My son is a full time running start student. Can I claim the education tax credit?

[MinhT]

Expenses for running start are typically very low and it may not be worthwhile to claim them, but rather wait until your son starts college after graduating from high school to claim credits such as the American Opportunity Tax credit which can be up to $2,500 a year for a maximum of four years.

The following answer by SuperUser Carl give more details:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6132391

[Devon101]

The answer is somewhat correct, however it is a bit of a gamble and here's why.  Students who go through running start are more likely to get full scholarships, provided they do well, or more likely to complete a 4 year in less than 4 years at a colledge as a result of the running start, thus it's possible to lose out on potential AOC tax credit by not deducting the running start years.  I don't know if AOC credits can be use for post undergrad or not (something to research).

Also keep in mind that the AOC is subject to your adjusted gross income (look up the figures), hence if you earn too much or will make over the limit in upcoming years, then you wouldn't be eligible anyway.

Bottom line, if you are talking about deducting a couple hundred, then skip it.  If you are talking about say $500 or more (tuition, books, classroom supplies or equipment), then you have a decision