You don't even need for your client to know that you are a student unless you are handing them a resume / coverletter. My clients almost never require these things though.
As a student, likely the worst thing you have working against you is a lack of experience. Still, your rates shouldn't be that low though. I would rather work for free in a really good environment, but if you really need the money then you may not have that luxury.
Ultimately, you may have to take what you can get. But there are other options. I don't know anything about the desktop software market but web development gigs are pretty easy to get and they are everywhere.
One place to start is sites like Elance and Odesk. Sure there are a lot of silly jobs posted there and equally silly developers responding, but if you take the time to look you will find good opportunities. Once you start building some experience and a client base, you can start raising your rates.
Good Luck!