I went to college in the 90s. I went back in 2022, would I answer the question of is this my first year of college as of Jan 1, 2022 as a no, since I went 30 years ago?

[xmasbaby0]

Those questions are leading up to whether you can use the American Opportunity Credit, which can only be used four times in your life---either by you or parents who claimed you  (I think it was called the Hope credit in the 90's though)....

Are you working on an undergraduate degree?  Or post grad?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901172-what-education-tax-credits-are-available      

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3262983-who-is-eligible-to-take-the-american-opportunity-tax-credi...

[Hal_Al]

Answer no.  As @xmasbaby0  said, the question is unimportant, it's the follow up questions that count.