Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - Student Aid Index

Expected Family Contribution is determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

2024-2025 FASFA Updates

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is replacing Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

A notable terminology update within the new FAFSA is the replacement of the term Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI). This name more accurately describes the number used to determine aid eligibility and, unlike the EFC, the SAI may be a negative number down to -1500.

The number in college will not be used to calculate SAI

Previously, the FAFSA calculated the number of household members attending college into the EFC, dividing it proportionately to determine federal aid eligibility. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the application will still ask how many household members are in college, but your answer will not be calculated into the SAI. As such, undergraduate Minnesota State Mankato students with siblings in college may see a change in their federal aid eligibility.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is derived from the federal formula developed by the U.S. Congress, known as the Federal Methodology. The EFC represents the parent and student contribution to educational expenses.

(a) the parent contribution (for dependent students) - an amount, based on factors which include income, assets, family size and number in college, that the parents are expected to contribute toward the cost of attendance for the academic year; and

(b) the student contribution (for dependent and independent students) - an amount, based on student income and assets, that students are expected to contribute toward the cost of education.

Ultimately, it is the family's responsibility to pay for higher education. Parents of dependent students are required to submit income/asset information. (See the section on "Determining Independent Status"). Because the student is the primary beneficiary of the college education, students are also expected to contribute toward meeting their educational costs.