After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).
This document plays a vital role in understanding your estimated financial aid eligibility.
What is a Student Aid Report (SAR)?
The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a document you receive from the Department of Education after submitting your FAFSA.
It summarizes the information you provided on your application and provides an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
This EFC is a critical number used by colleges to determine your financial aid eligibility for federal grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans.
What to find in your Student Aid Report (SAR)
These are the main things you can expect to find in your Student Aid Report (SAR):
- Your FAFSA Data: This section confirms the information you submitted on your application, including your financial information, dependency status, and school selections.
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC): This number is a calculated estimate of how much your family is expected to contribute towards your college expenses each year. Financial aid offices use the EFC to determine your financial need and the types of aid you may qualify for.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: This section provides an estimated range of federal financial aid you may be eligible to receive. It doesn’t guarantee specific awards, but gives you a general idea of the types and amounts of aid you might qualify for.
- Next Steps: The SAR will outline any actions you may need to take, such as correcting errors or providing additional documentation to verify your information.
How Do I Download My Student Aid Report?
You can download your SAR electronically through your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account on the Federal Student Aid website.
This is the fastest and most recommended method.
But if you prefer a physical copy, you can request a mailed SAR during your FAFSA application or by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
Just remember that receiving the report by mail will take longer.
How Long Does It Take to Access Your SAR?
You can usually expect to receive your SAR electronically within 3-5 business days after submitting your FAFSA application.
If you request a mailed copy, it may take an additional 7-10 business days to arrive.
What is the Difference Between EFC and SAR?
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the Student Aid Report (SAR) are both important components of the financial aid process, but they serve unique purposes:
- EFC: This is a calculated number based on your financial information submitted on the FAFSA. It represents the estimated amount your family is expected to contribute towards your college expenses each year. Colleges use the EFC to determine your financial need and the types of federal student aid you may qualify for.
- SAR: This document summarizes all the information you provided on your FAFSA, including your EFC. It provides an estimated range of federal financial aid you may be eligible to receive based on your financial need (as determined by your EFC).
Remember that the EFC is an estimate, not a final award amount.
The SAR uses your EFC to provide a general idea of the types and amounts of federal financial aid you might qualify for.