Financial Need

Financial need is the term used by the financial aid office to determine a student’s eligibility for state, federal and institutional financial aid programs. Financial need is calculated by subtracting the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the cost of attendance.

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is determined by the information that is provided on the FAFSA. The cost of attendance is determined by the financial aid office and includes the direct costs for tuition, housing, food, and mandatory fees, as well as average regional student expenses.