What Is ECSI?
ECSI (Educational Computer Systems, Inc.) is a specialized loan servicer that primarily handles Federal Perkins Loans and other institutional loans on behalf of colleges and universities. Unlike other servicers on this list, ECSI does not service Direct Loans — it services Perkins Loans that are owned by your school.
This is an important distinction: Perkins Loans have different rules, eligibility, and cancellation programs than Direct Loans.
How to Contact ECSI
- Website: ecsi.net
- Phone: 1-888-549-3274
- Hours: Monday–Friday 8 AM–8 PM ET
- Your school's financial aid office is often the best first contact for Perkins Loan questions
Perkins Loans vs. Direct Loans: Key Differences
| Feature | Perkins Loans | Direct Loans | |---|---|---| | Owner | Your school | Department of Education | | Servicer | ECSI (on behalf of your school) | MOHELA, Nelnet, Aidvantage, etc. | | SAVE/IBR/PAYE | Not eligible | Eligible | | PSLF | Not eligible directly | Eligible | | Perkins Cancellation | Yes — up to 100% | No |
Perkins Loan Cancellation Programs
The biggest opportunity for ECSI borrowers is Perkins Loan cancellation — which can eliminate 100% of your Perkins balance if you work in qualifying public service roles.
Cancellation percentages grow over years of qualifying service:
- Years 1–2: 15% per year
- Years 3–4: 20% per year
- Year 5: 30%
- Total: 100% after 5 years
Qualifying occupations include:
- Teachers at low-income schools or in shortage subjects (math, science, special ed)
- Nurses and medical technicians
- Law enforcement officers and firefighters
- Social workers, speech pathologists, and family service workers
- Early childhood educators
- Librarians at Title I schools
Contact your school's financial aid office or ECSI to start the cancellation process.
What 2026 Policy Changes Mean for ECSI Borrowers
SAVE, IBR, PAYE, and PSLF do not directly apply to Perkins Loans. The 2026 court injunction and plan changes affect Direct Loans only.
However, if you also have Direct Loans with another servicer, those loans are subject to the SAVE injunction.
To access PSLF with Perkins Loans: You can consolidate your Perkins Loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan — but this makes them ineligible for Perkins Cancellation. You generally should not consolidate Perkins Loans if you qualify for Perkins Cancellation, as cancellation is typically more generous.
Key Actions for ECSI Borrowers
- Determine if you qualify for Perkins Loan cancellation — this is usually the best option for public service workers.
- If you don't qualify for Perkins cancellation: You may want to consolidate into a Direct Loan and pursue PSLF or IDR — but run the math first.
- Contact your school's financial aid office — Perkins cancellation applications go through your school, not directly through ECSI.
- Don't miss payments: Unlike some other loan programs, Perkins Loans don't have all the same administrative forbearance protections as Direct Loans.