Can I write off expenses for graduate school applications and traveling expenses for interviews?

[HelenaC · Accepted solution]

No, graduate school applications and traveling expenses for interviews, are not Qualified Education Expenses, per Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education - IRS.gov. 

Here are examples of what you can and can't deduct: 

Generally, you can deduct:  

• Tuition
• Enrollment fees
• Expenses paid to school, on condition of enrollment (lab fees, for example)
• Certain books, supplies, and course-related equipment
• Expenses listed above (for the following semester), as long as the semester begins in the first three months of 2017
• Education expenses paid with cash, checks, credit cards and savings accounts
• Education expenses paid with loans, gifts and inheritances

You cannot deduct:

• Room and board
• Fees for non-degree courses (sports, games or hobbies)
• Insurance
• Medical expenses or student fees
• Transportation or mileage
• Fees for maintaining or acquiring a license (broker, CPA, etc.)
• Tutoring expenses
• Private high school or grade school fees
• High school or private school uniforms 
• Undergraduate and graduate application fees
• Daycare expenses
• Homeschool expenses
• Contributions to a student's Coverdell Education Savings Account

Related Information:

• What are considered "qualified education expenses"?