How is the SAI different from the EFC?

The SAI can be negative (down to −$1,500), no longer divides by the number of children in college, and changes how some income and assets are treated. The concept is similar.

What assets count on the FAFSA?

Cash, savings, investments, and real estate other than your primary home. Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) and your primary residence are NOT counted.

Why are student assets assessed more heavily?

Students are expected to contribute 20% of their assets toward college, versus about 5.64% for parent assets — so money in a student's name reduces aid more.

Does a lower SAI mean more aid?

Yes. Your financial need equals a school's cost of attendance minus your SAI, so a lower SAI generally means eligibility for more need-based grants, work-study, and subsidized loans.

FAFSA EFC / SAI Calculator

By the KalkWise Editorial Team Reviewed for accuracy Updated June 2026

What is the fafsa efc / sai calculator?

In short

The Student Aid Index (SAI) — which replaced the EFC in 2024-25 — estimates how much a family can contribute to college. It combines a portion of parent income and assets with student income and assets. A lower SAI means more need-based financial aid eligibility.

Estimates your Student Aid Index (SAI) from parent and student income and assets to gauge how much need-based financial aid you may qualify for.

How to use this calculator

1Enter parent income and assets (exclude retirement accounts and primary home).
2Enter student income and assets.
3Enter family size and number in college.
4See your estimated SAI and the parent/student contribution breakdown.

The formula

SAI=parentContrib+studentContrib

SAI = parent contribution + student contribution (lower SAI = more aid)

parent: — ~47% of available income + 5.64% of assets
student: — 50% of income + 20% of assets
SAI: — parent contribution + student contribution

Worked example

The scenario

$90,000 parent income, $50,000 parent assets, $5,000 student income, $3,000 student assets, family of 4.

gives

The result

Estimated SAI ≈ $20,000–$24,000 — your need = cost of attendance minus this figure.

Common use cases

Families estimating college financial aid eligibility before filing the FAFSA.
Comparing how different schools' costs interact with your SAI.
Understanding how student assets are assessed more heavily than parent assets.

Limitations & assumptions

This is a simplified estimate — the official SAI uses the full federal methodology.
The 2024-25 SAI no longer divides the parent contribution by number in college.
Does not model the negative SAI (down to −$1,500) now possible for very low-income families.

Frequently asked questions

The Student Aid Index replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA. It's an index used to determine need-based financial aid eligibility.

Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

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