Estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI) and potential federal financial aid before filing FAFSA. Our free 2026-27 calculator helps you understand your Pell Grant eligibility and loan options.
Estimate My Aid$7,895
Max Pell Grant
$14,500
Avg Total Aid
85%
Students Get Aid
$12,000
Avg SAI
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to federal student aid, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study programs. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, FAFSA determines your eligibility based on family income, assets, and household size.
The 2024-25 academic year marked a major overhaul under the FAFSA Simplification Act. The old Expected Family Contribution (EFC) was replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI)—a number that can now be negative (as low as -$1,500), indicating maximum Pell Grant eligibility. The form itself was reduced from 108 questions to approximately 36.
Over 85% of college students receive some form of financial aid. Total federal student aid in the 2023-24 academic year exceeded $113 billion, including $28 billion in Pell Grants and $80 billion in federal student loans. Understanding your SAI helps you plan for college costs and identify additional aid opportunities.
Up to $7,895
Free money based on need. Doesn't need to be repaid.
Up to $7,500
Need-based. Government pays interest while in school.
Varies
Part-time jobs for students with financial need.
Pro Tip: File FAFSA early—many state and institutional aid programs are first-come, first-served.
The Student Aid Index considers multiple factors to determine your expected family contribution to education costs:
Parent Contribution (Dependent Students)
Student Contribution
Key Change: Under the new formula, the SAI can be negative (as low as -$1,500), automatically qualifying students for maximum Pell Grant. Previously, EFC could only go to zero.
Federal Deadline: June 30, 2027 for 2026-27 aid year
State Deadlines: Vary widely—some as early as February 2026
College Deadlines: Check each school's priority deadline
File FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid opportunities!
Estimate your SAI and potential federal aid before filing FAFSA. Make informed decisions about college affordability.
Estimate My Aid