AFAFSA SAI Planning Calculator

Explore a clearly labeled Student Aid Index planning estimate before using the official Federal Student Aid estimator.

Student statusQualifying non-filer householdFamily sizeParent adjusted gross incomeStudent adjusted gross incomeReportable cash and investments

Planning estimate onlyThis simplified model does not reproduce every federal allowance, tax input, exemption or annual table.

Estimated SAI planning range

5,184

Possible Pell eligibility Pell outlook2027-28 planning yearA formula family

Your FAFSA Submission Summary provides the official SAI. This number is not an aid offer.

Use the official estimator

Using this tool

Explore scenarios, then use the federal estimator

Choose dependent or independent status and enter a small set of household planning figures. This simplified model is useful for rough scenarios only; the official FAFSA process applies annual federal tables, allowances, exemptions and tax data that are not reproduced here.

Step-by-step help

Want the full method?

Read: What Does Your FAFSA Student Aid Index Mean? →

Reading the output

A planning number is not an aid offer

Worked example

Comparing a dependent-student scenario

A dependent student can compare how a change in parent adjusted gross income or reportable assets moves the planning number, then enter accurate information in the official Federal Student Aid estimator.

Calculation

How this simplified estimate works

The planning model protects part of income by family size, applies simplified income and asset contribution rates, and floors the result at -1,500. It is not the statutory SAI formula and cannot determine an aid award.

Limitations

Use official figures for decisions

Use the official StudentAid.gov estimator for an authoritative estimate.
Do not include retirement accounts or a primary home when the FAFSA instructions exclude them.
Treat Pell language as an outlook, not a promise of eligibility or award amount.

Before relying on the result

SAI, Pell and official results

Is this my official Student Aid Index?

No. Your FAFSA Submission Summary provides the official SAI after the Department of Education processes your FAFSA.

Can this tell me my exact Pell Grant?

No. Pell eligibility and amount depend on the official SAI, enrollment intensity, cost of attendance and the federal award-year rules.