Breaking Down the Student Aid Report (SAR)
Understanding each component of the SAR is crucial for students and their families to ensure the accuracy of the information and to address any issues that may affect eligibility for financial aid.
The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a document that students receive after submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a form that students in the United States fill out to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. The SAR is generated by the U.S. Department of Education and provides a summary of the information submitted on the FAFSA.
Key information included in the SAR:
Expected Family Contribution (EFC):
The EFC is a crucial component that indicates the amount of money the student's family is expected to contribute towards their education. A lower EFC suggests higher financial need. To learn more about the EFC - check out our EFG Guide
- Income Information: Details about the student's and their family's income, including wages, untaxed income, and benefits.
- Asset Information: Information about the student's and their family's assets, such as savings and investments.
- Dependency Status: Indicates whether the student is considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. Dependency status is determined by various factors, such as age, marital status, and military service.
- School Information: Lists the colleges or universities the student selected to receive their FAFSA information. This section helps schools assess the student's eligibility for financial aid.
- Data Review: Provides a summary of the information entered on the FAFSA, allowing the student and their family to review and verify its accuracy. Any necessary corrections can be made online.
- Verification Status: Indicates whether the FAFSA application has been selected for verification. If selected, the school may request additional documentation to verify the accuracy of the information provided.
- Comments and Additional Information: Any comments or special messages from the Department of Education or the processing center.
- Information Release: Specifies who will receive the student's financial aid information, including the student, the selected colleges, and other authorized entities.
Students should review the SAR as soon as they receive it and make any necessary corrections promptly. It is an important document for understanding eligibility for financial aid and ensuring that the information provided is accurate. The SAR is usually made available to students electronically, and students can access it through their FAFSA accounts.
How to access the SAR:
Visit the FSA Website:
- Go to the Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.gov.
- Log In:
- Click on the "Log In" button.
- Provide FSA ID:
- Enter your FSA ID and password. If you don't have an FSA ID, you can create one on the same website.
Access SAR:
- Once logged in, you can navigate to the section that allows you to view your SAR. This is typically available in the "My Aid" or "My FAFSA" section.
- Review and Download:
- You should be able to review your SAR online. The document may also be available for download or printing.
Make Corrections (if necessary):
- If you notice any errors or need to make corrections to your FAFSA information, you can usually do so through the online portal.
Keep in mind that the SAR is generally available a few days after you submit your FAFSA, and you'll receive an email notification with instructions on how to access it. Make sure to review your SAR carefully to ensure the accuracy of the information, and take any necessary steps to correct errors promptly.