SAI score of 8070 - Can we still qualify for Pell Grant with this FAFSA result?

With an SAI of 8070, you're unfortunately above the Pell Grant eligibility threshold for the 2025-2026 academic year. Pell Grants are typically awarded to students with an SAI under 7000 (this number changes slightly each year). However, don't lose hope! Your student might still qualify for other forms of federal aid like subsidized loans and work-study. Plus, many schools use the SAI to determine their own institutional aid, which can be substantial. Wait for the complete financial aid package from each college before making any decisions.

i had a similar sai and still got some decent aid!! don't panic yet, some schools have their own grants that are WAY better than pell. my kid got like 15k from the school itself even with no pell eligibility. depends on the school tho

The SAI system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING and designed to give as little aid as possible!! My daughter had an SAI of 7500 last year and got almost NOTHING from federal sources. The whole system is rigged against middle class families like yours and mine. We make "too much" for Pell but not enough to actually afford college without going into massive debt. It's absolutely criminal how they structure this.

Professional financial aid advisor here! A couple things to keep in mind with your SAI of 8070: 1. Pell Grant eligibility for 2025-26 typically requires an SAI below 6400, so you're above that threshold 2. Your SAI will be used differently by each school - some have generous institutional grants 3. You can absolutely appeal your SAI if your circumstances have changed (like the overtime situation) 4. Don't forget to check for state-based grants - many have higher thresholds than Pell 5. Some schools require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA for their institutional aid Feel free to ask any follow-up questions!

my brother had almost the exact same SAI (like 8100 i think) and he still got subsidized loans and work study. no pell grant tho. but different schools gave him different packages. one private school actually gave him more money than the state school which was weird lol

For the appeal process (officially called a "Professional Judgment Review"), you need to contact each school's financial aid office individually. Every school handles these differently, but typically you'll need: 1. A formal letter explaining your special circumstances (the overtime situation) 2. Documentation proving the change in circumstances (pay stubs showing reduced income) 3. The school's specific appeal form (each has their own) Start by calling each school's financial aid office and ask about their "Professional Judgment" or "Special Circumstances" process. Do this ASAP as some have deadlines.

Ugh, I've been trying to call our school's financial aid office for TWO WEEKS about our SAI appeal and can't get through to anyone. Just endless hold music and then disconnects. So frustrating when they expect all these deadlines from us but don't even pick up the phone! Has anyone else had this problem?

Professional Judgment reviews typically take 2-3 weeks to process, but this varies widely by school. Some can turn them around in a week, others might take a month. Be sure to mention your May decision deadline when you contact them - many schools will prioritize appeals for students with pending decisions. One more thing to consider: if you're comparing financial aid offers, don't just look at the total amount. Pay attention to what's being offered as grants (free money) versus loans. A $20K package with $18K in loans isn't as good as a $15K package with $12K in grants.

also do teh css profile if ur schools take it!! my daughters school gave way more money after we did that even tho it's annoying to fill out