This tool provides an estimate of a student’s potential eligibility for federal financial aid designed to help undergraduates with exceptional financial need pay for college. It considers factors such as income, assets, and family size to generate a preliminary assessment. For example, a prospective student with a low family income and several dependents may receive a significantly higher estimated award than a student from a higher-income household.
Such instruments are essential for promoting college access by enabling students and families to understand potential financial aid opportunities early in the college planning process. This early awareness can influence decisions regarding college applications and affordability, helping to reduce the financial barriers that might otherwise deter qualified individuals from pursuing higher education. Historically, the ability to forecast potential aid has been valuable in broadening participation in post-secondary education.