I thought America Online had made a 3d rendering program when I read the title.. rofl.
Maya costs a shitload because it kicks hard ass.
3d Studio Max is decent.
Maxon Cinema 4d isn't up-to-par with the other 3d-rendering software mentioned above, but it's generally more than enough for the average 3d user. I'm pretty sure that they have a deal on if you buy X amount of CDs you save Y amount of dollars in discounts.