Let's look at the facts.
You paid $6,000 in December for tuition
Student received $6,000 scholarship in 2025
The unknown:
Were there any stipulations that the scholarship had to be used for tuition? Otherwise, the scholarship could be used towards room and board or other education related expenses. Even if the student lives at home, there are room and board expenses. The college may publish expected expenses. The IRS has a great brochure that explains how scholarships and tax credits interact.
The chances are high that you qualify for the 2024 education credit and the scholarship may end up just being income to the student or have no impact.
Remember, it is better to let the student have $6,000 of taxable income next year- which is way below the filing and taxing limit AND for you to have $2,500 in your pocket for the credits now.
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