Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculator

SAI is a number that tells colleges how much money they think you can pay. The lower your SAI, the more help you can get from colleges and the government. If your SAI is greater than 0, you can still qualify for financial aid, including scholarships, federal student loans, work-study programs, and even some need-based grants if your SAI is lower than the cost of attendance at your college.

If you need help understanding your SAI number, and what your financial aid options are for college, schedule a free consultation with one of our experts now.

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This should include the student, the parent(s) or guardian(s), and other people the parent or guardian is responsible for such as dependent children even if they live apart from the home due to college enrollment.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on the parent's 2023 income tax return.

Can be found on 1040 line 11

The amount of gross income as reported on the parent's income tax

Untaxed income for the 2023 year which includes:

  • Tax-exempt interest income
  • Untaxed portions of IRA Distributions (minus IRA rollover)
  • Untaxed portions of pensions (minus pension rollover)
  • Foreign income exclusion as report on U.S. Tax return.

This does not include:

  • 401k/403b pre-tax contributions
  • Child Support Received
  • Worker's compensation
  • Veteran's education benefits
The total amount of u.s. income tax paid or foreign equivalent.
Includes total cash, savings, and checking account values. Also includes the net worth of current investments such as time deposits, money market funds, real estate or homes that are rented or for vacation but not the primary residence, trusts, stocks, bonds, securities, mutual funds, tax shelters, and qualified education benefits

The student's wages, salary, tips, or other earned income as reported on the 2023 income tax return. Leave 0 if the student is not working or not required to file.

Total of cash and account balances of student's savings and checking account and any current investments net worth. Does not include student retirement account or cash value insurance.

The total of the student's other income for the 2023 tax year.

  • Student exempt interest income
  • Student deductible payments to IRA or other retirement accounts.
  • Untaxed portions of pensions
  • Student foreign income exclusion as reported on U.S. tax return.
Student Aid Index
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How is your Student Aid Index (SAI) used?

A student’s SAI is compared to the cost of college to determine their eligibility for need-based financial aid. The estimated financial need represents the amount of aid you may receive, which can include grants, loans, and scholarships.

College Type Estimated Financial Need 1 Average College Cost 2
2-Year Public $20,570 $20,570
4-Year Public $29,910 $29,910
4-Year Private $62,990 $62,990
  • 1. Your estimated eligibility for need based financial aid. This is the average cost minus your SAI of -1,500. You are expected to contribute the SAI amount of -1,500 to college through other non need based funding such as private loans, merit based scholarships, or cash. Need based aid can include grants, loans, and scholarships.
  • 2. National average costs include tuition & fees, housing & food, books & supplies, transportation & other expenses. Source: College Board 2024

Assumptions

The following assumptions are made for our Student Aid Index (SAI) calculator.

  • Students are assumed to be dependent students.
  • The calculator does not account for Federal Pell Grant eligibility of the student which can impact a students SAI.
  • This calculator assumes a typical family situation where the student's parent(s) have filed or will file a 2023 federal income tax return. However if a student's parent(s) are not required to file then the SAI may be negative $1,500 or 0.
  • The calculator assumes if there is one primary earner the income is filled in for parent 1 and left blank for parent 2.

Disclosure

This Student Aid Index (SAI) calculator is meant to provide an estimate of a student's score. The formula is based on the Department of Education's 2025-2026 Student Aid Index Guide and Pell Eligibility document which can be found on the Federal Student Aid Website.

Method Learning LLC does not guarantee the accuracy, suitability, or usefulness of these results. Method Learning LLC shall not be responsible for any decisions made based on these results.