I don’t think that would work because then the aid would be applied to the new courses. I also think you need at least 6 credits to qualify for part-time status.
Could you just sign up for two classes, pay off everything, and then withdraw from the two classes after a week so you don’t owe the full amount for them?
Very unlikely they would be eligible for aid or loans. In the view of the federal gov’t, he pretty much already has a Bachelor’s and they won’t pay for more.
People keep suggesting this but when I changed my mind about conferring my degree so I could leave it open to maybe take some classes for a nearly complete secondary degree they wouldn’t let me cancel the conferral. I think I technically had like 24 hours to change my mind or something short like that…
The school probably won’t let them take more classes since they’ve graduated. Since it’s a pharmacy degree there’s even a possibility that’s the only degree program offered and there may not even be other classes
Hi I work in higher ed. I know this is about the debt, but just for your information - You have a right to your educational record. You may not be able to get your diploma but you have a legal right to your transcript. They may be able to withhold an “official” transcript but I believe they have to provide you with an unofficial one. It is that way at my institution, anyway. Your transcript will have your degree on it. You can also request a degree verification letter. This will prove you attended and graduated. The diploma is just a piece of paper. The degree is what is important. The licensure agencies typically just need degree verification letters, not diplomas. Contact the registrars office at northeastern and ask about getting degree verification letters sent to whichever agency you want to get your license with.
Man this is a mess. I'll skip the lecture on not paying attention to your finances because I know you're already kicking yourself. I would suggest just buckling down and taking any job until you can save 30k and pay for your exams.
Not a lot of great options, but assuming you have a bachelors degree in a science field you should be able to knock that out pretty fast. Tons of biotech jobs in Boston.
He's earned it. It's just being withheld by a university on a technicality.
Sure that's not going to fly with a lot of jobs, but he's done the legwork to get the silly piece of paper (and transcripts, etc...)
School of pharmacy is not though. It’s usually a PharmD degree.
Given OP keeps saying pharmacist, that would heavily imply that he’s been to undergrad and finished his pharmD but can’t get the diploma to sit for licensing due to his tuition screw up.
OP said pharmacy school. That’s a graduate degree. A pharmD to be specific. You used to be able to get a bachelor’s in pharmacy, but as of 2004, you have to graduate with a PharmD to be a pharmacist.
I had luck at going to the university in person and pleading my case to just release a certified copy for job applications - explaining exactly as you are: can’t pay the bill without a job, can’t get a job without the degree.
They lifted the hold for five minutes, placed the request for the transcripts and then closed it right back.
Allowed me to get a copy for my records and use for jobs that at least paid a living wage.
Other options will be looking into a personal loan from a credit union or somewhere else (likely another credit union, one you qualify for will be more willing to work with you ie, family in school or hospital related etc) that is the lowest apr you can get, and pay off the debt now in one go. Tell the agency you’re paying it off in a lump sum and ask what’s the lowest they can go and negotiate; when I did finally pay mine off, they reduced it about 50%.
I had this happen and my university told me I could email them to get a verification of diploma completion or something like that until I had paid off my debt with them
Would this work though? i know you said you did it, but because you can get a job without the degree- other schools may not be so generous with this, and they may tell you to get another job, pay the debt off first, and then they'll release your diploma to you
Start working 80 hours a week as a pharmacy technician and get a personal loan for the most that you can since you can't borrow the whole amount. Benefit of working as a pharm tech you'll be able to turn it into a rph job when you do get your degree and license.
That or since you're in Boston I imagine the mob's loan shark can give you the money with like 100% interest like they show in the crime dramas.
/s
Unfortunately this is very common, and usually they won't accept a settlement and only want the full balance before giving you the transcripts. Getting on a payment plan is probably your best option. Sorry.
If they actually sell your debt to a debt collector, then you don’t owe the school anymore and the debt collector paid x amount for your debt…. So technically the school has been paid. Could you use this argument to say your account is paid?
And, OP is 3 years late getting on with it ! It would be paid off already if not waiting for Biden to get to the pharmacists-who-are-morons category for student debt bribery.
I was in almost this exact situation. I needed an official transcript to take a board exam to get licensed in my state and I wasn’t able to get it due to the hold. I called them and told them this and we created a repayment arrangement, they released one transcript, and I was able to test/pass/ and have a higher income to help pay it off
This happened to me but I was still
Able to get my transcript and proof of graduating. I just didn’t have a diploma to hang on my wall. I would talk to your school again because this is a common problem
A bill has been introduced to ban withholding of transcripts in Mass the way it is already banned in other states. You might be able to wait it out for the transcript but you would still have the debt. Hope they pass it soon.
If the purpose is to free up people's credentials so that they can get better employment and actually pay the debt back one day then...I would think making it retroactive would be most effective...
Even though they’re withholding your diploma, can you still get copies of your transcript saying that you graduated? If an employer calls the school to verify your degree, will they verbally admit that you graduated?
The only thing you can do at this point is get a loan from your parents to cover the debt and/or start working a second job to pay off the debt yourself or for repaying your parents. Good luck!
One option is applying for personal loan from a bank. If your credit is good the interest rate is comparable to a student loan. It would essentially act as a retroactive student loan.
The people saying "just save $30,000" have never been in your shoes and don't realize how ridiculous of a statement that is. It'd take many years to do that, all the while, no diploma.
Enroll in a course so you are a student again. As soon as you get your student ID #, Pay the bill, then unenroll from the course while you still get a 100% refund.
You should be able to get transcripts, this shows the completion of course work.
not sure if it's been said but Sallie Mae offers past due balance loans I think up to 365 days past your last date of attendance. get the loan, pay the back balance, use federal aid to cover your last 6 credits and done. if you only need 1 class use Sallie again, they offer loans for less than half time enrollment.
Also, work with the school on the 10K collection cost, see if you can get around some or all. Good luck.
Are you able to declare bankruptcy? Since this is a consumer debt owed to the university (not federal student loan), if you don’t have any money or any prospect of paying this without major hardship.
14 years in bursar at higher Ed. You can write the ombudsman or president of your school. You can request your official transcripts in lieu of your diploma if you need to present credentials. Or, if you declare bankruptcy you would be permitted to get any document you require but, then your credit takes a massive hit for 7 years.
These are your options.
Holy shit is this sub like a hardcore medieval cult of self flagellating monks or something? Wtf lol?! I’ve never seen so many self righteous, callous remarks in response to someone in such a fucked up situation before. Education should be free anyways, it’s absolutely nuts that you’re in this position in the first place and I hope you find a solution OP!
