Wifes student loans

My wife attended a cosmetology school back when she was 17. The "school" office made the arrangements for her to get a student loan in the amount of approximately $2200.00. First off, my wife was only 17 at the time that she signed the agreement (underage to enter a legal contract). Second, the check was delivered to the "school" and she was asked to sign the check and received $300.00 from the student loan. The rest was applied to tuitions. Third, the husband and wife that owned and ran the "school" were arrested for some form of fraud and sent to federal prison shortly thereafter.

My wife never was able to complete their program, which doesnt appear to have been accredited anyway. She is now 32 years old and we have a collections agency calling us saying that we owe the government over $11,000.00 for her defaulted student loans. We have been filing an injured spouse claim for taxes the last few years but I am tired of trying to avoid this issue. Isnt there some legal recourse we have under the circumstances? I dont want to waste money consulting a lawyer if this is a losing battle. I know that fighting the federal government is an uphill battle regardless, but this was done under false pretense. Can I send them a DV letter just as I would to any other creditor? Any help you folks can offer would be much appreciated.

Thanks
James