Figma vs 37signals LLC: Free Credits, Pricing & Eligibility Compared (2026)

Both Figma and 37signals LLC provide 100% free education plans for students, teachers, and classrooms. Neither offer provides cash or API credits. Instead, they give you full access to paid software features without subscription fees while you are in school.

Figma vs 37signals LLC: Education Access Comparison

Figma and 37signals LLC handle education access through billing waivers rather than dollar-based credit accounts. Understanding how each offer works helps you set up your classroom or student workspace correctly without unexpected fees.

Core Differences in Academic Benefits

Figma waives the fee for its Professional plan, giving students and teachers full access to Figma and FigJam features. The benefit lasts up to two years for higher education and K-12 users, while bootcamp accounts get six months of access.

37signals LLC provides 100% free account access for eligible students and educators using tools like Basecamp. This offer covers full product access for classroom work, though specific seat limits and durations are set upon application approval.

Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions

Both platforms require clear proof of current academic status. These offers target students and teachers inside structured learning programs, not commercial software development.

Who Qualifies for Free Education Access?

To get free access to figma, you must be at least 13 years old and enrolled as a student or active teacher in a recognized school, university, or structured design bootcamp. Self-directed learners, early-stage startups, and freelance design businesses do not qualify for the education plan.

For 37signals LLC, applicants need to prove active student or educator status inside an accredited institution. Verification is handled through an official academic email address or school documentation submitted during sign-up.

• Figma accepted groups: Higher-ed students, K-12 educators, and approved bootcamp participants.
• Figma exclusions: Commercial startups, agency client work, and non-classroom personal projects.
• 37signals accepted groups: Enrolled students, teachers, and active classroom groups.
• 37signals exclusions: Standard commercial accounts, paid client projects, and corporate teams.

How Expiration and Account Renewals Work

Because neither platform uses a declining dollar balance, managing your access comes down to watching your verification end date and understanding plan changes.

Preventing Unintended Subscription Charges

When your Figma education period ends, your account status changes. If you remain an active student or educator, you can re-apply to extend your free access. If you have graduated, your workspace converts to a free starter tier or requires a paid subscription to keep Professional features active.

37signals LLC keeps your education access active while your academic status is valid. Check your account settings to see if your account requires annual re-verification. Always verify account details before adding team members to prevent moving your space into paid commercial billing.

1. Verify your institutional email address with your provider.
2. Check your account status in the billing tab after approval.
3. Set a calendar alert 30 days before your education period ends to re-verify or export work.