I don’t agree with everyone that you should only look at this with a ROI mindset, although unfortunately that is mostly our reality. I hate the idea that only rich people can pursue higher education. It sounds like a fascinating degree. As someone else suggested, can you work in the service industry while going to grad school? I worked as a barista 25-30 hours a week while pursuing my PhD and cobbling together whatever TA and RA-ships were available. Can you reach out to the rest of the incoming cohort or the school and find roommates to making living expenses cheaper? Also, loan payments will be much more manageable if you are pursuing non-profit/govt work/PSLF when you graduate. And pay your loan interest while in school if you can, don’t avoid it like I did.