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Estimate your Student Aid Index (SAI), expected grants, and net price — before you ever fill out the FAFSA.
Enter your information and click Calculate
Fill in the form and click Calculate to see your estimated Student Aid Index, expected aid, and net college cost.
Key concepts every student and parent should know before applying
The SAI (formerly EFC) is a number calculated from your FAFSA that represents how much your family is expected to contribute toward college costs. A lower SAI means more financial aid eligibility.
COA is the full sticker price including tuition, room, board, and expenses. Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often dramatically lower, especially at private schools.
Grants and scholarships are free money — you never pay them back. Loans must be repaid with interest. Work-study provides part-time employment to help cover expenses.
Most schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1. Many state grant programs have deadlines in December–February.
Award letters combine grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Always subtract loans and work-study to find the "free money" portion — that's your real grant aid.
If your financial situation has changed (job loss, medical expenses, divorce), contact the financial aid office. Many schools will reconsider your award — especially if you have competing offers.
Plan every step of paying for college
Calculate monthly payments, total interest, and full amortization schedule for any student loan.
Calculate payments →Compare up to 3 loan offers side by side — federal vs. private, different rates and terms.
Compare loans →See how SAVE, PAYE, IBR, ICR, Standard, and Graduated repayment plans compare for your loan balance and income.
Compare plans →