Financial aid basics

What Is SAI? Student Aid Index Explained (2026-27)

The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the EFC and now determines your federal aid eligibility. Here is how it is calculated and what your number means.

Jul 9, 2026 · Resource guide

California state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions California families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

FAFSA renewal walkthrough

A plain-English checklist for renewing FAFSA while you are already in college.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Federal borrowing limits guide

The federal annual and lifetime caps that matter before you borrow for one more year.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

First-gen family guide

A warm starter guide for families making college funding decisions for the first time.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Florida state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Florida families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Georgia state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Georgia families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Illinois state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Illinois families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Michigan state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Michigan families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

New York state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions New York families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

North Carolina state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions North Carolina families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Ohio state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Ohio families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Pennsylvania state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Pennsylvania families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Post-9/11 GI Bill for college guide

A starting guide to how the Post-9/11 GI Bill can lower undergraduate cost for military-connected families.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Post-9/11 GI Bill for graduate school guide

A starting guide to using the Post-9/11 GI Bill in graduate programs.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Texas state aid guide

A starter guide to the biggest state aid questions Texas families should verify early.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Yellow Ribbon Program guide

A practical guide to when Yellow Ribbon support matters and how to compare eligible schools.

Jun 9, 2026 · Resource guide

Wyoming Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Hathaway Scholarship

Wyoming's Hathaway Scholarship offers four merit tiers plus a need-based grant for residents. Amounts rose for fall 2026. Learn how to qualify and apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Vermont Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Vermont Grant

Vermont's need-based grants through VSAC are portable in or out of state and have ranged up to about $15,000. Learn who qualifies and how to apply early.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

South Dakota Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

South Dakota's Opportunity Scholarship pays up to $7,500 over four years for students who meet its GPA and test rules. Learn how to qualify and apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Rhode Island Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Rhode Island Promise and RIC Hope

Rhode Island Promise covers tuition at the community college, and the RIC Hope Scholarship helps at Rhode Island College. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

North Dakota Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: North Dakota Scholarship and State Grant

North Dakota offers the $6,000 North Dakota Scholarship and the need-based State Grant. Learn the requirements and how to apply by the June 5 deadline.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

New Hampshire Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Governor's Scholarship Program

New Hampshire's main state aid, the Governor's Scholarship Program, gives $1,000 to $2,000 a year to Pell-eligible residents. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Montana Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Honor Scholarship and Best and Brightest

Montana offers the merit-based MUS Honor Scholarship and the Governor's Best and Brightest program with merit and need-based awards. Learn how to qualify and apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Hawaii Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Hawaii Promise and B Plus Scholarship

Hawaii Promise can cover community college costs in full, and the B Plus Scholarship helps students with need at UH. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Delaware Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: SEED, Inspire, and ScIP

Delaware's SEED and Inspire scholarships can cover tuition at in-state colleges, and ScIP adds need-based help. Learn the requirements and the May 15 deadline.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Alaska Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Performance Scholarship and Education Grant

Alaska's Performance Scholarship pays up to $7,000 a year for strong students, and the Education Grant adds need-based help. Learn how to qualify and apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Maine Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Maine State Grant

Maine's main state aid, the Maine State Grant, gives up to $2,500 a year to residents with need. Learn who qualifies and how to apply by the May 1 FAFSA deadline.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Utah Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Utah Promise Grant and Opportunity Scholarship

Utah offers the need-based Utah Promise Grant and the Utah Opportunity Scholarship for residents at public colleges. Learn who qualifies and how to apply with the FAFSA.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Idaho Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Opportunity Scholarship and Idaho LAUNCH

Idaho offers the need-based Opportunity Scholarship (up to $3,500 a year) and Idaho LAUNCH, which covers up to 80% of tuition for in-demand careers. Learn how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Kansas Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Comprehensive Grant and Promise Scholarship

