What is the Lake Forest College Forester Payment Plan offered through ECSI?

The Forester Payment Plan through ECSI is an interest-free payment arrangement that allows you to make payments over the course of the academic year. You avoid the difficulty of paying large sums all at once. The plan permits for payment of tuition, fees, room, and board in ten monthly payments for the academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Who is ECSI? What do they do?

ECSI is an independent service organization hired by Lake Forest College to offer a tuition payment solution. ECSI facilitates student enrollment in the plan and collects payments for the college.

How much does it cost? What does the enrollment fee cover?

While the program is interest-free, a $60.00 non-refundable enrollment fee covers the cost of administering the plan.

Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?

Yes. The key to successfully using a payment plan is to start early. By starting early, your tuition bill can be split into the highest number of monthly installments. Note: Your tuition bill must be paid in full by the due date of the last payment in your plan. IF YOU START LATE, YOU MAY HAVE TO MAKE SEVERAL INSTALLMENTS WITH YOUR FIRST PAYMENT TO ENROLL AND CATCH UP WITH THE PAYMENT PLAN.

What if I have a question? What are ECSI's customer service hours?

Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 8:00pm EASTERN TIME. You can reach them at their toll-free number 866-927-1438, or via the web at www.ecsi.net (Click on the "Are You A Student" heading).

Whom do I make checks payable to and where do I send my payment?

Checks can be made payable to:

ECSI/Lake Forest College
181 Montour Run Road
Coraopolis, PA 15108-9408

Please be sure to include the student's name and Student ID number on all correspondence.

Can I make payments using my credit card?

Yes. You can make payments via credit card but you will be charged a convenience fee for doing so. Remember, this is an interest-free program so the cost of credit card processing must be passed on. The convenience fee will be displayed when making the credit card payment.

Can I arrange to automatically debit my checking account to make my payments?

Yes. You can make payments via automatic debit (also called ACH) for no additional charge. To set up your account for this method of payment, please contact a customer service representative or log on to our website at www.ecsi.net. As a convenience, you can arrange to have ECSI notify you by email each time a payment is withdrawn from your account.

Can I pay on-line?

Yes. You can pay on-line by credit card or automatic debit (ACH). There is no fee for an ACH payment. However, if you pay by credit card, there is a convenience fee charged to your credit card.

Can I track my payments on-line?

Yes. A PIN number and user name will be assigned to you when you enroll in the plan. You can view your account any time you like by logging into the ECSI web site: www.ecsi.net. You will also need your Lake Forest College school code. The school code and PIN number are provided on your monthly statement.

Can I pay my balance early?

Yes. There is no penalty for paying ahead of schedule. This may be convenient if you anticipate being out of town when a payment is due. When you satisfy your balance, your ECSI contract is complete and your last statement will show a zero balance.

If I lose my PIN, can I get a replacement PIN?

Yes. If you provide an e-mail address on your application, you can contact ECSI and they will email a new PIN. If an email address is not provided on the application, a replacement PIN can be mailed to the ECSI student billing address. For security purposes, PIN numbers are not provided over the phone.

Can I get an update on my account over the phone?

Yes. Please call an ECSI customer service representative at 412.788.3900 or toll-free 866-927-1438, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm. Eastern time. Please have your account information ready, including ID number.

What if I miss my payment or miss a payment deadline?

Late charges will be assessed for a missed payment at the rate of $20.00 per month for 3 months.

What if I miss three monthly payments or fail to make full payment for three months?

If three payments are missed, or not paid in full, then the payment plan is terminated and the full amount remaining on the student's account is due immediately. If this should happen, the student's current term registration is placed in jeopardy.

What if there are changes in the amount I owe the school?

If the balance owed the school should change (which happens when additional expenses or funding appear on the student's account), you can contact ECSI to amend your payment amount. If your balance has increased, you have the right to approve the change in monthly payments or pay the difference at one time and keep your current contract. The choice is yours.

What if I withdraw from school and would like to stop making payments?

To end your contract with ECSI, please complete a Contract Termination form as soon as possible. The form is available from ECSI. This will end your contract with ECSI and prevent any additional billing notices from being sent. If the account is cancelled or terminated, the student is still obligated to fulfill all financial obligations to Lake Forest College. Any refunds of tuition or other expenses are dictated by the College's institutional refund policy, which is published in the College Catalogue and Class Schedule. Regardless of the date of withdrawal, the enrollment fee is non-refundable.

Will you send me a renewal form in the mail?

Yes. With the start of a new academic year, renewal information will be provided so you can easily set up a new contract.

What is the best way to reach you?

You can contact ECSI in several ways:

What happens after enrollment?

Upon completion of your application, a payment is due. Whether it is just the enrollment fee or your enrollment fee plus your monthly installments, you are not technically enrolled until payment is received. Following enrollment, monthly statements will be sent the 15th of each month. Payments are due no later than the 1st of each month.

What if I still have questions?

If, after speaking to an ECSI customer service representative, you have questions about ECSI or Lake Forest College, please contact the Lake Forest College Business Office at 847.735.5032.