Can a School Adjust the Student Aid Index Below –$1,500 Using Professional Judgment?
Award Year: 2024-25 KA-36626 Helpfulness Rating 161 page viewsThis guidance is specific to the 2024-25 award year and later.
No. According to U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) FAFSA Simplification Questions and Answers:
"SAI-Q1: Can an institution adjust the SAI of an applicant to below –1500 using professional judgment?
SAI-A1: No. An institution may use professional judgment to adjust FAFSA data elements, but the Department’s Federal Processing System (FPS) will never assign an SAI of less than –1500."
AskRegs Q&As represent NASFAA's understanding of regulatory and compliance issues. They are FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY. While NASFAA believes AskRegs Q&As are accurate and factual, they have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). If you should need written confirmation of AskRegs information for audit or program review purposes, please contact your ED School Participation Division. NASFAA shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Join NASFAA
Join NASFAA and receive full member access to the AskRegs Knowledgebase and question services.
Learn More