Is 16511 SAI for FAFSA too high for financial aid eligibility? First-gen college student worried

that depends on the schools ur applying to. some schools give aid even with high SAI #s but most state schools have limited funds. check each school's financial aid website for their SAI cutoffs

Your SAI of 16511 is in the middle range - not low enough for maximum aid but not high enough to disqualify you from everything. For California state schools: - You'll likely still qualify for some Cal Grants (check Cal Grant A and B requirements) - Federal Pell Grant probably limited or none with that SAI - You should definitely still qualify for subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans - Each CSU campus has different institutional aid packages, so apply to multiple schools Make sure to also complete the California Dream Act Application if you haven't already. Medical expenses can sometimes be considered in professional judgment reviews - contact each school's financial aid office after acceptance to request this.

I had a slightly higher SAI (around 17000) last year and still got some aid at Cal State Fullerton. Didn't get Pell but got some state grants and work study. Every dollar helps! Good luck!

when I was trying to reach the FSA helpline about updating my FAFSA for work study (I had the same issue!), I kept getting disconnected after waiting for like 2 hours each time. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. Saved me so much time! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent told me I could update my FAFSA to request work study as long as it's before the school's priority deadline. Definitely worth calling to check!

Hey there, I work in college admissions and here's what you should know about an SAI of 16511: 1) For California residents, you're right on the edge for Cal Grant A eligibility with that SAI 2) Most UC schools use this for institutional aid calculations too 3) The CSU system typically offers less aid than UCs with that SAI 4) Your best bet is to submit a Special Circumstances form after you're admitted. Medical expenses are one of the most common approved adjustments! Your SAI isn't bad at all, but you'll need to be proactive about seeking all possible aid. Don't just accept the initial package - always ask about additional opportunities!

i had sai of 18000 last yr and got basically nothing except loans so dont get ur hopes up

Update: I called the Federal Student Aid office using that Claimyr service (which worked great btw) and was able to update my FAFSA to include the work study request. The agent also confirmed that I should definitely submit Special Circumstances forms to each school. I'm feeling a lot better about my options now. Thanks everyone for the guidance! Going to work on gathering all my documentation this week.