The Student Aid Index (SAI) is the single number your FAFSA produces to estimate how much your family can contribute toward college. For the 2026-27 award year it replaced the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and it works a little differently.
The 2026-27 range
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest possible SAI | -$1,500 |
| Maximum Pell trigger | SAI of 0 or below |
| Pell ineligibility | SAI of $14,790 or more |
| Maximum Pell Grant | $7,395 |
| Minimum Pell Grant | $740 |
A lower SAI means more need-based aid. Need is calculated as your college’s cost of attendance minus your SAI, so the smaller your SAI, the larger your demonstrated need.
Why it can be negative
Unlike the EFC, the SAI can fall below zero, down to -$1,500. A negative SAI signals very deep financial need. It does not put cash in your pocket, but it guarantees the maximum Pell Grant and puts you first in line for other need-based aid. Read more in negative SAI explained.
How to read your result
- SAI of 0 or below -> maximum Pell ($7,395) and strongest need-based aid.
- SAI between $1 and $6,655 -> a partial Pell (maximum minus your SAI), plus need-based aid.
- SAI above $6,655 -> usually no Pell unless your AGI is within the automatic minimum-Pell poverty multiple.
Estimate your own number with the SAI calculator, then turn it into a dollar grant with the Pell calculator.
General information, not financial-aid advice. Your official SAI is set by the FAFSA processor - verify at studentaid.gov. Source: 2026-27 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide (U.S. Dept. of Education).