The FAFSA aid estimator for 2026-27 calculates your estimated federal financial aid package under the new simplified FAFSA rules. Enter your family income and household details to see your likely Pell Grant, subsidized loan eligibility, and total estimated aid gap before filing at studentaid.gov.
Your 2026-27 Information
From 2024 federal tax return (IRS Form 1040)
Note: 2026-27 eliminates sibling discount — each student calculated separately
Enter your information to see your estimated 2026-27 aid package.
Total Estimated Federal Aid
2026-27 Academic Year
Aid Breakdown
Cost Gap by School Type
How to Use the FAFSA Aid Estimator 2026-27
This FAFSA aid estimator for 2026-27 helps families understand their likely federal financial aid before filing the actual FAFSA. The 2026-27 FAFSA uses the new Student Aid Index (SAI) formula that replaced the old EFC calculation in 2024.
Key 2026-27 FAFSA Changes
The biggest change is the elimination of the sibling discount. Under the old formula, having two children in college simultaneously cut each SAI roughly in half — potentially saving families $10,000+ in expected contribution per year. The new formula calculates each student separately, which significantly impacts families with multiple college students at the same time.
How Pell Grant Eligibility is Calculated
The 2026-27 maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. Eligibility uses a simplified needs test: families with income under $60,000 automatically qualify for maximum Pell if the SAI formula applies. Students from very low-income households (typically under $30,000 AGI for a family of 4) receive the full $7,395. Each $1,000 of income above the threshold reduces the award by approximately $250-$400 depending on family size and assets.
Federal Loan Limits by Year
Subsidized loan limits increase each year: $3,500 (1st year), $4,500 (2nd year), $5,500 (3rd and 4th year). These only accrue interest after graduation or when you leave school. Unsubsidized loans ($2,000 for dependent, $6,000 additional for independent) are available to all students regardless of need — they accrue interest immediately.
What to Do After Estimating
Use this estimate to narrow your college list by net cost (total cost minus expected aid). File FAFSA as early as October 1 each year for the following academic year. Compare official Financial Aid Award letters from schools using the same categories: grants (free money), loans (must repay), work-study (earnings). Only grants and scholarships reduce your actual cost.
FAQ
What changed in FAFSA for 2026-27?
The 2026-27 FAFSA continues the simplified format introduced in 2024. Key changes include: EFC is now called Student Aid Index (SAI), the sibling discount for dependent students was eliminated, a simplified needs test now determines maximum Pell eligibility, and the formula uses prior-prior year tax data directly from the IRS.
What is the maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27?
The maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27 is $7,395 per academic year for full-time students with a SAI of $0. Part-time students receive prorated amounts. Students with SAI between $0 and approximately $6,800 may qualify for partial Pell Grants.
Is this FAFSA estimator accurate?
This is an estimate only. Actual aid depends on your complete FAFSA data, the school's Cost of Attendance, available funding, and your enrollment status. Use this tool to understand your likely range and plan ahead. Verify your actual eligibility at studentaid.gov after filing FAFSA.
How does family size affect FAFSA aid?
Larger family sizes increase your income protection allowance, which reduces your SAI and can increase grant eligibility. For 2026-27, the number of siblings in college no longer reduces the SAI (the sibling discount was eliminated), which significantly impacts families with multiple college-age children.
What federal loans can I get regardless of income?
All eligible undergraduate students can receive unsubsidized Direct Loans regardless of financial need. First-year students can borrow $5,500 (dependent) or $9,500 (independent). Subsidized loans, which don't accrue interest while enrolled, are need-based and depend on your SAI.
When should I file FAFSA for 2026-27?
FAFSA for 2026-27 opens October 1, 2025. File as early as possible — many states and colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. State deadlines can be as early as February or March. Never wait until the federal deadline of June 30, 2027.