Since I had no income, I do not qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit. TurboTax is forcing an upgrade to Deluxe because it says I have the credit. Why is this?

Did you go back and remove the entry of information for the lifetime learning credit?   If it is not deleted, then TurboTax thinks you have the credit until you delete the entry screen.    

You can remove the Lifetime Learning Credit by deleting Form 8863 - Education Credits.  To do this please follow these steps:

TurboTax Online

1. While in your return, click on Tax Tools > Tools (in the black bar at the side of your screen).  
2. In the Tools Center, under Other helpful links click on Delete a form.
3. Click Delete next to the form you want to delete and follow the onscreen instructions. 
4. Once you have finished deleting the desired form(s) click the Continue with My Return box (in the lower right of your screen).

TurboTax CD/Download

1. Go into Forms Mode by clicking on the Forms icon in the top right of the blue bar. 
2. In the Forms in My Return list on the left, click on the form you wish to open and delete.
3. Click on the Delete Form box at the bottom of the screen.
4. To return to the interview, click on the Step-By-Step icon in the top right of the blue bar.  

How to Remove the Lifetime Learning Credit