<human>: Condense the text into a few key points

I got a new job last year, and my boss is really pushing me to finish my degree.  Unfortunately I have a substantial remaining balance at my old college and I found out the hard way that they will not release my transcript unless at least 40% is paid and a repayment plan is started.  I cannot afford what they are asking right now.  It is just well out of reach.  Do I have any other options that I might be able to exhaust here?  I really dont know much about how the system works, so for all I know there may be some method to get my transcripts even though I still owe them.  
I do have a current plan of attack.  I figured I can at least ask the University if they will negotiate to a lower amount.  I would guess I am not the only one who owes money; and probably not the largest debt they have out here.  I would hope they might see the benefit in some money over no money.  Beyond that, I will just have to go hat in hand with some people that might be able to assist me.  
Does anyone else have any ideas that may help?  Any l337 hackers out there wanna hack the school and get them for me :) lol  But on a serious note, I really just want to finish school, and this situation really puts a damper on that.
<bot>: trying to go back to school, owe my old school money, they wont release my transcripts--what else can i do?