Kansas offers the need-based Comprehensive Grant and the Kansas Promise Scholarship for two-year programs in high-demand fields. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Nebraska Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Nebraska Opportunity Grant

Nebraska's main state aid, the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, adds need-based help on top of the Pell Grant for residents. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Alabama Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Alabama Student Assistance Program

Alabama's main state grant, the Alabama Student Assistance Program, gives $300 to $5,000 a year to Pell-eligible residents. Learn how to qualify and apply early.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Mississippi Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: MTAG, MESG, and HELP

Mississippi offers MTAG, the merit-based MESG, and the HELP grant that covers full tuition for students with need. Learn the requirements and deadlines.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

West Virginia Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: PROMISE Scholarship and Higher Education Grant

West Virginia's PROMISE Scholarship pays up to $5,500 for students with a 3.0 GPA and qualifying test scores, plus the need-based Higher Education Grant. Apply by March 1.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Nevada Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Millennium Scholarship and Silver State Grant

Nevada's Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship rewards a 3.25 GPA with up to $10,000, plus the need-based Silver State Opportunity Grant and Nevada Promise. Learn how to qualify.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

New Mexico Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships

New Mexico's Opportunity Scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees at public colleges, and the Lottery Scholarship rewards recent graduates. Learn who qualifies.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Arkansas Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Academic Challenge Scholarship

Arkansas's lottery-funded Academic Challenge Scholarship pays up to $5,000 a year at four-year colleges for students who meet the ACT and GPA rules. Learn how to apply by July 1.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Iowa Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Iowa Tuition Grant and All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship

Iowa offers the Iowa Tuition Grant for private colleges and the need-based All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship. Learn the deadlines and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Oklahoma Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Oklahoma's Promise and OTAG

Oklahoma's Promise covers college tuition for students who enroll in 8th to 11th grade and meet the income and academic rules. Learn how to qualify and apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Kentucky Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: KEES, CAP Grant, and KTG

Kentucky offers the KEES merit award you earn through your high school grades, plus the need-based CAP Grant and Kentucky Tuition Grant. Learn how to qualify and apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Louisiana Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: TOPS and the GO Grant

Louisiana's TOPS pays tuition at public colleges for residents who meet its GPA and test rules, plus the need-based GO Grant. Learn how to qualify and apply by July 1.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

South Carolina Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE

South Carolina offers Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and SC HOPE merit scholarships plus the SC Need-based Grant. Learn the requirements and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Missouri Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Access Missouri, Bright Flight, and A+

Missouri offers Access Missouri (need-based), Bright Flight (merit), and the A+ Scholarship (community college). Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Oregon Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise

Oregon's Opportunity Grant is first-come, first-served, and Oregon Promise helps with community college. Learn who qualifies and why filing early matters.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Connecticut Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Roberta B. Willis Scholarship and PACT

Connecticut's Roberta B. Willis Scholarship helps at four-year colleges and PACT makes community college free. Learn who qualifies and how to apply by February 15.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Maryland Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Guaranteed Access and Educational Assistance Grants

Maryland's Guaranteed Access Grant is worth up to $18,000 for 2026-27. Learn the need-based grants, the March 1 deadline, and how to apply through MDCAPS.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Colorado Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Colorado Student Grant

Colorado's need-based Colorado Student Grant is awarded through your college. Learn how it works, what CASFA is, and how to apply for 2026-27.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Arizona Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Arizona Promise Program

Arizona's Promise Program covers tuition and fees at the three public universities for Pell-eligible residents. Learn who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Wisconsin Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Wisconsin Grant

Wisconsin's need-based Wisconsin Grant (WHEG) has limited funding, so filing the FAFSA by February 1 is critical. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Minnesota Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: North Star Promise and the State Grant

Minnesota's North Star Promise makes public-college tuition free for families under $80,000, plus the need-based State Grant. Learn who qualifies and how to apply by June 1.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Indiana Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Frank O'Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholars

