<prompt> Human: I was told that I had enough credits to graduate, but then was told by my college advisor that I need to take a biostatistics course in order to complete my major. It is 1,640 per credit and this class is 4 credits making the cost almost 6500.I dont know how to afford this as I am estranged from my family and do not have their support. And I need my degree so I can continue my schooling in the fall. Do you have any advice for me?  <response>: First, make an appointment and actually go down to the university administration offices and your dean in person and plead your case. See if they can work something out to give you a waiver on taking the class altogether worth a shot, and if not, if there is a professor that might be willing to either let you self study and pass out of the course, or would be willing to sponsor a self-directed class for maybe 1 credit hour that would satisfy the requirement. They may also be able to tap into some scholarship money.If youve been a good student, and you treat everyone with a great deal of respect through this process implying youre not stopping at a masters, but intend to go through your PhD and teach later wont hurt, if thats what youre planning, they may be able and willing to work with you and find a creative, cost-effective solution. 