[cjc1083]

I think the 7$ dollars a month is reasonable for a great service, I'm a student (while working) but will continue to pay for my repos. I hope others do the same. I think a significant percentage of GitHub's user base are in school for something and could potentially qualify for this, but probably shouldn't if they can afford to pay. That said I use the student discount for Amazon Prime, so I am a hypocrite.

[suyash]

Github is a startup that took VC money. Use the free service they are offering you, if you feel so inclined to donate your money, they are several non-profit startups/organizations that need money badly so consider them first.

[fixxer]

I think this is likely to be a better strategy for getting new users than losing existing ones.

I've been using the free tier for a couple years now as a student. Because of this free micro offer, I'm now queued up to convert into a paying customer upon completion of my PhD. In two years, I'll be a lot more personally invested in the service.

[_lex]

It's in github's best interest that students get this for free - they want you to share it with your friends. Free things typically have a higher viral factor, and github is actually quite social.

Your $7/month isn't really doing them any favors. They'd prefer if you'd convert your friends.