Paying off non-loan student debt

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm in the process of matriculating to a new college and I have an outstanding debt at my old school which has placed a hold on my records. The school has sent it off to collections, but I can view the balance due in my account. I'd rather deal directly with the school since... well... I can contact them and have all of their information. I don't have current info on who actually has the debt, only the original agency that acquired it 4 years ago. 

I need my transcripts ASAP, so should I just pay off the school or jump through the hoops?

[SCF]

You can certainly attempt to deal with the school - call them and ask if they can pull the debt back from the collection agency.  They may be willing to do this, or they may not, but either way they should be able to tell you what you need to do to clear up your account and release your transcripts.