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Pell Grant Estimator
Your Pell Grant is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA — not your family's income directly. Enter your SAI and your school's cost of attendance to estimate your award for full-time enrollment.
Example: A student with a Student Aid Index of 2,000 and a $20,000 cost of attendance qualifies for an estimated $5,395.00 Pell Grant for the year.
What can change the math
- This estimate is for full-time enrollment. Part-time students receive a prorated award — usually a reduced fixed amount depending on enrollment intensity — not calculated here.
- Your SAI can be negative, down to -1500. A negative SAI still qualifies you for the maximum award; it does not increase your award beyond the maximum.
- Your Pell Grant can never exceed your school's cost of attendance for the year, even if the SAI-based formula would allow for more.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The SAI replaced the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024–25 FAFSA. It's a number — which can be negative — that colleges use to determine your federal aid eligibility, including your Pell Grant. You'll find it on your FAFSA Submission Summary.
What is the maximum Pell Grant for 2026–27?
The maximum Federal Pell Grant for the 2026–27 award year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) is $7,395 for full-time enrollment, per Federal Student Aid.
Can I get a negative SAI and still qualify for the Pell Grant?
Yes. A negative SAI (as low as -1500) indicates especially high financial need and qualifies you for the maximum Pell Grant — it does not increase your award beyond that maximum.