Best path to take in my situation?

[davewill]

You will need to resolve the issues with your university. Those courses will appear in your credit registry record and TESU will require a transcript. Generally, there is no way to get around paying off a school debt if you want a legitimate degree.

I believe TESU won't insist on it until graduation time, so you could get started, at least. as @defrecore said, you can certainly work on alternative credits while you're working things out.