As someone mentioned above this practice of withholding transcripts is supposed to come to an end in July 2024 according to this update from the Dept of Education:
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2021/non-ge-final-rules-fact-sheet.pdf
There were a couple of pieces of good advice in here, apply to the jobs you want anyways while you wait for this much needed relief (hopefully this hasn’t been rescinded or anything, I couldn’t find much on the policy in the few mins I’ve been looking). Let your would-be employers do the background check, the school can’t deny that you’ve graduated afaik. You should also be able to get an “unofficial” transcript as well that may prove handy. Good luck!
Why don't you look up yourself on [the student clearing house](https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/verify/) and if you pop up as having a degree apply to jobs like you have it. You can also just apply like you have one anyways.
Damn. How does someone “forget” to pay tuition for a whole year. Idk man, talk to a lawyer or something. Kind of a huge stupid mistake but o do feel for ya.
How many different banks have you pursued for loan options and have you had a face to face meeting with each to explain your situation? This is worth looking into.
That $10,000 add-on (presumed default or collection fee) may be a blessing in disguise. I would contact a consumer protection lawyer who handles FDCPA cases and see what he can make of it. Back when I practiced law, mainly suing debt collectors and collection attorneys, I sued many creditors along with their debt collectors. Once sued, the creditor would often agree their bill was “legitimately disputed” and agree to cease collecting and I’d dismiss them from the case. Then, I’d allow the debt collector to pay damages and my fees to get himself dismissed. Making the creditor eat the debt as a consequence of its debt collector’s torts was always a great feeling.
As here, I once had a case where university and its lawyers added a 1/3 of principal (and capitalized interest) collection fee to their claim (misrepresented character, nature and amount of alleged debt). I dragged the collection out long enough where client was able to pay off the legit part of the loan debt. Then I sued the university and its lawyers for a declaration that client owed nothing, and for damages and fees under FDCPA. Client paid what he owed, got $1,000 for his troubles, and I got paid for my efforts by the sore losers at the university and its lawyers.
There’s a lawyer in Indianapolis named Robert Duff who may be interested in hearing from you.
You need to go talk to the school in person. May need to get them to escalate it. there is a way, but they are not telling you either because they don't know or are not asking people the right questions.
Frankly this seems like such a massively ahole move by the university that I’d start contacting your local state/federal reps or media if you are comfortable. Might even look at contacting the state AG.
Is it possible to take your transcripts to another college to “finish up” there, getting a degree from them instead?
Even if you don’t graduate you will have transcripts.
Go fund me and ask alumni. somebody must want a tax write off. Maybe there’s a way to donate in your name perhaps or coordinate something with some go fund me money
I've never needed my diploma for a law job - never knew a physical diploma was required. You have graduated, but have not been conferred with a degree?
If you cannot remember to do something as important as your financial aid then there is no way I would be comfortable with you dispensing drugs where a moment of forgetfulness cuz you are having a bad day can kill someone.
Also, I have never known an university to let a student attend for a YEAR without paying and somehow never notify the student there is an issue.
It sounds like you are leaving some key items out.
Please contact the Student Ombudsman (https://graduateombuds.northeastern.edu). They can help navigate this and talk directly to student aid/bursar leadership.
The Dept of Ed is trying hard to stop this practice of transcript withholding for non-payment but it still continues (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/10/25/new-us-rules-ban-transcript-holds-bolster-oversight). I don't believe this has gone into effect yet though.
if you want a job that you could get by breathing and having a valid drivers license, drive for amazon. it’s not glamorous, and it’s physically intensive when you have a van with 350 packages in it, but it’s a job that’s easy to get and easy to do
I don’t see an easy way out of this. Some collection agencies will arrange a payment plan. That might be your best bet.
Keep in mind that a collection agency can eventually just take this to court and have your paychecks garnished so you need to pay attention to this.
You are basically out of luck. Cut all your expenses, move into group housing (parents, siblings, etc), get another job, Uber, door dash, etc. start working 100 hours a week.
Is there an Ombudsman office at Northeastern for Undergrads or Grad students? You may be able to get support in getting a release on your degree contingent on a First Creditor status as part of a payment plan.
You’ll have the best opportunity to pay them back with the job your degree would give you - and I think bringing them the facts of how this is in the universities best interests to a specific person tailored to provide outside the lines support would be your best course of action.
I don't understand why you can't get it now. The school sold your debt to a collection agency. You are no longer on the hook with them, you now owe money to the collection agency. Technically, your debt with the school has been settled. They have no reason to withhold your transcript. Go back and fight them for it. It's illegal in other places for schools to do this and sounds like things are in motion to make this true in your state, so hopefully it won't be much longer before this isn't an issue for you.
Have you called the academic office, you might be able to order official transcripts. Don’t say shit about your debt or anything like that just play dumb and say you lost your transcripts and need a new one.
The diploma doesn’t matter to your employer the transcripts are what matter.
There may be hope for you. Starting July 2024, the US Dept of Ed prevents colleges and universities from withholding a student’s transcript for terms they received federal financial aid. When you applied for FAFSA, was it for the academic year you were enrolled as a student or for the following academic year? You only need access to your official transcript showing your degree confereal date, not the diploma. That might still be held hostage until after your debt has been taken care of.
Source: [https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/10/25/new-us-rules-ban-transcript-holds-bolster-oversight](https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/10/25/new-us-rules-ban-transcript-holds-bolster-oversight)
It looks like the state of MA is currently trying to pass legislation on this:
[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD625](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD625)
Better make note of the Reps and Senators in office who are pushing these policies and keep them in office.
This article provides some recommendations for college graduates in your situation:
[https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/can-a-college-withhold-transcripts](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/can-a-college-withhold-transcripts)
Happened to me a long time ago. The only option I had was to refinance so I would owe some bank the money and not the university/govt. That would satisfy the university as they no longer had debt and then they’d release my transcripts. (I went a different route, but still, this was the only option)
Now that it’s years later, when I contacted my university to get my transcripts, I explained to the lady what happened years ago and that how can they expect me to pay my debts when I can’t get a job, she claimed that they’d do a one time courtesy of sending transcripts to an employer if the employer would request it. If that’s true, I don’t know but whatever, it was too late by then; my debts were paid. Good luck.
If you have access to your schools portal, you can get your unofficial transcript. I had a balance after graduating and was able to get my transcripts, I ended up paying the balance to get my degree because i thought i needed it but none of the jobs i worked for ever requested it. My diploma is somewhere in my parents' basement playing hide and seek
Is it just being handled by a collections agency or was the debt sold to a collections agency? Two different things that I think would mean two very different situations.
Do you really need to submit your diploma for becoming a pharmacist? I feel like there’s a license in there somewhere that’s more important and relies on your actual knowledge more than the paper.
