I have defaulted student loans that are in a collection agency now. The principal is about 12k and with all interest and fees is like 20k. I am finally in a position where I can make payments. I would like to make one payment but cant pay it in full. Can I settle for something less if I make a payment? ive heard i can settle for significantly lessand have it removed from my credit report. My credit is currently awful and I have never made any payments on this 6 year debt. Conserve is the company collecting (don't know if this makes a difference)