You might note every click on "windows" on that site whether it is normal, student, 7, 8, or anything in between is the "upgrade" version...
(possibly because the people browsing it obviously already have an OS)
We both know they have full versions for normal retail.
The ONLY difference between student windows 7 and retail windows 7 is the academic label and the discount. If Microsoft chooses not to sell academic full versions, then I guess that's their call, but it really doesn't make sense.
Microsoft intends students to have discounted prices on all of their software... They intend to get you "hooked" on their products.
When I was in college, they literally gave away full copies of XP just for attending a microsoft-sponsored event on campus.
I know for certain a friend of mine had a full academic win 7 copy installed on her macbook at a local college. (no windows license)
This means a Microsoft qualified AER sold it to her and installed it for her.
Maybe somehow you know better than they do?
I encourage the OP to ask the college and his retailer... before they buy.
If you are a student, you might as well ask if you can get the discount.