2025-2026 FAFSA award amounts vs. old formula - preparing for financial shock?

We just got our SAI last week after applying in January, and for us (middle income, one student) the new formula gave us LESS aid than last year. The new calculation doesn't give as much weight to having multiple family members in college as the old one did. Since you mentioned having two in college, you might see a more significant change. The elimination of the "sibling discount" has been one of the biggest issues with the new formula.

my daughter just got hers for sophmore yr and we got MORE!!! i was shocked cuz everyone kept sayin it would be less. single parent household tho with income around 65k. I think we quallified for more pell grant with the new income protection allowance thing.

The new FAFSA calculation has been causing a LOT of confusion. Here's what I've observed from working with multiple families: 1. Middle-income families with multiple students in college are typically seeing LESS aid (the "multiple in college" divisor was eliminated) 2. Lower-income families (especially under $60K) generally see MORE aid due to increased income protection allowances 3. Families with small businesses or farms are seeing HUGE differences (sometimes better, sometimes worse) 4. The asset protection allowance has been modified which affects families with significant savings The key factor for your situation is definitely the multiple students in college change. Previously, having two kids in college roughly doubled your eligibility. Now, it's treated very differently with each student evaluated more independently. I'd suggest contacting your financial aid office directly when you get your SAI to discuss options if the amount is significantly different.

we got our SAI last week and honestly im CONFUSED cause the number is completely different than before?? like before we had an EFC but now its SAI and the number is way higher but does that mean less aid?? the whole system changed and idk how to compare them!

I've been FUMING about this new FAFSA. My daughter just got her aid package and we're getting almost $7,000 LESS than last year!!! No explanation, no warning. We have the same income, same assets, nothing changed on our end. This new formula is a disaster for middle-class families. They eliminated the sibling discount as others mentioned, but they also changed how retirement accounts are counted. I spent HOURS trying to get someone on the phone at Federal Student Aid to explain why our aid dropped so dramatically - complete waste of time!

It really varies by family situation. I've found the new FAFSA methodology has these key differences: 1. Multiple students in college: Old system divided the EFC among number of students. New system does not, which generally means less aid for families with multiple students. 2. Income protection allowance: Increased in the new formula, which helps lower to middle-income families. 3. Asset calculations: Changed significantly, especially for small business owners. 4. Contribution from non-parent/non-spouse: Eliminated in new formula, which helps some blended families. 5. Pell Grant eligibility: Expanded for many lower-income brackets. For your specific situation with two in college and previously qualifying for need-based aid, I would unfortunately prepare for potentially less aid. However, don't panic until you see your actual numbers. Many schools are aware of these issues and some are adjusting their institutional aid to compensate.

My neighbor's kid got their financial aid package last week and they were absolutely devastated. Their aid was cut by like 30% compared to their older sister who started college 2 years ago. Same family income, same everything! The only difference is this stupid new formula! They're scrambling to figure out how to cover the difference now. I'd definitely have a backup plan ready.

One important point that hasn't been mentioned: many colleges are aware of how the FAFSA changes are impacting families with multiple students in college. Some schools (especially private ones with larger endowments) are adjusting their institutional aid formulas to help compensate. When you receive your aid package, if it's significantly less than expected, I strongly recommend reaching out to the financial aid office to discuss your specific situation. Be prepared with documentation showing your previous year's aid package for comparison. Some schools have created special funds specifically to help families negatively impacted by the FAFSA formula change.

After helping several families navigate this transition, I'd suggest requesting an appointment with your financial aid office NOW, even before you get your SAI. Many schools are scheduling these appointments weeks out due to high demand. When you meet with them, bring your previous year's aid package, current financial information, and specific questions about how their institutional aid might help bridge any gaps created by the FAFSA formula change. Being proactive can make a huge difference in what supplemental aid might be available to your family.

has anybody elses college sent them options for if they get less aid? my daughters school sent this email about alternative payment plans and parent plus loan info...felt kinda ominous tbh!!

This is all so helpful but also terrifying! I'm in a similar boat - middle income with two kids who will both be in college next year. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like we need to prepare for a significant reduction in aid. The elimination of the sibling discount seems like it's hitting families like ours the hardest. I'm grateful for the advice about contacting financial aid offices early and being proactive about appeals. Has anyone had success with private scholarships or other funding sources to help make up the difference? I'm starting to think we need to cast a much wider net for alternative funding options.