If you are a student, over age 23, and are not claimed as a dependent by someone else (e.g. your parent) you may be eligible for the up to $1000 refundable American Opportunity (tuition) Credit. That credit is not dependent on having either kids or earned income. You must be at least a half time undergraduate student, and actually paid tuition. Tuition paid by loans counts as paid by you. There's even a loop hole available to claim the credit, if you are on scholarship.
See full rules at https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/AOTC
