Increasing Yield: Mid-Cycle SAI Assessment

As part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the Department of Education is revising many processes and systems used to award student aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While the FAFSA form is typically available for students to complete in October, the 2024-25 form will not be available until December 2023. Data will be available to universities at an even later date.

The SightLine team is focused on helping colleges and universities mitigate uncertainty during this unique enrollment cycle. We believe the key to this enrollment cycle will be agility.

Earlier this year, we helped universities set budgets and estimate the impact that the SAI conversion will have on overall enrollment, yield rates, and respective institutional financial aid payouts. This was based on a more generalized understanding of EFC to SAI changes.

This winter through spring we recommend assessing enrollment and financial aid payout estimates based on real, incoming student data. There will still be an opportunity to adjust communications strategies or supplementary financial aid offers to make sure you are meeting enrollment and revenue goals for the cycle.

Reach out to the SightLine team to learn more about our targeted approach and recommendations for your institution. Small adjustments now through June, may make a significant impact to enrollment numbers in September and we are here to help.