Can a student who did not make any money during the year take advantage of the education credit and get some expense money back?

[Carl]

No. In order to get a refund from the IRS, you must have paid something in. If you earned no money in 2019 and therefore paid no taxes, there's nothing for you to get back.

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Yes. If you are a student, over age 23, and are not claimed (or able to be claimed) as a dependent by someone else (e.g. your parent) you may be eligible for the up to $1000 refundable American Opportunity (tuition) Credit. That credit is not dependent on having either kids or earned income. You must be at least a half time degree seeking undergraduate student. There's even a loop hole available to claim the credit, if you are on scholarship.

Full rules See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC 

[Carl]

If you were an undergraduate in 2019 that was under the age of 24 on Dec 31 of the tax year, then no. Since you earned no money in 2019, I have no doubt that you qualify to be claimed as a dependent on your parent's tax return. It does not matter if they actually claim you or not either.