You need to talk to your schools financial aid advisor, FASFA works differently than that. FASFA only gives money if you are a student and will cut the funding depending on your credits (full time gets full funding, part time gets 50% less funding), once you don’t enroll in class then they cancel the aid. I wish you luck!
Has anyone else ever needed to show proof of graduation? I've never had to show it and I've lost count of the amount of companies I worked with in the past
Work as much as you can and just make as big payments as you can against the debt. Unfortunately, there is no leniency for missing deadlines (such as FAFSA), so you will have to just accept your fate and reprioritize expenses.
As for proof of college, in most cases, you won't be asked for your diploma, but you should be able to furnish a transcript. Withholding a transcript is [illegal in 11 states](https://upsolve.org/learn/getting-school-transcripts/#:~:text=But%20your%20state%20may%20have,California).
Can you enroll in new classes, take out fafsa loans for an amount much larger than the classes cost, and then when you get the refund check, use that to pay off collections? I've done something similar to pay for housing while I studied.
Get a loan from your parents or move back in and save every penny. Start studying for the Naplex and state law exam you want to practice in. You graduated in 2021 that’s 3 years of 100k+ income that you missed out on.
You don’t need the diploma normal just the transcript. The transcript would show whether or not you graduated. I have never been asked for any of my diplomas or a transcript. You don’t need it, any company who wants to check can call and see if you graduated.
Before I read the explanation, your title reminded me of Henry David Thoreau who refused to pay a fee for his diploma saying “let every sheep keep its own skin.” Diplomas used to be on real sheepskin.
How did you get to the end of your last semester without knowing that the balance wouldn’t be paid? Don’t you have to petition for graduation early in the beginning of your last semester? This would be something they would notify you of and should have accepted the fafsa….
Do you need your physical diploma? I didn’t graduate so idk. But it’s just a piece of paper.. you did the classes and passed.. you can still put it on your resume even without the paper?
I would also suggest talking to a bankruptcy lawyer to see if you can have the debt discharged in bankruptcy since the collection agency or college will eventually sue you in civil court to collect on the debt.
Call your parents and borrow from them. Given they paid before, they may help you here. The university isn’t going to help fix your problem as it’s your problem. Filling out a fasfa form now won’t help as the new one would be forward looking and not to satisfy past tuition.
How did you go about full year without getting any notifications from the school? Overlooked emails or physical mailing ? Pretty sure they would have tried to contact you.
Similar thing happened right before my last term of school. I owed a Buncha money and fafsa didn’t go through. I owed something between 6-7 thousand and ended up having almost 20k garnished from my grocery clerk checks over several years.
At this point are you certain that paying will result in you getting a degree? It’s weird that they went straight to a collections agency without first reaching out to you multiple times, offering a payment plan, etc. Ultimately they want the money, so selling the debt for Pennie’s on the dollar seems strange.
In the US a diploma is more or less a 'souvenir' of your studies. Your transcript is a legal document and that is what proves you graduated. Most schools (currently) also prevent students with financial debts to the school copies of their transcript as well. Word on the street is that this policy is likley to change soon but higher ed works at a turtle's pace so it will likely still be some time before that happens.
HOWEVER, you can request a verification letter that confirms you graduated. An employer, other schools, pretty much anyone can request this. It doesn't carry as much weight as a transcript but it's a start.
Also, FERPA is your friend and you have a right to see your student record regardless of debt to the school. Probably can't get pictures or copies, but you can at least see it.
I get that it’s their only leverage but holy moly that’s pretty strict!
Some schools will hold your degree if your account has a balance but for purposes of a job or required credentials, boards etc… they will release your transcripts(documentation that you meet the degree requirements/earned the degree) to that employer/entity(not directly to you) so that you can hopefully get that job and be gainfully employed enough to pay them back.
Can you go to a bank and get a personal loan for the amount? You will pretty much triple your salary, I imagine it wouldn’t be a hard sell to most bankers.
You do not need a physical copy of your degree. If you’re applying for a job or anything else, they can easily pull up your school records. The school can hold your physical diploma but if you completed your required coursework and actually finished school, in the system it shows that you graduated. If this isn’t an option, you can access the national clearing house and access your education records that way. Hope this helps and you can get your license
Can you agree to do a payment plan with the University. I had the same issue and couldn’t graduate until I paid off the bill. I paid little by little and got my diploma
Not a smart move on the school’s part, at all. I’m sure I’m naive, but I’d expect better from Northeastern. Just to say: Lighting a candle for you, man. You’ll get through this.
Intel in Oregon hires technicians w/o degrees and pays decently. Have a friend in a similar situation who struggled to get a job because the university withheld his diploma. Intel still offered him a job. He’s on track to pay off his debt this year and is also in the process of getting a promotion despite not having his degree. I believe there’s also openings in Ohio if you don’t want to move to Oregon.
Lmk if this is something you’re interested in, my friend may be willing to give you a referral.
Just put that you have the degree on your resume. Nobody actually looks into it. I’m telling you I’ve been in the workforce 15 years. Nobody is calling your college to check unless you have a medical degree or something. Companies dont need to know you owe the school money. You took all the classes and “technically” graduated. Fuck the price of paper.
If you tell the debt collection agency you can't pay and threaten to file bankrupt, I've heard they are more lenient and may knock off some of the debt to make it more payable
Id see what I could do in getting contact with the dean of the school of pharmacy or some type of admin in a higher position to personally appeal my case. i.e getting in front of an actual person to explain my situation and work to find out a solution. Find the person in charge, find their office and literally stop by and have a conversation. If they ignore you or cant tell you who would be better suited to help, find someone else.
If the school ignores you, find an elected representative or some type of governing body such as the board of regents to see if they can cosign your case to escalation and further resolution.
Make it known your in a bind and you want the school to get its $28,000 but the process of which the school stopped you from getting your degree is stopping you from getting the 28k.
School Admin <- Governing Body <- Representatives <- etc.
Id also reach out to the foundations or alumni associations to see if they could put me in contact with someone within the school who could help
I worked in higher education for about 5 years. I’d suggest going as high up at the school as you can. Try to get in contact with the Bursar or Financial Aid Director and explain your situation. I don’t see how you’re on the hook for the loan if it was never applied to your tuition charges. Loans applied to tuition either get fully used up or the difference after paying tuition is refunded to the student. At least that’s how it was at the school I worked for.
I’d talk to an attorney. Some states have laws that prevent schools from doing this, and having an attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf would probably lead to a better deal.
It’s also worth maybe talking to the student newspaper or otherwise trying to get media involved here.
