FAFSA SAI score not showing after parent section completion - normal?
I'm trying to figure out the new FAFSA process and I'm confused about when we're supposed to see the SAI score. I completed my entire parent portion of my daughter's FAFSA application last weekend (all the tax info, assets, etc.), but no SAI score appeared anywhere. My daughter has only completed enough of her portion to generate the invite email to me, but hasn't finished her section yet. Is this why we don't see an SAI? I thought parents were supposed to get some preliminary number after completing their part. Do we have to wait until my daughter finishes her entire portion before any SAI calculation appears? The old EFC system seemed more transparent...
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Zara Shah
You won't see the SAI (Student Aid Index) until the entire FAFSA application is completed by both parties and processed by Federal Student Aid. Unlike the old EFC system, the new FAFSA doesn't provide preliminary calculations. Your daughter needs to complete her portion with all her information, then you both need to sign the form electronically, and then it typically takes 3-7 days for processing before you'll see the SAI score. The system changed significantly for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
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Sean O'Brien
•Thank you for clarifying! That makes sense but is frustrating. I was hoping to get some idea of our financial obligation before she finalizes her college list. Do you know if we can make changes to the application after we submit it if she decides to add more schools?
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Luca Bianchi
im in the same boat! waited for SAI after doing my part and nothing showed up. kinda annoying tbh
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GalacticGuardian
•When I did my kid's FAFSA last month, it took almost a week AFTER both of us completed everything before we saw any numbers. The whole system is so much worse than before. I miss the old calculator that at least gave you a ballpark figure up front!!!
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Nia Harris
The SAI (Student Aid Index) is only calculated and displayed after the entire FAFSA application is complete, signed by both parties, and processed by the Department of Education. This is different from the old system where you could get an estimated EFC earlier in the process. To directly answer your question: Yes, your daughter needs to complete her portion before you'll see any SAI calculation. After both of you sign and submit, it typically takes 3-5 business days for processing before the SAI appears in your studentaid.gov account. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, they completely redesigned the system. One important thing to note is that once you do get your SAI, it will be used differently than the old EFC was - colleges have more discretion in how they use it for their institutional aid calculations.
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Sean O'Brien
•Thanks for the detailed explanation. I'll make sure my daughter completes her section this weekend. Do you know if we can add schools later after initial submission?
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Mateo Gonzalez
I spent 2 HOURS on hold with FAFSA last week trying to ask this exact question!!! Finally got through to someone who confirmed you don't see the SAI until EVERYTHING is done. So frustrating when you're trying to plan financially. Why design a system that makes parents wait until the very end for important information? 🤦♀️
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Aisha Ali
•If you need to reach Federal Student Aid again, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It saved me hours of waiting when I had issues with my daughter's FAFSA last month. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Their system holds your place in line so you don't have to stay on hold. They call you back when an agent is available. Much better than the frustration of waiting for hours only to get disconnected!
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Ethan Moore
the new fafsa is total garbage compared to the old one. nothing works right and u cant even see ur results when u want to. my sons still waiting for his sai and we submitted 3 weeks ago!!!
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Nia Harris
•If it's been 3 weeks since submission with no SAI showing up, you should definitely contact Federal Student Aid. The normal processing time is 3-7 days maximum for the 2025-2026 FAFSA. There might be a verification flag on your application or an error that needs to be resolved.
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Zara Shah
To answer your follow-up question - yes, you can absolutely add schools after initial submission. Just log back into the studentaid.gov account, select the current FAFSA application, and choose the "Update FAFSA Form" option. You can add up to 20 schools total. Adding schools after submission doesn't reset or delay the processing of your SAI calculation.
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Sean O'Brien
•That's great to know! Thanks for the additional information. Will get my daughter to finish her part ASAP so we can see our SAI.
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GalacticGuardian
Has anyone figured out if there's a way to calculate the SAI yourself beforehand? With the old EFC, there were calculators online that could give you a rough estimate. I haven't been able to find anything reliable for the new system, and our family is trying to figure out if certain schools are even worth applying to cost-wise.
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Nia Harris
•There are a few SAI calculators being developed, but they're not as accurate as the old EFC calculators yet. The College Board has one available with their CSS Profile information, and some financial aid consultants have spreadsheet versions. The challenge is that the new formula has different contribution percentages and treatment of assets compared to the old system. However, if you want a rough estimate, the key factors are: 1. Parents' adjusted gross income (AGI) 2. Student's adjusted gross income 3. Parents' assets (excluding primary home and retirement accounts) 4. Student's assets 5. Family size and number in college For most families, the SAI will be somewhat lower than what your EFC would have been under the old system, especially if you have multiple students in college simultaneously.
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Luca Bianchi
my daughters counsler told us we shouldnt stress about the SAI score anyway bc it isnt the final word. each college has there own formula for how much aid they give u so dont freak out if the SAI seems high
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Sean O'Brien
•That's reassuring to hear. I think I'm still adjusting to all the changes from the old system. It feels like they made everything more complicated when they were supposed to be simplifying it!
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