What Is a Good EFC Number on FAFSA?

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI) on the FAFSA. How the EFC is determined is similar to the SAI. However, unlike the EFC, a lower SAI is better if you’re hoping for more financial aid. For example, an SAI of 0 or lower often qualifies students for the maximum Pell Grant, while an SAI in the low thousands may still lead to need-based aid, depending on the school’s cost.

How Far Back Does FAFSA Look at Assets?

The FAFSA examines financial information from two years before the academic year for which you’re applying. So, if you’re applying for the 2025–26 school year, the FAFSA will assess income and assets from the 2023 tax year. This period is often referred to as the “prior-prior year.” The FAFSA considers wages, salaries, interest, dividends, business income, and certain government benefits. For assets, it looks at savings accounts, investments, real estate (not including your primary home), and the net worth of businesses or farms.

For College Students Archives - Page 2 of 19

Does Cosigning a Student Loan Affect My Credit?

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: Blog, For College Students, For Cosigners, For Parents and Cosigners

The Credit Impact To Cosigning a Student Loan If you’re wondering how cosigning a student loan affects credit, the answer… Read More

Navigating Student Financial Aid in Changing Times: What Students and Parents Should Know

Jun 09, 2025 | By: Ken Ruggiero, Ascent Co-Founder and CEO
Categories: For College Students, For Grad Students, For Parents and Cosigners

Update: On 3/20/25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education… Read More

How Parents or Guardians Can Help Their Child Get a Student Loan

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: Blog, For College Students, For Parents and Cosigners, For Students

As a parent or guardian of a college-bound student, it’s important to ensure your child is financially prepared to cover… Read More

Managing Student Loan Anxiety: Tips from One Student to Another

Mar 14, 2025 | By: Maelia Madariaga-Ilagan
Categories: For College Students, For Grad Students, For Parents and Cosigners

When I started college, I knew I’d be taking on student loans. However, I didn’t realize just how much it… Read More

Pros and Cons of Community College Compared to University

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: Blog, For College Students, For High School Students, For Students

More high school grads are going straight to community college after graduation. Learn why students are choosing community college after… Read More

Community College After High School | Ascent Funding

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans: What’s the Difference?

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: Blog, For College Students, For Cosigners, For Parents and Cosigners, For Students

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are part of the federal direct loan program and offer students various loan options. Learn more. Read More

FAFSA Eligibility: Who Qualifies and Income Limits

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: Blog, For College Students, For Cosigners, For Grad Students, For Parents and Cosigners, For Schools, For Students

Wondering if you qualify for federal financial aid? Learn more about the eligibility requirements while submitting your Free Application for… Read More

Student and parent sitting in front of computer.

How to Deal With Student Loan Debt

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: For College Students, For Parents and Cosigners

From forbearance and deferment options to general debt management, if you’re having trouble making student loan payments check out these… Read More

When Are College Applications Due?

May 28, 2025 | By: Ascent
Categories: For College Students, For Cosigners, For Grad Students, For High School Students, For Parents and Cosigners

College application deadlines determine the dates student applications must be submitted to be considered for the upcoming school year. While… Read More