University withholding transcript

[ImAllLikeYouWannaDoWat]

I withdrew from classes from a university I attended 5 years ago. I owed them around 4k. They sent it off to collections and now I owe 6k. What would be the best way to get my transcript if I don't have the 6k to pay the debt?

[sanantone]

You can try negotiating with the school or the collections company to settle for a lower amount. Schools tend to be pretty strict about not issuing transcripts if you have a balance.

[davewill]

You can't get it without settling the debt. Worse, other schools won't grant you a diploma if they can't get all of your transcripts. I would suggest making an offer to the collection agency.

[ImAllLikeYouWannaDoWat]

Do you guys have any tips as far as trying to negotiate the debt? And what would be a good way to try to convince the university to release the transcripts if i agree to pay it? Or is it too late to make such an agreement since it's already at collections?

[jsd]

you're not going to convince them to release them until the debt is paid.

call up the agency, tell them you can't afford $6k, but you can afford x. See what happens. Usually they respond a lot nicer when a lawyer does this on your behalf, but i'm guessing you probably don't have the money to throw around on a lawyer.

[SweetSecret]

Usually they respond a lot nicer when a lawyer does this on your behalf, but i'm guessing you probably don't have the money to throw around on a lawyer.

There are likely places the OP could get free legal aid though. I think this would be a great way to go! Maybe contact the local United Way to find out about free legal resources. As an alternative, find out it the closest law school offers free legal aid.

Messaging the OP directly. I actually know some resources.

[udi]

Usually they respond a lot nicer when a lawyer does this on your behalf, but i'm guessing you probably don't have the money to throw around on a lawyer.

There are likely places the OP could get free legal aid though. I think this would be a great way to go! Maybe contact the local United Way to find out about free legal resources. As an alternative, find out it the closest law school offers free legal aid.

Messaging the OP directly. I actually know some resources.

Not legal advice:

How many credits do you have to transfer? Remember the one-month degree? Consider screwing the debt and testing out to rack up the credits. Saylor courses are free + $25 proctor fee. This may be the path of least resistance.

If there's something you really need, consider seeking out free legal aid in your state who may at least point you in the right direction. If you agree to a lesser amount with the collections agency, make sure it's in writing and the documentation includes some language about finality and no future charges.

Ask first what they will accept if you negotiate. Then, offer less. They will work with you because they get paid based on how much they collect in some cases. Also note that as soon as you make a 'promise to pay', you may restart the clock on the negative credit reporting.

You might get a better deal by working with an intermediary and paying a fee if they are familiar with the process or have contacts in the industry. Consider a credit counselor, perhaps?

[mysonx3]

Usually they respond a lot nicer when a lawyer does this on your behalf, but i'm guessing you probably don't have the money to throw around on a lawyer.

There are likely places the OP could get free legal aid though. I think this would be a great way to go! Maybe contact the local United Way to find out about free legal resources. As an alternative, find out it the closest law school offers free legal aid.

Messaging the OP directly. I actually know some resources.

Not legal advice:

How many credits do you have to transfer? Remember the one-month degree? Consider screwing the debt and testing out to rack up the credits. Saylor courses are free + $25 proctor fee. This may be the path of least resistance.

If there's something you really need, consider seeking out free legal aid in your state who may at least point you in the right direction. If you agree to a lesser amount with the collections agency, make sure it's in writing and the documentation includes some language about finality and no future charges.

Ask first what they will accept if you negotiate. Then, offer less. They will work with you because they get paid based on how much they collect in some cases. Also note that as soon as you make a 'promise to pay', you may restart the clock on the negative credit reporting.

You might get a better deal by working with an intermediary and paying a fee if they are familiar with the process or have contacts in the industry. Consider a credit counselor, perhaps?

OP won't be able to just replace the credits and move on without getting a transcript, as almost any school will require transcripts from all previous schools before granting a degree.

[TrailRunr]

Declare bankruptcy (eg. if you were already thinking about doing it anyway for your other non-student debt).

Creditors can't take any action during the bankruptcy automatic stay to induce you to pay the debt such as withholding transcripts. Request 100 transcripts and send them sealed to yourself and anyone else. If the school refuses, have your lawyer call them. I think this is treated like student loan debt so you can't make it go away. So you need to get transcripts during the automatic stay because you won't get another chance for years. Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer if you got questions about this tactic.

[dfrecore]

Declare bankruptcy (eg. if you were already thinking about doing it anyway for your other non-student debt).

Creditors can't take any action during the bankruptcy automatic stay to induce you to pay the debt such as withholding transcripts. Request 100 transcripts and send them sealed to yourself and anyone else. If the school refuses, have your lawyer call them.  I think this is treated like student loan debt so you can't make it go away. So you need to get transcripts during the automatic stay because you won't get another chance for years. Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer if you got questions about this tactic.

To declare bankruptcy on $6,000 is insane.  That's just about the worst idea I've heard on this forum.  OP, please don't listen to nonsense like this, there are better ways to handle this.