Thought CS5 was about $175 with student prices. Not sure what CS6 would be. Photomatrix has long been the Go-To program for HDR, but you're looking at $100 for the Pro version (which is what most get) last I checked which has been awhile. I'd stick with Adobe if I just had a little money to play with and fill in the gaps once you start to outgrow certain areas. Without a special discount Elements can be had for $50-80 depending on sales. Not sure what student pricing would be.