SAI Calculator (Formerly EFC) – FAFSA 2026-26 Estimate
Calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) for FAFSA 2026-26. Replaces the old EFC Calculator. Estimate Pell Grant eligibility and financial aid.
SAI Calculator (Formerly EFC) – FAFSA 2026-26 Estimate
Introduction
For the 2026-2026 school year, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is dead. It has been replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI).
While the name changed, the goal is the same: Determining your eligibility for federal aid (Pell Grants, Loans, Work-Study). The SAI Calculator estimates this number using the new federal formulas.
Changes: SAI vs. EFC
| Feature | Old EFC (Pre-2024) | New SAI (2024+) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Number | /bin/zsh | -1,500 | More aid for neediest |
| Sibling Discount | Divides by # in college | Eliminated | Higher cost for families with multiple kids |
| Grandparent Gifts | Counted as income | Excluded | No penalty for grandparent help |
| Small Businesses | Excluded | Included | Assets now count |
How SAI is Calculated
SAI = Parent Contribution + Student Contribution
Key Factors:
- Income: AGI from 2023 taxes (for 2026-26 FAFSA).
- Assets: Cash, savings, stocks, real estate (excluding primary home).
- Family Size: Larger families = lower SAI.
- Federal Poverty Line: SAI can be negative (-1500) if income is below poverty thresholds.
Pell Grant Eligibility 2026-26
Your SAI determines your Pell Grant.
- Max Pell (,395): SAI between -1,500 and 0.
- Partial Pell: SAI less than Max Pell.
- No Pell: SAI greater than Max Pell.
Note: You can also qualify for Min Pell based on AGI alone, regardless of SAI.
The "Sibling Penalty"
The biggest shock in the new FAFSA is the removal of the sibling discount.
- Old EFC: Family with 2 kids in college divided their parent contribution by 2.
- New SAI: Parent contribution stays the same regardless of how many kids are in college.
- Result: Many middle-class families with twins or close-in-age kids will see their "need" drop significantly.
FAQ
Q: My SAI is -1500. What does that mean? A: It means you have the maximum financial need. You qualify for the maximum Pell Grant and likely other need-based aid. It does not mean the school owes you ,500.
Q: Where can I find the EFC calculator? A: You shouldn't use one! EFC is obsolete. Any "EFC Calculator" you find is using old math that will give you wrong answers for 2026. Use an SAI Calculator.
Q: Do retirement accounts count? A: No. 401(k) and IRA balances are excluded from the SAI asset calculation.
Conclusion
The shift to SAI helps low-income families (negative numbers) but hurts middle-class families with multiple students (no sibling discount). Use the SAI Calculator to plan ahead—don't rely on old EFC estimates.
Key Takeaways
- Start saving for education early to benefit from compound growth in 529 plans
- Compare financial aid packages carefully before choosing a school
- Explore scholarships and grants before taking on student loans
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your financial details in the fields above
- Adjust parameters to match your specific situation
- Review the calculated results and projections
- Compare different scenarios to find the optimal strategy
Tips for Better Results
- Use realistic estimates based on current market conditions
- Update your calculations regularly as your situation changes
- Consider consulting a financial advisor for complex decisions
- Remember that calculator results are estimates, not guarantees