It's somewhat strange that the reimbursement is taxable, since up to $5250 can be a tax-free employee benefit and by reporting it as taxable they are also increasing the amount of their share of FICA and medicare tax that they must pay.
Be that as it may, if your reimbursement is included in your taxable income, then you are eligible for whatever tuition credit or deduction you qualify for, because getting reimbursed with taxable money is basically the same as if they gave you a raise and you paid out of pocket. (which really is what happened.) It won't matter if you pay in one year and get reimbursed in another year IF the reimbursement is included in your W-2. Figure the credits based on when you paid.
(It's a different and more complicated story if you get reimbursed tax-free.)
