Frequently asked questions

Where can I find information about my student loans?

All federal student loan information can be found at the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), which is the central database for all federal loans administered by the U.S. Department of Education. NSLDS allows you to access information on federal loan and/or grant amounts, loan status (including outstanding balances), and the current loan holder.

If you have private student loans, check the promissory note you signed to obtain your loans in order to find contact information for your lender. Then you can contact your lender to request loan statements and other loan information.

What is the difference between a lender and a loan holder?

A lender is an individual or institution—such as a bank or a credit union—that provides loans, or borrowed funds. A loan holder is the institution that holds the title to a loan and is therefore entitled to seek repayment of the debt. The loan holder could be a lender, a guaranty agency or the U.S. Department of Education, depending upon the type of loan and how it was administered.

Lenders often transfer the title for a defaulted student loan to a guaranty agency or financial institution, which becomes the new loan holder. This institution will then attempt to recover the original debt.

Who is ECMC?

ECMC is a national guaranty agency, a national student loan bankruptcy servicer, and a contractor for the U.S. Department of Education, providing collection services and document management services. We are a nonprofit organization with a charitable affiliate that provides free resources to help low-income, first-generation college students of all ages further their education goals.

How is ECMC involved with my student loans?

ECMC guarantees federal student loans through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and provides support services to the federal government for student loan accounts that are in default or bankruptcy. (Please note: As of July 1, 2010, loans will no longer be originated or disbursed through this program.) Depending on the origin and status of your loans, ECMC could be the guarantor, loan holder or loan servicer.

Can I access my student loan information on this website?

If you borrowed student loans through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and ECMC guaranteed your loans, or if you know that ECMC is your loan holder, you can register to access your account information on our secure website. Once you register, you’ll be able to view and manage your ECMC student loan account information online. Registration is free, so you can take advantage of the customized information and tools we provide you, as well as save any settings and review them later.

Whom do I contact if I have questions about my student loans?

You should always start with your lender when you have questions about your student loans. To find your lender’s contact information, refer to the promissory note you signed to obtain the loans, or go to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), which is the central database for federal student loan information. Contact ECMC if you need additional help.