ECSI Monthly Payment Plan - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Northern Iowa Monthly Payment Plan offered through ECSI?

The monthly 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, meal plan, and any other anticipated charges in monthly payments for the academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Who is ECSI? What do they do?

ECSI is Educational Computer Systems, Inc., an independent service organization authorized by the University of Northern Iowa to offer monthly payment plans. ECSI coordinates student enrollment in the plans and collects payments for UNI.

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

While the program is interest-free, there is a $65 enrollment fee that covers the cost of administering the plan. This fee is non-refundable from ECSI, but $40 is refundable from UNI if you cancel before the Fall semester and $20 is refundable from UNI if you cancel before the Spring semester. Contact the University of Northern Iowa Student Accounts Office at 319.273.2164 for refund details.

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 installment, 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 the following month.

Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?

Yes. See the chart below and this link to UNI Payment Due Dates. The key to successfully using a monthly payment plan is to start early. By starting early, your University bill can be split into the highest number of monthly installments. Payments are due the first of each month. The exact deadline is based on the payment plan option you choose.

Will I have both a UNI Ubill and an ECSI Payment Plan bill?

Yes. The ECSI Payment Plan does not take the place of the student Ubill. The student will still have a Ubill with UNI accessible through MyUNIverse (click here for viewing help). All University charges and payments will continue to be posted to this central account.

Students may have additional charges added to this Ubill (e.g., parking, library, or health and wellness) throughout the academic year and must continue to monitor their account at least monthly and make sure the Minimum Due is paid each month. Additional charges may be paid directly to UNI, or paid to ECSI (by adding to the monthly payment amount or by separate payment).

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

If the balance owed the school should change, 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, simply notify them of your intention to cancel the plan. This will stop billing notices from being sent by ECSI. If the account is cancelled or terminated, you are still obligated to fulfill all financial obligations to the University of Northern Iowa. Any refunds of tuition or other expenses are dictated by the University of Northern Iowa Withdrawal Refunds or Fee Reduction policy.

Regardless of the date of withdrawal, the ECSI Payment Plan enrollment fee is non-refundable from ECSI, but $40 is refundable from UNI if you cancel before the Fall semester and $20 is refundable from UNI if you cancel before the Spring semester. Contact the University of Northern Iowa Student Accounts Office at (319) 273-2164 for refund details.

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

Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time at their toll-free number 1.866.927.1438, or via the web at www.ecsi.net.

May this plan be used by someone other than the parent or guardian of the student?

Yes, anyone who the UNI student gives their account information to may use this plan.

May a UNI student have more than one person use this plan? May both parents use this plan separately?

Yes, more than one plan may be established for a UNI student, but it is important that the multiple plans be coordinated to insure the full amount of the student’s Ubill is paid by the established due dates. Each plan is subject to the $65 enrollment fee (unless the individuals coordinate their payments through one plan). Contact ECSI for assistance.

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

Checks can be made payable to:

ECSI
c/o University of Northern Iowa
181 Montour Run Rd
Coraopolis, PA 15108-9408

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

Can I make payments using my credit card?

Yes. You may make payments by credit card but you will be charged a convenience fee for doing so. The convenience fee will be clearly displayed prior to you confirming 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 the 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, there is a convenience fee charged for a credit card payment.

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 by logging into the ECSI web site: www.ecsi.net.

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 toll-free at 1.866.927.1438, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Please have your account information ready, including the UNI student ID number.

Will I receive renewal instructions prior to the next academic year?

Yes. Renewal information will be provided to you by ECSI in March, so you can easily set up a new contract for the next academic year.

How do I contact ECSI?

You may contact ECSI in several ways:

What if I still have questions?

If after speaking to an ECSI customer service representative you have questions about ECSI or the University of Northern Iowa, please contact the University of Northern Iowa Student Accounts Office at 319.273.2164.