How FAFSA Changes Affect College Cost Comparisons (2026 Guide)
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin.
I have spent 17 years helping families navigate the maze of college admissions. In that time, I have seen many changes, but few have been as big as the FAFSA Simplification Act. This law changed how we look at college cost comparisons and financial aid planning. If you are building a college list today, you are dealing with a different set of rules than students did just a few years ago.
College Cost Comparisons: What FAFSA Changed for Families
College cost comparisons are the process of looking at the total price of a school versus the financial aid you receive. This helps families find the net price, which is the actual amount they will pay. The FAFSA changed these comparisons by moving from a system of “expected contribution” to a new “index” system.
When I worked with the Miller family last year, they were shocked to find that their two sons would not get the same aid as their older daughter. This is because the new FAFSA removed the “sibling discount.” Building a college list now requires a deeper look at how these rules affect your specific family size and income level.
- Net price is the sticker price minus grants and scholarships.
- The FAFSA now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
- Families must use updated Net Price Calculators (NPCs) on college websites to get accurate estimates.
Building on this, the goal is no longer just getting in. The goal
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Christopher Langston. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)
