How Need is Determined

When a student applies for financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), the information the student reports is used in a formula established by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). As part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the FAFSA® application, as well as the formula used to determine students’ eligibility were changed. The formula determines students’ Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is simply a formula number based on information provided the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to assist in determining the amount of financial assistance each student can receive. A student is considered to have financial need if the SAI is less than the cost of attendance.

The cost of attendance is determined by Daytona State College using rules established by the U.S. Department of Education. The cost of attendance includes both direct and indirect costs associated with attending college. For example, direct costs are costs charged by Daytona State College, such as tuition and mandatory fees. Indirect costs include items not charged to students’ accounts but are still important, including transportation costs, and personal expenses.