Before:

string inputStatus()
{
   // Input the number of credits taken
   int credits;
   do
   {
      cout << "Enter the number of credits taken" << endl;
      cin >> credits;
   } while( !(credits >= 1 && credits <= 150) );

   string status;
   if( credits <= 28 )
      status = "freshman";
   else if( credits <= 56 )
      status = "sophomore";
   else if( credits <= 84 )
      status = "junior";
   else 
      status = "senior";

   return status;
}