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Student Aid Index and EFC Flashcards

6 cards from real FAFSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Student Aid Index and EFC flashcards as text

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

    Answer: Student Aid Index

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

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

    Answer: 2024-25

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

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

    Answer: Maximum financial need

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

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

    Answer: Federal Methodology only

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

  5. What is the primary purpose of the SAI?

    Answer: To estimate the amount a family can contribute toward education costs

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

  6. Which of the following DOES NOT directly affect the SAI calculation?

    Answer: Student GPA

    GPA is not factored into the SAI; it is based on financial data like income, assets, and family size.