OK. In August of 2000 I got a financial aid check for $3450. I paid some school associated fees and rent for the semester and then I was transferred across the country for my job so I had to withdraw. I called the financial aid office and they said that I would just go into repayment. I thought "Okay, no big deal" and I've been making tiny $25 a month payments since.
On my Equifax credit report there is a collection through Crowne Collections in Idaho for ISU for $1750ish dollars. I called the ISU business office today and the lady that I spoke with said that it was for an original amount of $1175 and that's it's 'title 4' money that the university had to repay when I withdrew. I asked her if there was anything that she could do to help me remedy the situation (such as pull it back from the CA). She said no. That they still own the debt (they don't sell it) and that their contract with the CA would not allow them to take it back since it has been in collection for 5 years.
I have never received anything from the CA. If I DV them I know that they can provide validation (whether or not it would be correct or timely, who knows). I won't call them so obviously I need to send them something. I did dispute last month and they verified it and raised the amount due to $1750 (from $1175).
I would like to get a mortgage in December. What is the best way to go about this? Should I send a PFD since I know that the school can get them validation? Would you offer the PFD for the original amount only??
Thanks so much for your advice,
Kel
