Of the 6 books required for my graduate classes this semester, one was available to read online for free or download the PDF for a reduced price compared to the paper version, and one was available in Kindle format (but I don't have a Kindle, so I couldn't buy it, even though I could have arranged to read it subsequently). The rest only exist as dead-tree versions. One of my professors has not made the booklist available prior to the start of the semester, insisting that we go to the local college bookstore to find out what is needed. The bookstore doesn't let you check the aisles, but fetches the books for you. I paid $153.90, walked back to my office, and discovered that one was the wrong edition (the bookstore had 3d edition, the professor has specified second edition), two were provided in hardcover when paperback versions were available, and all were significantly higher-priced than I could find online, even taking shipping into account. I've re-ordered the books online (new cost: $102.81) and I'm returning the books I bought tonight.
That $50 covers the cost of my lunches for about two months, plus some. But many faculty at this university seem to think that they have to "support" the local textbook store (not owned by the university) and are highly resistant to giving out their textbook lists in advance of classes, despite numerous formal requests by the student senate.
Somehow, I don't think those professors would be interested in helping students get ebook versions instead, either.