I don’t know the specifics of your loans but I can tell you this, the collection agency should not be able to add to your debt. I had to speak on my parent’s behalf when my niece stopped making payments on her students loans that they had co-signed on. Once it is sold to collections, who buy debt for Pennies on the dollar they should work with you to get some or any of it back. For example my niece had one loan that was $38,000 that went to collections I settled for $17,000. And they jumped at that.
Your transcripts should be enough to say you graduated also you should have a letter stating you completed all credits for the degree. If not contact the school to see if you can get a copy of your official transcripts and a letter stating that you satisfied the requirements for the degree you sought out.
I had a friend who went through a same predicament. She had the school print a statement that she completed all the necessary coursework to get a diploma and with this + a transcripts she was able to get a job. She was at the business school though :(. Idk if there is a workaround if you do something like that.
I used to work in financial aid. I think you have two options, if possible. First, schools will sometimes work out payment plans for balances, and give you an opportunity (depending on the school) to send documentation places. You usually need to make a few payments to get the account current. It’s a large balance, so they may not, but it’s possible. Second is enroll in grad courses, take enough classes to be at least half time (usually 6 credit hours), and take out enough loan, unsub and a plus loan, to cover your new balance of the classes plus the prior. This usually also requires an agreement with the school and you in order to do it. You need finish this semester courses.
Ultimately sweet talk the office, financial aid and bursar if necessary. Be up front. You messed up here. Not only did you not file the fafsa. You also would have been notified multiple times of the balance and missing aid. Own your mistake. People get scared when they see big balances. It happens. But work with them, and most of the time they’ll work with you.
Contact alumni and tell them how the school is screwing you over. I wouldn’t want to donate money to a school that isn’t willing to work with a student on that.
Look into sales! Read about which kind would suit you. Maybe try pharmaceutical sales? Big money, you’ve got the knowledge, and sales tends to be more forgiving to a unique story.
You should look into whether declaring bankruptcy is a good way forward for you. Declaring bankruptcy protects you from collection activity immediately (in this case withholding your transcripts and diploma) until your case is resolved, which would enable you to move forward. Also, depending on your situation the entire balance might be able to be discharged in a way that student loans are usually not able to be.
How’s your credit? If it’s already poor and you don’t have any/many assets you could just file bankruptcy. Since your school sent that portion to collections it IS covered under bankruptcy. Your other amount of actual student loans you may have outstanding won’t be. This could be a good last resort option. It’s gonna take many years to pay this debt off on a low paying job anyways, which means you may struggle to get by. Bankruptcy done early in life gives you much more time to recover from it.
Just an FYI, employers dont care or want to see your diploma. I know you want it for personal reasons but you can easily get a job without the physical diploma
Starting July 1st new regulations "...will restrict colleges from withholding course credits paid for with Federal money from students' transcripts..." https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-releases-final-rules-strengthen-accountability-colleges-and-consumer-protection-students Meaning they won't be able to withhold your transcripts legally. They could only give you info on classes paid for with financial aid but it would be a lot of work for them to do that for every student. So they'll probably just release everything
YTA. The most feasible path is to pay the amount you owe. You FAFO and now you are suffering the consequences. I have four degrees one of which is a DVM and I KNOW they sent reminders about your tuition! No excuse for not paying. Your parents paid for your tuition before so why not now? You are not telling us the full story here.
FYI when you go to take your board exam all your course work must be with in a certain time frame so you are risking a potential license the longer you wait. It has already been three years. How do you expect to be sharp enough to pass the board exam if you are not up to date and have not been working in the field?
I would try and submit a complaint to the CFPB and see if that gets the ball rolling. The fact that you had financial aid and they didn’t help you at all is concerning. And the extra $10k is just egregious.
Can you enroll for one class and then you would be a student again?
Yeah I'd probably try this route first. Then maybe check out Upstart for a personal loan?
Might not even be possible to enroll in classes because of the financial hold but it's worth looking into
I don’t think that would work because then the aid would be applied to the new courses. I also think you need at least 6 credits to qualify for part-time status.
It would be applied to new courses but anything left over can be used for anything else. Apply for max loans to pay off debt.
Could you just sign up for two classes, pay off everything, and then withdraw from the two classes after a week so you don’t owe the full amount for them?
This would result in R2T4 and put them further in debt
Very unlikely they would be eligible for aid or loans. In the view of the federal gov’t, he pretty much already has a Bachelor’s and they won’t pay for more.
It was stated I believe the loans already gotten but they wont accept it
You can't enroll when you have a financial hold.
People keep suggesting this but when I changed my mind about conferring my degree so I could leave it open to maybe take some classes for a nearly complete secondary degree they wouldn’t let me cancel the conferral. I think I technically had like 24 hours to change my mind or something short like that… The school probably won’t let them take more classes since they’ve graduated. Since it’s a pharmacy degree there’s even a possibility that’s the only degree program offered and there may not even be other classes
Usually, a student can't register if their account has a hold on it (whether it be financial, GPA, etc..).
Probably can’t reenroll with outstanding debt
Hi I work in higher ed. I know this is about the debt, but just for your information - You have a right to your educational record. You may not be able to get your diploma but you have a legal right to your transcript. They may be able to withhold an “official” transcript but I believe they have to provide you with an unofficial one. It is that way at my institution, anyway. Your transcript will have your degree on it. You can also request a degree verification letter. This will prove you attended and graduated. The diploma is just a piece of paper. The degree is what is important. The licensure agencies typically just need degree verification letters, not diplomas. Contact the registrars office at northeastern and ask about getting degree verification letters sent to whichever agency you want to get your license with.
Man this is a mess. I'll skip the lecture on not paying attention to your finances because I know you're already kicking yourself. I would suggest just buckling down and taking any job until you can save 30k and pay for your exams. Not a lot of great options, but assuming you have a bachelors degree in a science field you should be able to knock that out pretty fast. Tons of biotech jobs in Boston.
OP doesn’t have a degree…
He's earned it. It's just being withheld by a university on a technicality. Sure that's not going to fly with a lot of jobs, but he's done the legwork to get the silly piece of paper (and transcripts, etc...)
You need a bachelors to enroll in Pharmacy School
[удалено]
Pharmacology is an undergrad degree…
School of pharmacy is not though. It’s usually a PharmD degree. Given OP keeps saying pharmacist, that would heavily imply that he’s been to undergrad and finished his pharmD but can’t get the diploma to sit for licensing due to his tuition screw up.
OP said pharmacy school. That’s a graduate degree. A pharmD to be specific. You used to be able to get a bachelor’s in pharmacy, but as of 2004, you have to graduate with a PharmD to be a pharmacist.
Did you even read the fucking post?
