FAFSA Student Aid Index and EFC

Question 1

What does SAI stand for in the context of financial aid?

Accepted Answer

Student Aid Index

Answer

SAI stands for Student Aid Index, which replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA.

Question 2

Which FAFSA cycle first used the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of EFC?

Accepted Answer

2024-25

Answer

The 2024-25 FAFSA was the first cycle to use the SAI, replacing the old EFC formula.

Question 3

A negative SAI value indicates what about a student's financial need?

Accepted Answer

Maximum financial need

Answer

A negative SAI (as low as -1500) signals maximum financial need and typically qualifies students for the most aid.

Question 4

Which formula is used to calculate the SAI for dependent students?

Accepted Answer

Federal Methodology only

Answer

The SAI for FAFSA purposes is calculated using the Federal Methodology established by Congress.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the SAI?

Accepted Answer

To estimate the amount a family can contribute toward education costs

Answer

The SAI estimates how much a family can contribute toward college costs, which schools use to determine aid packages.

FAFSA Practice Test