Password/PIN FAQ

Please select from one of the following:

You can either select one of the following FAQ categories:

  1. What is the difference between a PIN and a password?
  2. What is a PIN?
  3. Where is my Login Info?
  4. Can I pick my own PIN?
  5. What is a password?
  6. What if I forget my password?
  7. Additional Information
  8. Should I use my FAFSA Pin or my ECSI Pin?



  • What is the difference between a PIN and a password?
    A PIN is assigned by ECSI. A password is completely under your control. You may change your password at any time. Once you have selected a password, your PIN is only used if you forget your password.

  • What is a PIN?
    PINs are a random string of numbers and/or letters assigned to each borrower on file with ECSI. Certain portions of the information on file with ECSI is passed through a hash-algorithm to derive a PIN. The actual algorithm is not published for security purposes. PINs are not sequentially assigned and are not directly related to your social security number, account number, date of birth, phone number or any other demographic information.

  • Where is my Login Info?
    You will need your School code, account number and PIN in order to login. These are printed on the bottom of your billing statement. Below is a sample billing statement with the area containing your login information highlighted in red. The number to the right of the school code is your account number. Your account number also appears in the upper-right corner of the bill in the "DUE" block.

    Billing Statement. Click here for a detail view
    Click here to enlarge

  • Can I pick my own PIN?
    Sorry but you cannot pick your PIN. However, you may change your pin to a password that may be much easier to remember.

  • What is a password?
    Unlike a PIN, a password is a word or phrase that you determine. Once a password has been selected, you will use the password to gain access to your ECSI Internet account. Think of the PIN as your initial password until you change it. A good password contains a mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers and/or special characters. A weak password is something easy to guess like your first name or your dog's name. Passwords can be up to twenty characters.

  • What if I forget my password?
    If you forget your password, there are several ways to gain access to your account.

    1. If you have registered your Email address on the Update Information page, you can have your password sent to you via Email. This is by far the simplest method.
    2. If you know your the PIN that ECSI initially assigned to you, you may Reset Your Password. You can then go back and change your password to something you will remember.
    3. If you cannot remember your PIN or you have not registered an Email address, you can use the View Login Credentials form.

    These are the only ways to gain access to your account electronically without providing some proof of identification (such as a driver's license, or registered banking information).

  • Additional Information
    ECSI maintains a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning security. You may find additional information of interest there.

  • Should I use my FAFSA Pin or my ECSI Pin?
    The FAFSA Pin is used for signing an electronic version of a promissory note. The ECSI Pin is used to access My Account, where you can access your Current Account Balance, make payments, and view already signed promissory notes.