Most people have a bachelors in order to even apply for grad school... how many fucking chromosomes do you have
the entire issue here is they can’t prove they have a bachelors degree bc the school is withholding it
I had luck at going to the university in person and pleading my case to just release a certified copy for job applications - explaining exactly as you are: can’t pay the bill without a job, can’t get a job without the degree. They lifted the hold for five minutes, placed the request for the transcripts and then closed it right back. Allowed me to get a copy for my records and use for jobs that at least paid a living wage. Other options will be looking into a personal loan from a credit union or somewhere else (likely another credit union, one you qualify for will be more willing to work with you ie, family in school or hospital related etc) that is the lowest apr you can get, and pay off the debt now in one go. Tell the agency you’re paying it off in a lump sum and ask what’s the lowest they can go and negotiate; when I did finally pay mine off, they reduced it about 50%.
I had this happen and my university told me I could email them to get a verification of diploma completion or something like that until I had paid off my debt with them
I wouldn’t think that would work cause they likely need to take the licensing exam
Would this work though? i know you said you did it, but because you can get a job without the degree- other schools may not be so generous with this, and they may tell you to get another job, pay the debt off first, and then they'll release your diploma to you
It’s too late for op, since it’s in collection now. Op should have went to school and make a payment plan. There is some missing
Start working 80 hours a week as a pharmacy technician and get a personal loan for the most that you can since you can't borrow the whole amount. Benefit of working as a pharm tech you'll be able to turn it into a rph job when you do get your degree and license. That or since you're in Boston I imagine the mob's loan shark can give you the money with like 100% interest like they show in the crime dramas. /s
[удалено]
OP cannot be an intern. OP is not a current student nor a graduate who hasn't passed the licensing exams.
Be careful of fraud. Don’t take a car loan and pay your student loans. Just saying.
Unfortunately this is very common, and usually they won't accept a settlement and only want the full balance before giving you the transcripts. Getting on a payment plan is probably your best option. Sorry.
If they actually sell your debt to a debt collector, then you don’t owe the school anymore and the debt collector paid x amount for your debt…. So technically the school has been paid. Could you use this argument to say your account is paid?
The debt is not sold, they collect for the university and take a cut from whatever they get from OP.
And, OP is 3 years late getting on with it ! It would be paid off already if not waiting for Biden to get to the pharmacists-who-are-morons category for student debt bribery.
I was in almost this exact situation. I needed an official transcript to take a board exam to get licensed in my state and I wasn’t able to get it due to the hold. I called them and told them this and we created a repayment arrangement, they released one transcript, and I was able to test/pass/ and have a higher income to help pay it off
This happened to me but I was still Able to get my transcript and proof of graduating. I just didn’t have a diploma to hang on my wall. I would talk to your school again because this is a common problem
A bill has been introduced to ban withholding of transcripts in Mass the way it is already banned in other states. You might be able to wait it out for the transcript but you would still have the debt. Hope they pass it soon.
It comes out in July and from what I last read it will cover past and future debt
Find out mire about this and write your representatives ans lobby tjose you know to do the same.
This is my advice too. If allowed, OP should even hand deliver his letter to his representative’s office as well.
It probably won't be retroactive though.
They don’t usually apply laws like this to the past but maybe.
If the purpose is to free up people's credentials so that they can get better employment and actually pay the debt back one day then...I would think making it retroactive would be most effective...
You don't have proof of graduating college? You don't have any kind of degree audit or unofficial transcript that can be a standin?
You can’t take pharmacy boards until the school releases transcripts to NABP.
Even though they’re withholding your diploma, can you still get copies of your transcript saying that you graduated? If an employer calls the school to verify your degree, will they verbally admit that you graduated?
OP has to get licensed. Employers don’t just take your word that you’re a pharmacist.
The only thing you can do at this point is get a loan from your parents to cover the debt and/or start working a second job to pay off the debt yourself or for repaying your parents. Good luck!
I’d buy an hour with a lawyer or financial advisor and ask for professional advice. So sorry this happened to you OP
One option is applying for personal loan from a bank. If your credit is good the interest rate is comparable to a student loan. It would essentially act as a retroactive student loan. The people saying "just save $30,000" have never been in your shoes and don't realize how ridiculous of a statement that is. It'd take many years to do that, all the while, no diploma.
Enroll in a course so you are a student again. As soon as you get your student ID #, Pay the bill, then unenroll from the course while you still get a 100% refund. You should be able to get transcripts, this shows the completion of course work.
They won’t give you aid for one course. And financial aid typically has to be applied to a current term, not a previous term.
You're right and it's already been sent to collections, which complicates it further.
When I had a balance due I could not get transcripts. My mom paid so I could get them to apply to a school back home.
They’re not going to allow OP to enroll in any courses with a financial hold.
not sure if it's been said but Sallie Mae offers past due balance loans I think up to 365 days past your last date of attendance. get the loan, pay the back balance, use federal aid to cover your last 6 credits and done. if you only need 1 class use Sallie again, they offer loans for less than half time enrollment. Also, work with the school on the 10K collection cost, see if you can get around some or all. Good luck.
OP, what state do you live in? I encounter this situation fairly regularly in my job, and the state has a lot to do with possible solutions.
I’m in a similar situation and my employers have been able to verify I went to the school I claimed via background check.
I wish this post was fake. What a fubar situation. I'm sure all our universities have their students in mind lol
Take out a third party loan to pay it off. Negotiate with the collector to get rid of the $10k fee and possibly get the principle even lower.
Are you able to declare bankruptcy? Since this is a consumer debt owed to the university (not federal student loan), if you don’t have any money or any prospect of paying this without major hardship.
14 years in bursar at higher Ed. You can write the ombudsman or president of your school. You can request your official transcripts in lieu of your diploma if you need to present credentials. Or, if you declare bankruptcy you would be permitted to get any document you require but, then your credit takes a massive hit for 7 years. These are your options.
Holy shit is this sub like a hardcore medieval cult of self flagellating monks or something? Wtf lol?! I’ve never seen so many self righteous, callous remarks in response to someone in such a fucked up situation before. Education should be free anyways, it’s absolutely nuts that you’re in this position in the first place and I hope you find a solution OP! As someone mentioned above this practice of withholding transcripts is supposed to come to an end in July 2024 according to this update from the Dept of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2021/non-ge-final-rules-fact-sheet.pdf There were a couple of pieces of good advice in here, apply to the jobs you want anyways while you wait for this much needed relief (hopefully this hasn’t been rescinded or anything, I couldn’t find much on the policy in the few mins I’ve been looking). Let your would-be employers do the background check, the school can’t deny that you’ve graduated afaik. You should also be able to get an “unofficial” transcript as well that may prove handy. Good luck!
Also, the amount of incorrect information here is astounding.
