FAFSA SAI & Pell Grant Estimator (2026-27)
Results
Visualization
How It Works
The federal methodology considers parent and student income, income-protection allowances, untaxed-income adjustments, assets, dependency status, and other FAFSA information. This planning model uses a simplified household-size allowance and example assessment rates to build an estimated SAI, which is an index — not a bill — that schools use with cost of attendance to measure need. Its Pell output is a capped SAI-based illustration using the 2026-27 maximum of $7,395; it does not determine Federal Pell Grant eligibility, minimum awards, or school packaging.
What the Result Means
- SAI can be negative. Federal guidance allows SAI values from -1,500 to 999,999; a negative SAI flags the highest-need students and typically qualifies for the maximum Pell Grant.
- SAI is not your bill. It is an eligibility index. Your actual net price depends on each school's cost of attendance and aid packaging.
- Pell is one piece. Need-based grants, subsidized loans, and work-study are also driven by the SAI, and states and schools add their own rules.
What Should You Do?
Use this estimate to gauge where you stand, then always file the FAFSA — it is free and the only way to receive federal aid. Pay attention to the income-protection allowance: reducing reportable assets in a 529 owned by a parent (assessed at ~12%) is treated more favorably than student-owned assets (assessed at ~20%). After estimating here, compare net price scenarios by school with the college cost calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EFC still used?
No. The Expected Family Contribution was replaced by the Student Aid Index starting with the 2024-25 award year. Some older pages still use "EFC," but the current FAFSA output is the SAI.
What is the maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27?
Federal Student Aid lists the maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2026-27 as $7,395 and the minimum as $740, subject to enrollment intensity, lifetime eligibility, and school packaging.
Why is my SAI an estimate?
The official formula applies detailed prior-prior-year tax data, untaxed-income lines, and state-specific allowances. This tool uses published assessment rates and a simplified protection allowance to give a close planning estimate, not an award decision.
Does the number of students in college still divide the contribution?
Under the current SAI formula, the parent contribution is generally not divided by the number of students in college, unlike the old EFC. This tool reflects that change.
Should I still file the FAFSA if my estimate is high?
Yes. Many schools and states require the FAFSA for their own grants and scholarships, and your actual SAI may differ from this estimate once real tax data is used.