Beginner modelling

[Traggey]

Autodesk 3D's max, and Autodesk Maya can be downloaded for free if you're a student.
If not, you'll have to rely on Blender, which is god awefull.

How much did the big ones cost again? 3000 dollars? One would think that they would learn that nobody's going to buy their products by now. Have they formed a cartel or something?

They earn plenty of money, companies buy the products, not invidual people.

Yes, but considering the modding scene pretty much relies on their programs, they could make versions for non-profit private parties (that are NOT students).

Why would they bother doing that? The modding scene is of no importance to them.
They're already industry standards and used everywhere, they'd gain nothing.