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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.
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.
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
Sean Kelly
•Oh that's a great idea! I'll look for that tonight. Thanks!
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StarStrider
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.
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Sofia Torres
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
You're absolutely right. The system is designed to punish students for simple mistakes instead of helping them. And it disproportionately hurts first-generation college students who don't have parents familiar with the financial aid process.
Mei Wong
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!
Amara Okafor
•That's excellent news! The Professional Judgment route is usually the fastest solution. Make sure they specifically note it as an "inadvertent error correction" rather than a "dependency override request" - those are processed differently. Keep us posted!
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Nia Johnson
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 \
CyberNinja
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!
Chloe Martin
my sons at college now we just ended up doing parent plus for the gap after his stafford loans. not ideal but what can you do. we figure we'll help him pay them for a few years after graduation. had same issue with fafsa saying we could afford waaaaay more than we actually could.
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Ravi Patel
Update on our appeal process - we just heard back from two schools. Both adjusted our EFC after reviewing our medical documentation, and one offered an additional $7,500 in institutional grants! It's still not enough to cover everything, but it makes a huge difference. The most helpful thing was actually speaking directly with a financial aid counselor rather than just submitting forms. Using Claimyr to get through on the phone made a huge difference in getting actual answers instead of automated responses.
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Freya Andersen
•This is so encouraging! I've got appointments set up with two of her top schools next week. Did they ask for specific documentation about your medical expenses? I have folders of EOBs and bills but wasn't sure how far back they want records.
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Ravi Patel
•They asked for documentation from the last 12 months, plus a summary of ongoing expenses we expect to continue. Each school had a slightly different form. Definitely bring everything organized by date - they appreciated that I had everything ready to discuss!
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