Trial Software is in fact - T R I A L S O F T W A R E . There will be limitations to either time/times of use, or functionality. That simple. MS isn't going to give out software no strings attached, whether you're a college student or not. Pay now or pay later, it's all the same. You'll pay $50 now, and in 2 months there'll be a function you need to use; and WHAMO! - "I'm sorry, that function is not available for PLUS. You must purchase ULTIMATE to gain that function... Oh, and your PLUS will expire in 30 days. Have a nice day!"
Reading what's outlined in #2, the 'trial' aspect is the launch limitation of 25. Then the proggy becomes read-only.
It is free to access....but if the student wants to continue using it he pays the $59 and the 'key' is sent to his school addy where he can retrieve it....ensuring it's for a student, and not simply someone trying to rort the system.
Read what you want into it.....presume Microsoft is evil incarnate if you really must....but maybe think back to reading comprehension classes [or look forward to them].....