Billing statements, also referred to as bills, are issued around the 15th of each month, with payment due on the 1st of the following month. Statements are sent by Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI). Students have the option to receive statements electronically and are strongly encouraged to enroll in electronic billing.
Payments received by the 10th of the month will be applied without penalty. If payment is not received by the time the following month’s billing statements are generated, a late charge may be assessed in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines.
For questions related to electronic billing or payment processing, please contact Heartland/ECSI Customer Service at (888) 549‑3274.
Your billing statement provides a comprehensive overview of your loan activity
Students are responsible for reviewing all billing messages, as they may contain time‑sensitive or critical information.
Note: To ensure accurate processing, always include your WSU ID number on checks and any correspondence related to your loans.
Repayment on campus‑based student loans generally begins after a student graduates, withdraws, or is enrolled less than half‑time. Grace periods vary by loan type, and borrowers will receive notification prior to repayment beginning.
Payments may be made using the following methods through ECSI:
- Online payments
- Automatic monthly payments (auto‑debit)
- Check or money order by mail
Borrowers may choose to pay the amount due or make early payments toward the loan payoff balance.
All campus‑based student loans are reported to the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Loans from other lenders may also be reported to one or more credit bureaus.
Once loans enter repayment, payment history contributes to the establishment of either a positive or negative credit record. Washington State University complies with all applicable federal credit‑reporting regulations and is committed to accurate and timely reporting.
Loans that are not paid as scheduled may become delinquent and may be assessed late fees, collection costs, and/or litigation fees. Delinquency can increase the total amount owed and result in negative credit reporting.
If an account remains unpaid for an extended period, the loan may be placed in default, which may result in additional collection actions, legal costs, and long‑term credit consequences.
For accounts that are past due, the University may withhold:
- Diplomas
- Future course registration
- Access to selected university services
Borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the Student Loan Office before missing a payment. Some borrowers may qualify for deferment, forbearance, or alternative repayment arrangements, depending on eligibility.
- ECSI / Heartland: Billing statements, payment processing, online account access
- WSU Student Accounts: Loan terms, repayment status, deferment or forbearance eligibility, delinquency, default, university holds, or billing disputes
Students who believe their account has been billed in error or who need assistance accessing billing or payment services should contact WSU Student Accounts promptly. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.