BitLocker recovery key may be linked to an inaccessible former university Microsoft account

My Windows PC suddenly entered BitLocker Recovery. I have already checked the recovery keys associated with my personal Microsoft account, but no BitLocker recovery key is stored there.

This PC was previously connected to a Microsoft work or school account provided by my university. I have since graduated, and the university email account was deactivated. When I try Microsoft’s account recovery process for that organizational account, the account is recognized, but I cannot complete verification because the associated email is no longer active. The recovery process tells me to contact my organization’s administrator.

I have already contacted my former university. They told me that student accounts are removed after graduation and that they have since changed systems, so they are unable to access the old account information.

I understand that Microsoft Support cannot retrieve, provide, or recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key. However, I have files on this computer that I do not want to lose, so I do not want to reset the PC or reinstall Windows.

Given that the recovery key is not stored in my personal Microsoft account and I can no longer access the former university account that may have been associated with this device, what options do I still have to regain access to my computer without losing my files? Is there any way to regain access to the former work or school account or otherwise recover the device information associated with it?

I would also appreciate guidance on how to speak with a live Microsoft support representative about this situation. I have already tried Microsoft’s phone support and online automated support, but both redirect me to self-service webpages, and I have not been able to reach a live representative.