
But getting SolidWorks for $40, and it includes Simulation, something that is pay-per-use in Fusion? Seems like a no-brainer. I'd gladly pay Autodesk $40/yr for a hobbyist license. I've searched their site for eligibility requirements, but I can't find anything that says I'm ineligible. Search r/SolidWorks for "EAA" by going to for more info. You can go all out by supporting the EAA by joining them for $40 USD/year, which gives you SolidWorks Education Premium. You can get a 6-month free trial with a trial EAA membership at. There are free 1-year trial licenses available (USC's AME 101 Syllabus has instructions on how to get it, although I believe that I do not personally qualify for this license. There are free and low cost SolidWorks options. I always wanted to use SolidWorks, but I thought the cost was about $4000 + $1300 / year.

I chose Fusion 360 because I thought it was the highest level of professional software available for free or low cost.
