SAI Calculator (Formerly EFC)
Estimated Student Aid Index
What Is the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution?
The Expected Family Contribution, often called EFC, was a number used by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to estimate how much a family could reasonably contribute toward college costs for one academic year.
Starting with the 2024–25 school year, the EFC was replaced by a new number called the Student Aid Index (SAI). While the name changed, the purpose stayed the same.
In simple terms:
This number helps colleges decide how much financial aid a student may qualify for.
Why the EFC Was Replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI)
The old EFC system caused confusion. Many families assumed it was the exact amount they would pay. That was never true.
The new Student Aid Index fixes several problems:
- It can go as low as –1500, identifying students with very high financial need
- It removes the discount for having multiple students in college at the same time
- It makes Pell Grant eligibility clearer
- It uses updated income protection rules
Your calculator reflects these newer rules while still helping users understand the idea behind EFC-style calculations.
What a FAFSA EFC / SAI Calculator Does
A FAFSA EFC calculator gives you an estimate of your Student Aid Index before you file the real FAFSA.
It helps you:
- Preview financial aid eligibility
- Estimate Pell Grant chances
- Understand how income and assets affect aid
- Plan college choices realistically
This calculator is not official, but it is extremely useful for planning.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
This calculator is helpful if you are:
- A high school student planning for college
- A parent trying to budget for tuition
- A returning adult student
- A counselor helping families understand aid
If you are filing FAFSA for the first time, this tool can save hours of confusion.
Inputs Used in the FAFSA EFC Calculator
The calculator you shared uses realistic inputs based on current FAFSA logic.
Dependency Status
- Dependent: Under 24, relies on parents
- Independent: Married, veteran, graduate student, or meets FAFSA independence rules
This choice decides whether parent finances are included.
Family Size
Family size affects how much income is protected from the calculation.
Larger families get a higher income protection allowance.
Parent Financial Information (Dependent Students)
Included only if the student is dependent.
- Parent Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Parent Net Assets
- Cash
- Savings
- Investments
- Excludes home equity and retirement accounts
Student Financial Information
Used for all students.
- Student Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Student Net Assets
- Cash
- Savings
- Trusts
- 529 plans owned by the student
How the Calculator Estimates Your Student Aid Index
This calculator uses simplified but realistic math based on FAFSA rules.
Parent Contribution (Dependent Students)
- Income protection allowance is applied
- Estimated taxes are removed
- Remaining income is assessed at a partial rate
- Parent assets are assessed at about 12%
Student Contribution
- Student income above the protection level is assessed at 50%
- Student assets are assessed at 20%
- Negative income does not usually reduce SAI further
Final SAI Result
All contributions are added together.
If the result is below –1500, it is capped at –1500.
Understanding the Results Section
Once you click Calculate SAI, you see:
Your SAI Number
This is the estimated Student Aid Index used by schools.
Lower number = higher financial need.
Pell Grant Indicator
The calculator shows one of three messages:
- Likely eligible for maximum Pell Grant
- Likely eligible for partial Pell Grant
- Unlikely to qualify for Pell Grant
This is an estimate, not a guarantee.
Component Breakdown
This section shows:
- Parent income contribution
- Parent asset contribution
- Student income contribution
- Student asset contribution
This breakdown helps you see what is affecting your aid most.
What This Calculator Does Well
- Uses updated SAI logic
- Shows clear breakdowns
- Handles dependent and independent students
- Allows negative SAI values
- Simple and fast to use
It balances accuracy with usability.
Important Limitations to Know
This calculator is an estimate only.
It does not:
- Replace the official FAFSA
- Account for every tax detail
- Include all FAFSA exceptions
- Guarantee aid amounts
Colleges may also adjust aid based on their own policies.
How to Use This Calculator Strategically
- Run it before your senior year
- Test different income scenarios
- Compare schools realistically
- Plan savings and work income
- Avoid financial aid surprises
Even small changes in income or assets can affect aid more than people expect.