Can I claim vocational training at an eligible trade school, even though I am still paying off my first college degree?

[traciecerino]

I am attending a trade school to learn a new career. I am still paying off my bachelor's degree and I claim the interest from my student loans each tax year. Can I also deduct the cost of trade school tuition? I expect to complete the program in 7 months, and the school is accredited. 

[SweetieJean]

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/lifetime-learning-credit

[Hal_Al]

Yes. You may claim an education credit, for current tuition, even though you are also claiming the student loan interest deduction. 

The tuition credit (or deduction) is a separate tax break from the student loan interest deduction and both are allowed.

What you are not allowed to do is claim both a tuition credit and a tuition deduction. But you are allowed to claim student loan interest in addition to ONE of those

.