Breaking Down the Student Aid Report (SAR)

What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)?

After you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This document is your official record showing everything you entered on your FAFSA, plus a key number: your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

EFC is a number that estimates how much your family is expected to contribute toward one year of college expenses. That number is calculated based on the financial information you report, including income, assets, family size, and how many family members are in college.

How Does the SAR Connect to EFC?

• Your SAR displays your EFC, letting you and your chosen colleges see your calculated financial need.
• Colleges use this number to decide your aid package—including grants, loans, and work-study eligibility. A lower EFC often means you’ll qualify for more aid.
• The formula is straightforward:
  Financial Need = Cost of Attendance – EFC
  This is the backbone of how colleges determine your financial support.

Low EFC Example:
A student with an EFC of $0–$2,000 is considered to have high financial need. Colleges will see that the family cannot contribute much, so this student will likely qualify for the maximum amount of need-based aid; such as Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and even generous need-based scholarships. At many schools, this can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs and debt.

High EFC Example:
A student with a high EFC (ex. $30,000 or above) means the family is expected to pay most or all college expenses. These students may not qualify for much need-based aid and will have to rely more on family savings, income, or merit scholarships. The higher the EFC, the smaller the gap between college costs and what financial aid will cover, so out-of-pocket expenses tend to be much higher.

• Low EFC = more need-based aid, less family responsibility.
• High EFC = less need-based aid, higher family out-of-pocket costs.
  This can greatly affect which colleges are affordable and how much you may need to borrow or save.

What’s New: EFC is Becoming SAI

Beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, EFC is being replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI). The process is the same—your SAR will still display your number, and colleges will still use it to build your financial aid offer.

By understanding your SAR and EFC (or SAI), you’ll get a clear picture of what you’re expected to pay—and which colleges may offer the most support. Unlock smarter college choices by learning how your numbers shape your future.