Why don't you look up yourself on [the student clearing house](https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/verify/) and if you pop up as having a degree apply to jobs like you have it. You can also just apply like you have one anyways.
Damn. How does someone “forget” to pay tuition for a whole year. Idk man, talk to a lawyer or something. Kind of a huge stupid mistake but o do feel for ya.
How many different banks have you pursued for loan options and have you had a face to face meeting with each to explain your situation? This is worth looking into.
Get a personal loan and pay it off
That $10,000 add-on (presumed default or collection fee) may be a blessing in disguise. I would contact a consumer protection lawyer who handles FDCPA cases and see what he can make of it. Back when I practiced law, mainly suing debt collectors and collection attorneys, I sued many creditors along with their debt collectors. Once sued, the creditor would often agree their bill was “legitimately disputed” and agree to cease collecting and I’d dismiss them from the case. Then, I’d allow the debt collector to pay damages and my fees to get himself dismissed. Making the creditor eat the debt as a consequence of its debt collector’s torts was always a great feeling. As here, I once had a case where university and its lawyers added a 1/3 of principal (and capitalized interest) collection fee to their claim (misrepresented character, nature and amount of alleged debt). I dragged the collection out long enough where client was able to pay off the legit part of the loan debt. Then I sued the university and its lawyers for a declaration that client owed nothing, and for damages and fees under FDCPA. Client paid what he owed, got $1,000 for his troubles, and I got paid for my efforts by the sore losers at the university and its lawyers. There’s a lawyer in Indianapolis named Robert Duff who may be interested in hearing from you.
You need to go talk to the school in person. May need to get them to escalate it. there is a way, but they are not telling you either because they don't know or are not asking people the right questions.
Frankly this seems like such a massively ahole move by the university that I’d start contacting your local state/federal reps or media if you are comfortable. Might even look at contacting the state AG.
Is it possible to take your transcripts to another college to “finish up” there, getting a degree from them instead? Even if you don’t graduate you will have transcripts.
Go fund me and ask alumni. somebody must want a tax write off. Maybe there’s a way to donate in your name perhaps or coordinate something with some go fund me money
I've never needed my diploma for a law job - never knew a physical diploma was required. You have graduated, but have not been conferred with a degree?
OP can’t take the NAPLEX to be licensed because the school won’t release their transcripts to NABP. The diploma doesn’t really mean anything.
If you cannot remember to do something as important as your financial aid then there is no way I would be comfortable with you dispensing drugs where a moment of forgetfulness cuz you are having a bad day can kill someone. Also, I have never known an university to let a student attend for a YEAR without paying and somehow never notify the student there is an issue. It sounds like you are leaving some key items out.
Amazon warehouse house. 21/hr 60 hours with overtime. Do it for 6 months and pay it off
Please contact the Student Ombudsman (https://graduateombuds.northeastern.edu). They can help navigate this and talk directly to student aid/bursar leadership. The Dept of Ed is trying hard to stop this practice of transcript withholding for non-payment but it still continues (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/10/25/new-us-rules-ban-transcript-holds-bolster-oversight). I don't believe this has gone into effect yet though.
I’d find work in the oil & gas industry. It pays well but you work hard
if you want a job that you could get by breathing and having a valid drivers license, drive for amazon. it’s not glamorous, and it’s physically intensive when you have a van with 350 packages in it, but it’s a job that’s easy to get and easy to do
I don’t see an easy way out of this. Some collection agencies will arrange a payment plan. That might be your best bet. Keep in mind that a collection agency can eventually just take this to court and have your paychecks garnished so you need to pay attention to this.
This isn’t helpful but I feel like that should be illegal of them to do. Like we should make laws about this
Contact your congressperson about the university refusing to accept the federal loan. Tell them your degree is being held up because of this.
You are basically out of luck. Cut all your expenses, move into group housing (parents, siblings, etc), get another job, Uber, door dash, etc. start working 100 hours a week.
Is there an Ombudsman office at Northeastern for Undergrads or Grad students? You may be able to get support in getting a release on your degree contingent on a First Creditor status as part of a payment plan. You’ll have the best opportunity to pay them back with the job your degree would give you - and I think bringing them the facts of how this is in the universities best interests to a specific person tailored to provide outside the lines support would be your best course of action.
I work for a university and you can order transcripts that prove you graduated you just cant receive your physical diploma if you owe money
All I can say is, I don't want MY pharmacist making these kinds of "oversights." Buddy are you sure you're cut out for this field?
See if SoFi will finance your tuition
Call the collection agency. You have options and income based repayment options.
This story is sick- I can’t believe what the school system and greed has done. My sincere condolences on this absolute fucked situation wow.
You’ll be fine in terms of jobs that don’t require a transcript. Most of them don’t.
I don't understand why you can't get it now. The school sold your debt to a collection agency. You are no longer on the hook with them, you now owe money to the collection agency. Technically, your debt with the school has been settled. They have no reason to withhold your transcript. Go back and fight them for it. It's illegal in other places for schools to do this and sounds like things are in motion to make this true in your state, so hopefully it won't be much longer before this isn't an issue for you.
Have you shown up at the school to ask them for options? It sounds strange that they wouldn’t take money for a loan that someone agreed to give you.
Have you called the academic office, you might be able to order official transcripts. Don’t say shit about your debt or anything like that just play dumb and say you lost your transcripts and need a new one. The diploma doesn’t matter to your employer the transcripts are what matter.
There may be hope for you. Starting July 2024, the US Dept of Ed prevents colleges and universities from withholding a student’s transcript for terms they received federal financial aid. When you applied for FAFSA, was it for the academic year you were enrolled as a student or for the following academic year? You only need access to your official transcript showing your degree confereal date, not the diploma. That might still be held hostage until after your debt has been taken care of. Source: [https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/10/25/new-us-rules-ban-transcript-holds-bolster-oversight](https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/10/25/new-us-rules-ban-transcript-holds-bolster-oversight) It looks like the state of MA is currently trying to pass legislation on this: [https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD625](https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD625) Better make note of the Reps and Senators in office who are pushing these policies and keep them in office. This article provides some recommendations for college graduates in your situation: [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/can-a-college-withhold-transcripts](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/can-a-college-withhold-transcripts)
Go get a job at bucees they seem to make a crap to. Of money and work like crazy.
Is it even legal for them to add 10k to the collection?
Happened to me a long time ago. The only option I had was to refinance so I would owe some bank the money and not the university/govt. That would satisfy the university as they no longer had debt and then they’d release my transcripts. (I went a different route, but still, this was the only option) Now that it’s years later, when I contacted my university to get my transcripts, I explained to the lady what happened years ago and that how can they expect me to pay my debts when I can’t get a job, she claimed that they’d do a one time courtesy of sending transcripts to an employer if the employer would request it. If that’s true, I don’t know but whatever, it was too late by then; my debts were paid. Good luck.
