How the Student Aid Index Really Works
Your Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly called the Expected Family Contribution, isn't based on income alone. The FAFSA formula combines your household income with a portion of your reportable assets to produce a single number that colleges use to determine how much federal aid — including Pell Grants — you may qualify for. A lower SAI means more aid eligibility, and an SAI of zero or below typically unlocks the maximum Pell Grant award. Assets matter too: even a modest income can produce a higher SAI if your family has significant savings or investments outside of retirement accounts and your primary home. This calculator applies simplified income protection allowances and conversion rates to give you a rough sense of where you stand before you file your official FAFSA.
How It's Calculated
| Step | Item | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Income Contribution | (AGI − Income Protection Allowance) × 22% |
| 2 | Asset Contribution | Reportable Assets × 12% |
| 3 | Estimated SAI | Income Contribution + Asset Contribution |
| 4 | Pell Tier | Compared against Pell Grant thresholds |
Frequently Asked Questions
The SAI (formerly the EFC) is a number from your FAFSA that colleges use to determine federal aid eligibility, including Pell Grants. A lower or negative SAI means more aid eligibility.
No. The Department of Education calculates your official SAI from your full FAFSA application. This calculator uses simplified figures for a rough estimate only.
This estimate applies a simplified conversion rate. The real formula uses different rates for student vs. parent assets and excludes retirement accounts and your primary home.
※ This is a simplified estimate using approximate 2025-26 figures. Your official SAI and Pell Grant award are determined by the U.S. Department of Education from your complete FAFSA.