MatLab and SimuLink Student editions

[Terry Fox]

Over the years, I've often seen Matlab used for various DSP and other 
calculations and experimenting, but it always appeared too expensive.  I've 
tried to use Octave (a free-as-in-beer alternative), but math is not my 
strong suite.

I've received an email from MCM electronics where they are advertising the 
Matlab and Simulink Student Suite, along with a Raspberry PI for $162.  Here 
is the link:
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/83-16867?utm_expid=8634549-27.0czCl7fSQamjILoiAH9mgA.0

I've also gone to the Mathworks Matlab website and seen that they sell the 
Student edition for $99, plus some interesting options for only $10 each if 
you buy the options at the time of the Student edition purchase.  I already 
have a few Raspberry Pi boards around here, so the Mathworks version might 
be better for me.  But, Mathworks seems to indicate that if you buy from 
them, you MUST be a student to qualify.  Well, I am dumber than most 
students in this area!
http://www.mathworks.com/academia/student_version/

So, I'm wondering first of all is Matlab is worth getting, as I would only 
occasionally need it (such as calculating FIR filter) and other misc stuff, 
and second if the student edition is good enough for the casual hobbyist. 
Should I go for the MCM/Pi package, as it does not seem to be limited to 
real world students?  I do not plan to use Matlab in any commercial endeavor 
whatsoever.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.
73, Terry, N4TLF