FAFSA Estimator
Estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant for the 2026–27 school year, before you file.
Most unmarried undergrads under 24 are dependent students and report parent info.
Estimate based on the 2026–27 federal formula (max Pell $7,395). Assumes full-time enrollment; part-time awards are prorated. Not an award decision.
How your SAI is estimated
The federal formula starts with your household's income, subtracts allowances for taxes and basic living expenses (an income protection allowance based on family size), and assesses what's left on a sliding scale from 22% to 47%. A share of reportable assets is added along the way. The result is your SAI, and your Pell Grant is roughly the maximum award minus that number.
Low-income households skip the math entirely: if your income is within 175% of the federal poverty guideline for your family size (225% for single parents), or you aren't required to file taxes, you qualify for the maximum Pell Grant automatically.
This is an estimate based on the Department of Education's published 2026–27 tables. For the official number, file the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
Just want your grant amount? Use the Pell Grant calculator
Common questions
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The SAI is the number the FAFSA calculates from your family's income, assets, and size. Schools subtract it from their cost of attendance to decide how much need-based aid you get. It replaced the old EFC in 2024, and unlike the EFC it can go as low as -1500.
Is the SAI the amount my family has to pay?
No. It's an eligibility index, not a bill. A lower SAI means more need-based aid, like Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study. What you actually pay depends on each school's cost and aid package.
What does a negative SAI mean?
It signals the highest level of financial need. Any SAI of 0 or below generally qualifies you for the maximum Pell Grant, and schools may use the negative number to prioritize additional aid.
How accurate is this estimate?
It uses the Department of Education's published 2026-27 formula, including the income protection allowances and assessment rates. It simplifies things like untaxed income and business net worth, so treat it as a close estimate, not an award decision.
Do I still need to file the FAFSA?
Yes, always. The FAFSA is free and it's the only way to actually receive federal aid. File it even if your estimate looks low. Some schools and states require it for their own scholarships and grants.