I don't know why Im not qualifying for the tuition deduction. I dont make over 80k, I'm filing single/independent and Im not receiving any other education credit

[grace_lum]

I have no income for this last year so not sure why Im not getting this deduction.

[KrisD15]

If you have no income, and you have no tax liability, there is nothing for the tuition and fees deduction to be applied to. 

It would lower your tax, but sounds like you don't owe any tax. 

[Hal_Al]

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants. You usually must have actually paid tuition, not had it paid by scholarships & grants.  It is usually best if the parent claims that credit. 

You cannot claim a credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.

If you are eligible, you have answered  something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/american-opportunity-tax-credit-questions-and-answers

 https://www.irs.gov/individuals/llc

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8917.pdf