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. It is usually best if the parent claims that credit.
You cannot claim the (up to) $1000 refundable credit if you are, or can be, claimed as a dependent by someone else.
Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863.
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863#en_US_2024_publink53002gd0e674
If you are eligible, you have answered something wrong, in the interview. But, a lot of people are just not eligible. See Also see this TT support article https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/college-and-education/what-are-education-tax-credits/L7TuLrVqZ
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/education-tax-cre... shorter version of the above
https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/american-opportunity-tax-credit-questions-and-answers
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/education-credits-questions-and-answers
