simplification. Now: most parental assets count.
Excluded assets?+
Primary residence, retirement accounts (401k/IRA), small business if family-owned. Cash + investments + 529s count.
When to file?+
Opens Oct 1 (sometimes delayed). File ASAP — many state + institutional grants have early deadlines.

Related calculators

Student Loan Monthly Payment
Standard 10-year amortization payment for federal/private loans.
Total Cost of Degree
Tuition + fees + room/board + books + opportunity cost over years.
529 Plan Growth Projection
Tax-advantaged 529 college savings: monthly contribution + growth over years.
Scholarship Application ROI
Hours spent applying / expected $ won. Compare to part-time wage.
College Tuition Cost Projection
Tuition × (1 + inflation)^years. Plan ahead; tuition has historically risen 5-7%/yr.
Student Loan: Standard vs PSLF
Compare 10-year standard payoff vs. 10-year IDR + PSLF forgiveness for federal loans.

More tools you might like

Hand-picked tools that pair well with this one — same audience, same intent.

College Tuition Cost Projection
Calc

Tuition × (1 + inflation)^years. Plan ahead; tuition has historically risen 5-7%/yr.

Student Loan: Standard vs PSLF
Calc

Compare 10-year standard payoff vs. 10-year IDR + PSLF forgiveness for federal loans.

Student Loan Monthly Payment
Calc

Standard 10-year amortization payment for federal/private loans.

Total Cost of Degree
Calc

Tuition + fees + room/board + books + opportunity cost over years.

529 Plan Growth Projection
Calc

Tax-advantaged 529 college savings: monthly contribution + growth over years.

Mortgage Calculator
Finance

Full PITI estimate plus a month-by-month amortization schedule (downloadable as CSV).