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specifically being able to accurately trace for a cutout. save that cutout to be used in a college. The "Lasso" tool too general in most editing software.
 
I have no idea of Picture it. Cutout is a little confusing me as it can refer to vector graphics that you use for die cutting. If I understood you right, you refer to pixel based collages of images.
For that I do use Photoshop since many years. About two month ago I started additionally using Affinity Photo for those kind of 'layer masking with brushes tasks' that are much more precisely than a lasso tool and non destructive. You could try Gimp or Krita. They are for free and you can do layer masking with them. Affinity Photo or Photoshop Elements are some less expensive commercial tools that could fit better and are available for one-time payment. IMO the most professional solution is Photoshop, that is subscription based software.
 
Photoshop, Pixelmator, Affinity Photo, Acorn, GIMP, Elements.... there are tons of apps that can cut out subject from photos.
 
There are n-numbers of Applications available that can make your normal picture into most beautiful photo .Choose best and then get the score who's better overall. Human brain vs. artificial intelligence.
 
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