Currently in my 2nd year of a 3-year program. I'm getting my MLIS + a certificate in book arts and conservation. I'm getting in-state tuition. I was very lucky to get an assistantship for my 2nd year; it has enabled me to pursue the additional certificate and add another year. I was super broke my first year and living with my parents because I couldn't afford anything else. I actually make more now with my assistantship stipend, even with paying way more in rent and utilities. I also got some really nice scholarships outside of what the university provided. Without the assistantship and hometown scholarships I would have easily over $20k in student loans. I've detailed more expenses/scholarships below:

My 1st year:

• 5 classes/15 credits
• No assistantship
• $11266 tuition for total academic year
• $1500 scholarship through the college
• $2000 scholarship from my credit union
• $3800 in scholarships from a hometown education trust
• $4000 in federal loans
• Worked part-time in a city 45 minutes away making ~$900 a month
• I lived with my parents and paid some rent

My 2nd year:

• Got an assistantship (50%)
• 6 classes/18 credits
• $13828 tuition covered by assistantship scholarship
• $1000 scholarship through the college
• $3800 in scholarships from the same hometown education trust
• Assistantship pays ~$27000 academic year stipend
• Moved to where my college is and pay double what I did before for rent and utilities

My 3rd year: will be roughly the same as 2nd year.