Educational expense - required laptop but not bought from school

[bml42]

I'm enrolled in a bachelor's degree program which is online and a laptop with sufficient specifications is explicitly listed in the course requirements. I have read multiple articles and documents that suggest a laptop purchased for such an online degree program should qualify as a deduction, but my Turbotax desktop program seems to only offer the ability for me to enter required materials that I purchase directly from the educational institution. Does a deduction for a laptop I bought outside of school, but specifically for me to use in the degree program, actually exist? If so, how and where do I enter it? The Turbotax help is no help at all on this topic.

From help:

"Can I deduct a computer that I bought for school?

Yes, but only if you were required to buy it in order to attend class.

For example: If you're enrolled in an online program, you may be required to have a computer, which means you could deduct it. However, if you're using the computer simply out of convenience, then it most likely doesn't qualify as a deduction.Check your syllabus or ask your teacher if buying a computer is a requirement for their class if you're not sure.

Note: If it turns out you can deduct it, it doesn't matter how you paid for it. Eligible expenses can be deducted, whether they were paid out-of-pocket or through a student loan."

[CesarJ]

There's no specific education deduction for a laptop. However, the laptop may qualify as educational expense for the purpose of either the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Life Learning Tax Credit. A key condition for the Lifetime Learning Credit is that for the laptop to qualify, it must be purchased directly from the university.

A computer may qualify as an educational expense if it is necessary for enrollment or attendance, such as for an online university program.

Here's an article you may find helpful.