Am I able to claim the American Opportunity Credit?

[allison-lather]

I attended a university for four years (2010-2014, during which my parents claimed me as a dependent) but dropped out before receiving a degree. I then enrolled in an diploma program (1 year) and have a diploma from a tech school from which I graduated in May of 2017. I am now currently enrolled in an associates program and am set to graduate in December 2018 with an associate's degree. I am entirely unsure where I sit with the American Opportunity Credit and if I am eligible to claim it.

[AnnetteB]

Based on the information you shared, I do not think you are eligible to claim it.  

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is only available for the first four years of college for a student.  It does not matter if the credit was or was not claimed for those first four years or if you did or did not get your degree.  If you have attended four years of college before the first day of the current tax year (2017), then you would not qualify to claim the AOTC.

However, you may qualify to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit on your return based on your education expenses during 2017. 

Take a look at the TurboTax article below for more information.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301953