Student Aid Index (SAI)
What Is the Student Aid Index?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number calculated from the financial information provided on the FAFSA that helps determine a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid. The SAI replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as part of federal financial aid reforms.
The number represents an estimate used by colleges to evaluate a student’s financial need.
Why It Matters
The Student Aid Index plays a central role in determining how much financial aid a student may receive. Colleges compare the SAI to the school’s Cost of Attendance (COA) to estimate the student’s financial need.
A lower SAI generally indicates greater financial need and may result in more financial aid eligibility.
How the Student Aid Index Works
After the FAFSA is submitted, the U.S. Department of Education analyzes the financial information provided.
The calculation considers factors such as:
- family income
- household size
- assets and savings
- Number of family members attending college
Colleges use the SAI along with the Cost of Attendance to determine a student’s financial aid package.
Example
Carlos submits the FAFSA and receives a Student Aid Index of 3,000. The college he plans to attend has a Cost of Attendance of $25,000. The school uses the difference between these numbers to estimate Carlos’s financial need when creating his financial aid offer.
Student Aid Index vs Expected Family Contribution
- The Student Aid Index is the modern formula used in federal financial aid calculations.
- Expected Family Contribution was the previous calculation method.
FAQs About the Student Aid Index
Does the SAI represent what families must pay?
No. It is used only as a financial aid calculation tool.
Can the SAI be negative?
Yes. Negative values may indicate very high financial need.
Who calculates the SAI?
The U.S. Department of Education calculates it based on FAFSA data.
Related Terms