Indiana's Frank O'Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholars can cover much of tuition, but the FAFSA deadline is a firm April 15. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Massachusetts Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: MASSGrant, MASSGrant Plus, and Free Community College

Massachusetts offers MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus need-based aid, plus free community college through MassEducate. Learn who qualifies, the deadline, and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

New Jersey Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: TAG and More

New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the most generous need-based grants, plus free community college and the Garden State Guarantee. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Virginia Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: VTAG, VGAP, and the Commonwealth Award

Virginia offers VTAG for private colleges and the need-based Commonwealth Award and VGAP at public colleges. Learn who qualifies, the deadlines, and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

When Does the FAFSA Open, and What's the Timeline?

The FAFSA normally opens October 1; the 2026-27 form opened September 24, 2025 and closes June 30, 2027. Learn the full timeline and why to file early.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Gift Aid vs. Self-Help Aid: What's the Difference?

Gift aid is money you don't repay; self-help aid is money you earn or repay. Learn the difference and how to use it to compare financial aid offers.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

What Is the FAFSA Submission Summary?

The FAFSA Submission Summary replaced the Student Aid Report (SAR). Learn what it contains, how to read your SAI, and what to do if you spot mistakes.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

North Carolina Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship helps North Carolinians earning $80,000 or less pay for community college or a public university, with at least $3,000 to $5,000 a year. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Tennessee Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: TN Promise and HOPE

TN Promise makes community and technical college tuition-free, and the HOPE Scholarship adds merit money at two-year and four-year schools. Learn the rules, deadlines, and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Washington Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous need-based grants in the country. Learn the income limits, award amounts, and how to apply with the FAFSA or WASFA.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Ohio Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Ohio College Opportunity Grant

Ohio's OCOG is a need-based grant for residents with household income up to $96,000 and an SAI of 3,750 or less. Learn the award amounts by school type and how to apply with the FAFSA.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Michigan Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: The Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship offers up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree or tuition-free community college, with no GPA requirement. Learn who qualifies and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Georgia Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: HOPE and Zell Miller

Georgia's HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships pay tuition at state colleges on merit, and the HOPE Grant helps career programs. Learn the GPA rules, award amounts, and how to apply.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

What Income Is Too High for Financial Aid in 2026-27?

There is no income cutoff for financial aid. Income affects need-based aid like the Pell Grant (no Pell at an SAI of $14,790+), but loans and merit aid are available at any income. File the FAFSA regardless.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Do You Have to Pay Back Financial Aid?

It depends on the type. Grants and scholarships are free money, student loans must be repaid with interest, and work-study is money you earn. Here is how to tell them apart on an award letter.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

What Is "Demonstrated Need," and How Do Colleges Decide How Much to Meet?

Demonstrated need is your cost of attendance minus your SAI. Learn how colleges decide how much to cover, what 'meets full need' really means, and how to spot gapping in an offer.

Jun 4, 2026 · Resource guide

Illinois Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: MAP Grant and More

Illinois's MAP Grant is need-based and first-come, first-served, so filing the FAFSA early is critical. Learn who qualifies, the SAI cutoff, and how to claim funds before they run out.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

Pennsylvania Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: PA State Grant and More

Pennsylvania's PA State Grant offers up to $6,000 for 2026-27 to residents with financial need. Learn who qualifies, the residency rules, and how to apply by the May 1 FAFSA deadline.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

Florida Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: Bright Futures and More

Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship can cover 100% or 75% of public-college tuition on merit. Learn the award tiers, the need-based FSAG, and how to apply with the FFAA and FAFSA.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

Texas Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: TEXAS Grant, TEOG, and More

Texas offers need-based state grants like the TEXAS Grant and TEOG. Learn who qualifies, how priority works, and how to apply with the FAFSA or TASFA by the January 15, 2026 deadline.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

New York Financial Aid Programs for 2026-27: TAP, Excelsior, and More

New York offers TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, which can make SUNY or CUNY tuition free for eligible families. Learn the income limits, requirements, and how to apply through HESC.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

Financial Aid in 2026-27: The Complete Guide for Families

Your complete 2026-27 financial aid guide: the FAFSA, the new SAI, Pell Grants, types of aid, and how to apply, compare offers, and claim every dollar you qualify for.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

What Is the CSS Profile, and Which Schools Require It in 2026?

