Student 3ds License ends soon, alternative programs for cheap?

[Forgottenhero]

Hi all, I know this is a rather noobish question but does anyone know of any cheap 3d design programs out there that I can use to practice with? My student license for 3ds MAX '09 ends in just a few days and I desperately need to find something decent to work on. $3,500+ is just too much money to spend on a year's license, especially for someone with my net worth :-p

[Eric Chadwick]

In the Archives section...
Free or low cost 3D and 2D apps. (http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=34673)

[Forgottenhero]

Thanks! Should've looked around a bit more lol sorry

[renderhjs]

just get hired by a company that covers the cost, I never paid for max as I was always in a environment where software was provided for me.

[Ben Apuna]

There should be a way to convert your student license to a pro license for a significant discount, ~$1500 IIRC. It used to be available a few years ago not sure about now, check with some resellers.

[CrazyButcher]

I second what Ben said. Much cheaper to upgrade from Student to Commercial.