Zero credit and owing a university (not a loan)

[xanonx]

It was suggested I post this here:

 

I am in desperate need of help. I went to a university on scholarship 3 years ago. During my final quarter I lost my scholarship and was billed for around $75. This was paid, but later the school tried to bill me for room and board for around $1700. I did not pay this, and refuse to, as they kicked me out of the dorms for not being a full time student. Now some General Revenue Corporation is sending me letters about paying a debt of $2,700.

 

I recently checked my credit report and it was easy to read - everything was 0. I have been denied for credit cards and telephone service because of "insufficient credit history". I want to build credit and I have a pretty good idea how, but I think I need to take action on this debt fiasco before I do. Is this the case? GRC is liscened in both the state I live in and the state where this debt occured. I will not pay any of this $2,700 they say I owe to the Univeristy. I'd like some advice.

 

Should I deal with this problem before I get my credit history started? I will be needing credit soon to buy a car, possibly a house, etc...

Edited March 1, 2005 by xanonx

[LynnInMN]

Unfortunately dorm contracts are pretty firm. It is a lease. Since you lost the scholarship, they have to be paid and dorm contracts are very specific when it comes to withdrawal/expulsion dates and refunds.

 

You do realize that your transcripts are now frozen??

 

Colleges frequently authorize judgements be taken out on this type of account. I know the school I worked at routinely filed suit on tuition/dorm accounts.

[xanonx]

I will not pay them anything. I do not need my transcripts. I'm not even 100% sure why they charged me this money (though I think it was for the dorm). They didn't let me keep living in the dorm once I dropped all my classes either. I do not want this messing me up though, and I don't know what to do.

[LynnInMN]

You may not have a choice if they take a judgemnt against you. They could end up garnishing wages or your bank account. Request a breakdown of the charges. A copy directly from the school. There will be fees associated with leaving early. Could part of charge be for tuition due?? Most time when you drop classes, they prorate tuition refunds.

[xanonx]

Request a breakdown of the charges. A copy directly from the school.  There will be fees associated with leaving early.  Could part of charge be for tuition due??  Most time when you drop classes, they prorate tuition refunds.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

How would I go about doing this? Contact the school somehow? Is there a form letter somewhere here (I didn't find one)? Or is it a less formal thing?

[irritated]

They could end up garnishing wages or your bank account. 

 

WOH ... they can tap into your personal bank account without permission? Surely that cant be true - now Im nervous.

[LynnInMN]

They could end up garnishing wages or your bank account. 

 

WOH ... they can tap into your personal bank account without permission? Surely that cant be true - now Im nervous.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I wrote that they could very well take a judgement and then they can garnish bank accounts.

[xanonx]

Should I call the school to get a copy of what they say I owe them or should I send them a letter? I can't find any form letters here, so I suppose I will write one myself.