how should i answer to the summons with notice for the unpaid tuition bill of suny school?

I have unpaid tuition bill from suny college of $8400. I am unable to pay for all. I do not own any property and currently a part time worker. I am willing to pay if payment plan was given in option. A final notice was received by a family member who is not fluent with English. It was never passed over to me until last night when a summons with notice was delivered in person to my brother when I wasn't home. I saw both documents last night for the first time. What is the worst scenario of this case? And if I contact the bureau and explain them the situation where I only saw the final notice with the offer of payment plan recently, and agree to pay the unpaid amount, would the drop this lawsuit on me? Or is there any other way for me to deal with this lawsuit? any advises? *P.S. the plaintiff designates albany county as the place of trial where I live in the new york county. Is there way for me to change the location of this trial to take place in?