A student is either a dependent or isn't. If the student did not pay for more than half their support, they cannot file as a non-dependent.
If the dependent student has a tax liability, and would otherwise meet the requirements of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, it is possible for the student to claim the NON-REFUNDABLE portion of that credit.
This is accomplished by no one claiming the student as their dependent.
The dependent student selects "Yes, someone else can claim me." BUT "No, someone else will NOT claim me"
The student then enters Form 1098-T, other expenses and other financial aid (which does NOT include loans or money paiud by you).
This may or may not be beneficial to the student depending on their tax situation.
If the credit is used to lower the student's tax, it would count as one of the four times the credit can be used relating to that student.
Pub 970
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