Does a Negative Student Aid Index Impact Non-Need-Based Aid Calculations?
Award Year: 2024-25 KA-36637 Helpfulness Rating 310 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, OFA-Q2/A2: "As with calculations currently using an EFC, SAIs are not factored into non-need-based calculations. Eligibility for non-need-based aid (e.g., TEACH Grants or Direct Unsubsidized Loans) will use the following formula: COA – OFA = eligibility for non-need-based aid. Therefore, a negative SAI will not increase the overall amount of non-need-based aid a student can receive."
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