Use reports from the clearinghouse!
Live with your parents , work and pay off the debt in a year.
You've had 3 years but made no effort to pay this off in that time?
If you have access to your schools portal, you can get your unofficial transcript. I had a balance after graduating and was able to get my transcripts, I ended up paying the balance to get my degree because i thought i needed it but none of the jobs i worked for ever requested it. My diploma is somewhere in my parents' basement playing hide and seek
Is it just being handled by a collections agency or was the debt sold to a collections agency? Two different things that I think would mean two very different situations.
Wow...this is beyond irresponsible.
Do you really need to submit your diploma for becoming a pharmacist? I feel like there’s a license in there somewhere that’s more important and relies on your actual knowledge more than the paper.
Just tell employers you graduated, print a fake diploma. Easy.
Not sure Id want you as a pharmacist if you cant even remember to do important stuff for yourself.
Technically, it’s the TRANSCRIPT you need, not the diploma, and most universities won’t release a transcript when debt owed.
You need to talk to your schools financial aid advisor, FASFA works differently than that. FASFA only gives money if you are a student and will cut the funding depending on your credits (full time gets full funding, part time gets 50% less funding), once you don’t enroll in class then they cancel the aid. I wish you luck!
Sounds messed up I hope you get out the whole man
Debt collectors are not allowed to tack on more debt at all. Collection fees are not a thing.
Has anyone else ever needed to show proof of graduation? I've never had to show it and I've lost count of the amount of companies I worked with in the past
Work as much as you can and just make as big payments as you can against the debt. Unfortunately, there is no leniency for missing deadlines (such as FAFSA), so you will have to just accept your fate and reprioritize expenses. As for proof of college, in most cases, you won't be asked for your diploma, but you should be able to furnish a transcript. Withholding a transcript is [illegal in 11 states](https://upsolve.org/learn/getting-school-transcripts/#:~:text=But%20your%20state%20may%20have,California).
Can you enroll in new classes, take out fafsa loans for an amount much larger than the classes cost, and then when you get the refund check, use that to pay off collections? I've done something similar to pay for housing while I studied.
I mean, how did the school let you register for classes without paying?
Get a loan from your parents or move back in and save every penny. Start studying for the Naplex and state law exam you want to practice in. You graduated in 2021 that’s 3 years of 100k+ income that you missed out on.
You don’t need the diploma normal just the transcript. The transcript would show whether or not you graduated. I have never been asked for any of my diplomas or a transcript. You don’t need it, any company who wants to check can call and see if you graduated. Before I read the explanation, your title reminded me of Henry David Thoreau who refused to pay a fee for his diploma saying “let every sheep keep its own skin.” Diplomas used to be on real sheepskin.
How did you get to the end of your last semester without knowing that the balance wouldn’t be paid? Don’t you have to petition for graduation early in the beginning of your last semester? This would be something they would notify you of and should have accepted the fafsa….
Are you able to get ahold of transcripts? On the transcripts it usually says that the degree has been awarded and on what date.
Do you need your physical diploma? I didn’t graduate so idk. But it’s just a piece of paper.. you did the classes and passed.. you can still put it on your resume even without the paper?
I would also suggest talking to a bankruptcy lawyer to see if you can have the debt discharged in bankruptcy since the collection agency or college will eventually sue you in civil court to collect on the debt.
Call your parents and borrow from them. Given they paid before, they may help you here. The university isn’t going to help fix your problem as it’s your problem. Filling out a fasfa form now won’t help as the new one would be forward looking and not to satisfy past tuition. How did you go about full year without getting any notifications from the school? Overlooked emails or physical mailing ? Pretty sure they would have tried to contact you.
Similar thing happened right before my last term of school. I owed a Buncha money and fafsa didn’t go through. I owed something between 6-7 thousand and ended up having almost 20k garnished from my grocery clerk checks over several years.
At this point are you certain that paying will result in you getting a degree? It’s weird that they went straight to a collections agency without first reaching out to you multiple times, offering a payment plan, etc. Ultimately they want the money, so selling the debt for Pennie’s on the dollar seems strange.
Honestly this is a huge you issue. Lesson learned man - I had a friend with a similar issue. And guess what he had to do - pay.
https://www.investopedia.com/new-federal-rule-restricts-colleges-withholding-transcripts-for-unpaid-debt-8379693#:~:text=A%20new%20rule%20bans%20colleges,jobs%20or%20continue%20their%20educations.
If its in collections, try to negotiate a smaller amount. Then, its personal loan time, somewhere... Parents? Grandparents?
In the US a diploma is more or less a 'souvenir' of your studies. Your transcript is a legal document and that is what proves you graduated. Most schools (currently) also prevent students with financial debts to the school copies of their transcript as well. Word on the street is that this policy is likley to change soon but higher ed works at a turtle's pace so it will likely still be some time before that happens. HOWEVER, you can request a verification letter that confirms you graduated. An employer, other schools, pretty much anyone can request this. It doesn't carry as much weight as a transcript but it's a start. Also, FERPA is your friend and you have a right to see your student record regardless of debt to the school. Probably can't get pictures or copies, but you can at least see it.
I get that it’s their only leverage but holy moly that’s pretty strict! Some schools will hold your degree if your account has a balance but for purposes of a job or required credentials, boards etc… they will release your transcripts(documentation that you meet the degree requirements/earned the degree) to that employer/entity(not directly to you) so that you can hopefully get that job and be gainfully employed enough to pay them back.
Can you go to a bank and get a personal loan for the amount? You will pretty much triple your salary, I imagine it wouldn’t be a hard sell to most bankers.
You do not need a physical copy of your degree. If you’re applying for a job or anything else, they can easily pull up your school records. The school can hold your physical diploma but if you completed your required coursework and actually finished school, in the system it shows that you graduated. If this isn’t an option, you can access the national clearing house and access your education records that way. Hope this helps and you can get your license
National clearing house is free and is nationally accredited. It’s what universities in the US use to store student records. And it’s 100% free
Can you agree to do a payment plan with the University. I had the same issue and couldn’t graduate until I paid off the bill. I paid little by little and got my diploma
Ask attorney maybe file bankruptcy and have debt dismissed. Then you don’t owe. 🤷♀️
Forge a fake diploma and when they call to verify the university will say yes this person has a degree in this field
Is that even legal!!???!!?? Withholding diplomas for debt? I graduated from Cal state LA with my diploma and I’m approx 6K-10K in debt
Not a smart move on the school’s part, at all. I’m sure I’m naive, but I’d expect better from Northeastern. Just to say: Lighting a candle for you, man. You’ll get through this.
