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i'm just wondering... does anyone know if the parent contribution gets split between multiple kids in college? my youngest starts next year so both my kids will be in college at the same time
Great question! The new FAFSA calculations changed how multiple students are handled. Previously, having multiple students in college significantly reduced each student's Expected Family Contribution. However, with the new SAI formula, there is no longer an automatic reduction for multiple students. Instead, the FAFSA provides each college with a "multiple in college" flag, and it's up to each institution to decide how to adjust aid packages. You should contact each school's financial aid office to ask about their specific policies for siblings in college.
am i the only one who thinks its crazy we have to jump through all these hoops?? one wrong click shouldnt take MONTHS to fix. my cousin had to drop out for a semester bc of fafsa delays
UPDATE: Following advice here, I contacted my daughter's college financial aid office and explained the situation. They're submitting a Professional Judgment request and gave us a special form documenting the dependency status error. They said this happens A LOT with the new system. Still waiting for resolution but at least we have a path forward now. Will update when we (hopefully) get this fixed!
Update: My SAR finally came through! For anyone else looking, the SAI is right at the top of the first page with a heading that says \
Great news! Your SAI essentially represents what the federal government believes your family can contribute annually toward college costs. It's not the exact amount you'll pay - it's used by schools to calculate your financial need (Cost of Attendance minus SAI). A lower SAI means you qualify for more need-based aid. Each school will use this number to create a unique financial aid package for you. Make sure to compare these packages carefully when they arrive!
UPDATE: We tried incognito mode on Chrome AND disabled Norton password manager - IT WORKED! We were able to complete the spouse section without any cursor jumping. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. For anyone else with this problem, definitely try disabling any password managers or autofill programs first.
my daughter had this problem too but in her case it was because she was using an older version of Safari. its amazing how poorly tested the new FAFSA system is when so many families depend on this for college!!!! govt should be embarrassed.
Luca Russo
Since you mentioned you're new to this process, here's what a "low SAI" actually means: The Student Aid Index replaces the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is a number that colleges use to determine how much financial need you have. A lower number means greater financial need. With a low SAI and Pell Grant eligibility, your daughter would typically qualify for more need-based aid at most institutions. However, each college has a different financial aid budget and philosophy. Some meet 100% of demonstrated need, others might meet only 60-70%. I strongly recommend contacting the financial aid office directly and asking specifically: "With our SAI of [your number], what additional need-based aid might my daughter qualify for beyond the scholarship and Pell Grant already offered?" This direct approach often gets you the most accurate information.
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Sean Kelly
•Thank you for explaining what the SAI actually means! I wasn't sure if low was good or bad. I'll definitely ask that specific question when I call.
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Zara Mirza
also check if they have a net price calculator on their website! most colleges have them and u can put in ur income info and it gives u a rough estimate of what aid u might get
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Sean Kelly
•Oh that's a great idea! I'll look for that tonight. Thanks!
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