I have a curious dilemma. DS graduated and received his diploma. He is done with college. He got a bill from the school for a visit to the student health center. What will happen if he ignores the bill?
Why would he ignore it if it is a legitimate bill that he is responsible for? I would just pay it and move on. Why take any chances that the school would continue to pursue it?
It will get turned over to a collection agency. He might get sued. His credit rating could be impacted. Same as any other unpaid bill. How is this a “curious dilemma,” exactly?
If he has any outstanding debt and ever wants a transcript…he won’t be getting one.
Pay the bill.
My kid had a parking one he got after he received his masters. We paid the bill. It was a legit bill. DS owed the money!
Pay the bill. It’s a legitimate bill.
Just because he has a paper diploma doesn’t mean that any request for a transcript will be provided. You don’t want that looming in the future!
My dd recently got a bill for leaving her bike on campus. She told us, “its old and rusted and I don’t need it”. We told her she’d be “old and rusted and not needed” by the time the school would choose to send out her transcripts for grad school.
:))
We had a similar thing. Paying legitimate bills really should not be a dilemma. What could happen if you don’t pay? Well, the school could refuse to send transcripts to grad schools or prospective employers if there is a balance on the student account so IMO it just isn’t worth the risk.
So it’s settled then.
This reminds me that I still owe Duke some money for parking tickets from the early 90’s…
I have no opinion on parking tickets. But part of why you pay a health center bill is so the next kids are helped the way ours were. Imagine where yours would have been if everyone prior had stiffed them.
I know someone (ahem… won’t say who…) who had to clear up a library fine at Vanderbilt in order to get a mortgage at a more reasonable interest rate.
^ Now that’s an interesting consequence.
@“Erin’s Dad” they reported a fine to a collections agency; so it was on my credit report…
I just applied for a position that wants my transcripts. They go back as far as 1978, so I’m hoping I won’t have to order all of them. Apparently, you’re NEVER “done” with college.
Agree-- do the right thing. And not just because it could come back to haunt you/him. Its the right thing to do, and with a college grad kid you have fewer and fewer opportunities to be a role model.
@jym626 , Agree. That has been what has been confusing for me in the “curious dilemma” aspect of this discussion. Not sure I can see any dilemma in this at all, unless there was ever any indication/thought that the bill was not legitimate. In that case , you ask questions of whoever billed you. If it is a legitimate bill, you pay the bill. Period.
Agree with everyone. If the bill is legit. Pay it. If it’s not legit, pursue clearing the record.
Sounds like it’s now been paid. Will your insurance cover it as well?