The CSS Profile is a separate aid form about 200 private colleges use for their own grants. Learn who needs it, what it costs, and how it differs from the FAFSA.

Jun 3, 2026 · Resource guide

Financial Aid for Graduate and Professional School

How grad school aid differs from undergrad: no Pell Grant, different loan limits, Grad PLUS loans, and what to expect.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Financial Aid Glossary: 40 Terms Every Family Should Know

Plain-English definitions of 40 financial aid terms including COA, SAI, gapping, stacking, displacement, and more.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Renew Your Financial Aid Each Year

Annual FAFSA re-filing, satisfactory academic progress requirements, and how your aid can change from year to year.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Is Tuition Discounting and Why Should You Care?

How private colleges use sticker price vs. net price strategy, and what tuition discounting means for your family's bottom line.

Apr 21, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA for Transfer Students and Returning Adults

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA Verification: What It Is and How to Survive It

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: Which Do You Need?

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Federal Student Loan Limits by Year

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Merit Aid Works and Who Gets It

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How Outside Scholarships Affect Your Financial Aid

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Correct or Update Your FAFSA

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Institutional Aid vs. Federal Aid: How Schools Fund You

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Understanding Your Pell Grant Eligibility

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Is Financial Need and How Is It Calculated?

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Is the Expected Family Contribution (and Why It Changed)

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What the FAFSA Doesn't Cover (And What to Do About It)

Apr 20, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

10 Common FAFSA Mistakes That Cost You Money

The most common FAFSA errors that reduce your financial aid, with specific fixes and cost estimates for each mistake.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA Deadlines: Federal, State, and School

The three layers of FAFSA deadlines you need to know, plus state-by-state examples and a month-by-month filing timeline.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA for Divorced or Separated Parents: Who Reports What

How divorced or separated parents determine who fills out the FAFSA under the new rules, including stepparent income and CSS Profile differences.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA for Independent Students: Do You Qualify?

All the federal criteria for FAFSA independent status, the biggest misconception about independence, and how dependency overrides work.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

FAFSA When a Parent Is Undocumented

U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens can file the FAFSA even if their parents are undocumented. Here's exactly how the process works.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Fill Out the FAFSA Step by Step

A complete walkthrough of every FAFSA section, from creating your FSA ID to signing and submitting, with tips for first-time filers.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans: What's the Difference?

The difference between subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans can cost you thousands. Learn how interest works, borrowing limits, and which to accept first.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Types of Financial Aid: Grants, Loans, and Scholarships Explained

Understand the four main types of financial aid — grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study — so you know what to accept first and what you'll pay back.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

What Happens After You Submit the FAFSA

The complete timeline from FAFSA submission to award letter, including SAR review, verification, and what to do if your offer has a gap.

Apr 17, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Work-Study vs. a Part-Time Job: What It Means for Your Aid and Your Budget

How work-study shields future financial aid while regular job income counts against you — and when a regular job is the better choice.

Apr 16, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

Federal Aid Checklist: Are You Getting Everything You're Entitled To?

Most students accept their aid offer without checking if they've received everything they're eligible for. Use this checklist to verify.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide

How to Read an Award Letter

Decoding grants, loans, work-study, and the real cost of attendance.

Apr 9, 2026 · By Sravani Atluri

How to Read Your Financial Aid Offer Without Getting Confused

Financial aid offer letters use inconsistent formats and confusing terms. Here's how to cut through it and find the numbers that matter.

Apr 9, 2026 · Resource guide