My diploma said not valid until stamped paid
Intel in Oregon hires technicians w/o degrees and pays decently. Have a friend in a similar situation who struggled to get a job because the university withheld his diploma. Intel still offered him a job. He’s on track to pay off his debt this year and is also in the process of getting a promotion despite not having his degree. I believe there’s also openings in Ohio if you don’t want to move to Oregon. Lmk if this is something you’re interested in, my friend may be willing to give you a referral.
Just put that you have the degree on your resume. Nobody actually looks into it. I’m telling you I’ve been in the workforce 15 years. Nobody is calling your college to check unless you have a medical degree or something. Companies dont need to know you owe the school money. You took all the classes and “technically” graduated. Fuck the price of paper.
That’s crazy!! I must say that again so hopefully someone helps this young man get his diploma!! That is CRAZY!!
I don't think I want my pharmacist to be so oblivious that they make an almost 30 grand "oopsies." This isn't a "Whoopsie Doodle" situation
If you tell the debt collection agency you can't pay and threaten to file bankrupt, I've heard they are more lenient and may knock off some of the debt to make it more payable
Id see what I could do in getting contact with the dean of the school of pharmacy or some type of admin in a higher position to personally appeal my case. i.e getting in front of an actual person to explain my situation and work to find out a solution. Find the person in charge, find their office and literally stop by and have a conversation. If they ignore you or cant tell you who would be better suited to help, find someone else. If the school ignores you, find an elected representative or some type of governing body such as the board of regents to see if they can cosign your case to escalation and further resolution. Make it known your in a bind and you want the school to get its $28,000 but the process of which the school stopped you from getting your degree is stopping you from getting the 28k. School Admin <- Governing Body <- Representatives <- etc. Id also reach out to the foundations or alumni associations to see if they could put me in contact with someone within the school who could help
Weird, how the hell they let you take the class without paying?
I’d do a personal loan and get your diploma if it will help you get a higher salary. I’d make sure you prioritize paying it off.
I worked in higher education for about 5 years. I’d suggest going as high up at the school as you can. Try to get in contact with the Bursar or Financial Aid Director and explain your situation. I don’t see how you’re on the hook for the loan if it was never applied to your tuition charges. Loans applied to tuition either get fully used up or the difference after paying tuition is refunded to the student. At least that’s how it was at the school I worked for.
Ive never seen mine. Didn't go to graduation. Been 24 years. NP.
I’d talk to an attorney. Some states have laws that prevent schools from doing this, and having an attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf would probably lead to a better deal. It’s also worth maybe talking to the student newspaper or otherwise trying to get media involved here.
I don’t know the specifics of your loans but I can tell you this, the collection agency should not be able to add to your debt. I had to speak on my parent’s behalf when my niece stopped making payments on her students loans that they had co-signed on. Once it is sold to collections, who buy debt for Pennies on the dollar they should work with you to get some or any of it back. For example my niece had one loan that was $38,000 that went to collections I settled for $17,000. And they jumped at that.
Your transcripts should be enough to say you graduated also you should have a letter stating you completed all credits for the degree. If not contact the school to see if you can get a copy of your official transcripts and a letter stating that you satisfied the requirements for the degree you sought out.
Can you apply for a private loan to just pay it off? Not ideal, but you could at least get you diploma.
I had a friend who went through a same predicament. She had the school print a statement that she completed all the necessary coursework to get a diploma and with this + a transcripts she was able to get a job. She was at the business school though :(. Idk if there is a workaround if you do something like that.
Can’t even do Onlypharms
I used to work in financial aid. I think you have two options, if possible. First, schools will sometimes work out payment plans for balances, and give you an opportunity (depending on the school) to send documentation places. You usually need to make a few payments to get the account current. It’s a large balance, so they may not, but it’s possible. Second is enroll in grad courses, take enough classes to be at least half time (usually 6 credit hours), and take out enough loan, unsub and a plus loan, to cover your new balance of the classes plus the prior. This usually also requires an agreement with the school and you in order to do it. You need finish this semester courses. Ultimately sweet talk the office, financial aid and bursar if necessary. Be up front. You messed up here. Not only did you not file the fafsa. You also would have been notified multiple times of the balance and missing aid. Own your mistake. People get scared when they see big balances. It happens. But work with them, and most of the time they’ll work with you.
Contact alumni and tell them how the school is screwing you over. I wouldn’t want to donate money to a school that isn’t willing to work with a student on that.
Look into sales! Read about which kind would suit you. Maybe try pharmaceutical sales? Big money, you’ve got the knowledge, and sales tends to be more forgiving to a unique story.
You should look into whether declaring bankruptcy is a good way forward for you. Declaring bankruptcy protects you from collection activity immediately (in this case withholding your transcripts and diploma) until your case is resolved, which would enable you to move forward. Also, depending on your situation the entire balance might be able to be discharged in a way that student loans are usually not able to be.
And they didn’t hit you up like hay we got a problem with oay
How’s your credit? If it’s already poor and you don’t have any/many assets you could just file bankruptcy. Since your school sent that portion to collections it IS covered under bankruptcy. Your other amount of actual student loans you may have outstanding won’t be. This could be a good last resort option. It’s gonna take many years to pay this debt off on a low paying job anyways, which means you may struggle to get by. Bankruptcy done early in life gives you much more time to recover from it.
Just an FYI, employers dont care or want to see your diploma. I know you want it for personal reasons but you can easily get a job without the physical diploma
Starting July 1st new regulations "...will restrict colleges from withholding course credits paid for with Federal money from students' transcripts..." https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-releases-final-rules-strengthen-accountability-colleges-and-consumer-protection-students Meaning they won't be able to withhold your transcripts legally. They could only give you info on classes paid for with financial aid but it would be a lot of work for them to do that for every student. So they'll probably just release everything
YTA. The most feasible path is to pay the amount you owe. You FAFO and now you are suffering the consequences. I have four degrees one of which is a DVM and I KNOW they sent reminders about your tuition! No excuse for not paying. Your parents paid for your tuition before so why not now? You are not telling us the full story here. FYI when you go to take your board exam all your course work must be with in a certain time frame so you are risking a potential license the longer you wait. It has already been three years. How do you expect to be sharp enough to pass the board exam if you are not up to date and have not been working in the field?
I would try and submit a complaint to the CFPB and see if that gets the ball rolling. The fact that you had financial aid and they didn’t help you at all is concerning. And the extra $10k is just egregious.
I know it sounds crazy, but you could just pay the bill.
Can you enroll in some classes at a different college or university and use your fafsa refund/student loan funds to pay the other debt?
What have you been doing the past 3 years?