Having just finished paying off my law school loans in 2016, I'll throw this in the mix. I took out the least I could. Covered tuition, books, and $400 a month for rent. The school financial aid advisor encouraged me to take more for living expenses, clothing for intern ships and interviews, etc. Actually discouraged non-law related work as it would interfere with studies and student life. I knew students who did that, and also took loans for a new car, Bar exam review courses, nice watches, etc. Once upon a time, a majority of law students could walk into a job making high five to six figures. The prevailing advice was to get out buy a house, use an equity loan to pay off the debts and take the tax break. If the theories haven't changed (and young lawyers are saying frightening things), its no wonder debt is so crazy.