can i claim tuition expenses for my college student if I am not claiming him as a dependent?

[xmasbaby0]

No.   If your child meets the criteria to be your dependent you can enter education credits on your own tax return.  If you cannot (or simply are not claiming) claim the child as a dependent you cannot get education credit.

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-an-education-credit

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2025 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

• They're related to you.
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
• No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
• They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
• They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $5200 in 2025 (not counting Social Security)
• You provided more than half of their financial support

[Hal_Al]

Q. Can i claim tuition expenses for my college student if I am not claiming him as a dependent?

A. No.

But, whomever does claim him, whether it be the  parent or the student himself,  may count the tuition and expenses, you paid, in claiming the credit for themselves.  Although the general rule, in taxes, is that you must be the one making the payment, to get the deduction or credit, there is an exception for education.