Since We Cannot Prorate the SAI For Periods Other Than Nine Months, Must We Always Use a Nine-Month COA?
Award Year: 2024-25 KA-36627 Helpfulness Rating 214 page viewsThis guidance is specific to the 2024-25 award year and later.
No. The rules for constructing and applying the cost of attendance (COA) have not changed. According to U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) FAFSA Simplification Questions and Answers:
"OFA-Q6: Since there is no alternate SAI calculation for periods other than nine months, does that mean the COA in the need calculation will always be nine months?
OFA-A6: No. The change in the law that limits a school’s ability to use alternate SAIs for periods other than nine months did not change or alter COA protocols or requirements. Pell COA will still use full-time, full academic year costs for all required components and the COA for all other Title IV programs will still be based on costs and components associated with the student’s actual period of enrollment."
[SAI means student aid index; formerly expected family contribution (EFC)]
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