The simple part: COA minus SAI equals Need.

• COA represents cost of attendance (total cost soup to nuts of a particular school).
• SAI represents Student Aid Index (what you are expected to pay out of pocket). The SAI is based on the information that you provide on your FAFSA form, such as income, assets, number of children attending college, etc. (formerly EFC – expected family contribution.)

Need represents the difference between the two numbers above, which is the starting point for how much aid you will be awarded.

Now let’s address the “not so simple” part. The COA can’t be adjusted. This number is an official number published by each college. Your student can live in a more frugal manner and affect your pocketbook positively, but the COA as mentioned is a fixed official published number.

The second number, the important one, how much you are obligated to pay, also known as the Student Aid Index, often can be adjusted down with our help.

Here in lies one of the most valuable functions we offer. CFS can offer you a plan that may lower your family’s SAI and increase your aid. See us for more information.