Deductions & credits

The rule states ... you can use the AOTC  on 4 tax returns where you have NOT YET gotten a BS degree as of 1/1 of that tax year and you are at least a 1/2 time student.  So if it takes you 10 years to get a 4 year degree you can use the AOTC for any 4 tax years that you qualify to use it.