The FAFSA EFC estimator (now called the Student Aid Index or SAI) gives you a rough idea of your expected family contribution before you file. Use this to gauge Pell Grant eligibility and estimate how much need-based aid you may receive.
Note: This is a simplified estimate. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator (studentaid.gov) for an official estimate before filing.
Your Situation
Parent Information
Do not include retirement accounts or home equity
Student Information
Enter your information to estimate your Student Aid Index.
Estimated Student Aid Index (SAI)
Aid Eligibility Summary
Understanding FAFSA and the Student Aid Index
The FAFSA EFC estimator helps you understand where you stand before spending hours completing the actual FAFSA. The Student Aid Index (SAI, formerly called EFC) is the central number that determines your federal aid eligibility.
How the SAI Is Calculated
The SAI formula considers parent income (most heavily weighted), parent assets, student income, and student assets. Parent income is assessed at 22-47% depending on income level. Parent assets are assessed at up to 5.64%. Student income above $9,410 is assessed at 50%. Student assets are assessed at 20%.
What Your SAI Means for Aid
A SAI of $0 means maximum Pell Grant eligibility ($7,395/year in 2025-26). Each dollar of SAI above $0 reduces your Pell Grant. Once your SAI exceeds about $6,800, you likely don't qualify for Pell Grants but may still qualify for subsidized federal loans and institutional need-based aid.
What Does NOT Count as Assets
Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension), primary home equity, and small business assets (if family-owned, under 100 employees) are NOT counted on FAFSA. This is why financial advisors often recommend maximizing retirement contributions before the FAFSA year if college costs are approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EFC (Expected Family Contribution)?
The EFC, now officially called the Student Aid Index (SAI), is a number that colleges use to determine how much financial aid you qualify for. A lower SAI means more financial aid eligibility. A SAI of $0 means maximum aid eligibility; a SAI of $5,000 means the family is expected to contribute $5,000 before financial aid.
What is the maximum Pell Grant for 2026?
The maximum Pell Grant for the 2025-26 award year is $7,395 per year. Students with a SAI of $0 receive the maximum. Students with SAI between $0 and about $6,800 may receive partial Pell Grants. The exact amount varies based on enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time).
Does a 529 account affect FAFSA?
Parent-owned 529 accounts are counted as parental assets on FAFSA, assessed at up to 5.64% of their value annually. A $50,000 parent 529 balance adds about $2,820 to your SAI. Student-owned 529 accounts are treated the same way as parent assets for FAFSA purposes.
What is the FAFSA deadline?
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30 of the award year. However, state and institutional deadlines are often much earlier — some as early as February or March. Always check your state's deadline and your target college's priority deadline, as funding can run out.
How often do I need to file FAFSA?
You must file FAFSA each year you want financial aid. Many aid types are not automatically renewed — you need to re-apply annually. File as early as possible after October 1 when the FAFSA opens for the following academic year.