Why is turbo tax forcing me to upgrade from fee to deluxe for the lifetime learning credit even if it does not apply to me anymore.

You can delete the education credit form if the credit does not apply to you.   The Lifetime Learning Credit is on Form 8863.  To delete forms in TurboTax, see this link.    Also go through the Education section in the Deductions and Credits section and make sure there are no references to education expenses.   

Why do I have to upgrade?  Make sure there is not anything else requiring the upgrade.